Question 1

A student investigated the refraction of light by a glass block. Figure 1 shows the protractor used to measure the angles of incidence and the angles of refraction. What is the resolution of the protractor used to measure the angles?

Accepted Answer

Resolution is the smallest change in a quantity that an instrument can measure. Look at the markings on the protractor and identify the smallest division.

Question 2

What mistakes do candidates make on this AQA GCSE question?

Accepted Answer

✗ Stating a larger value like 5° or 10°. These are the numbered markings, not the smallest division.
✗ Confusing resolution with range or accuracy.

A student investigated the refraction of light by a glass block. Figure 1 shows the protractor used to measure the angles of incidence and the angles of refraction. What is the resolution of the protractor used to measure the angles?

How to approach this question

Full Answer

Common mistakes

Practice the full AQA GCSE Physics Higher Tier Paper 2

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