OCR SUMMER 2026
PREDICTED PAPER
A Level Physics B (Advancing Physics)
H557/03 Practical skills in physics
Time allowed: 1 hour 30 minutes
worked solutions
You must have:
• the Data, Formulae and Relationships Booklet
You can use:
a scientific or graphical calculator
a ruler (cm/mm)
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes.
Centre number Candidate number
First name(s)
Last name
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink. You can use an HB pencil, but only for graphs and diagrams.
• Write your answer to each question in the space provided. If you need extra space use
the lined pages at the end of this booklet. The question numbers must be clearly shown.
• Answer all the questions.
• Where appropriate, your answer should be supported with working. Marks might be
given for using a correct method, even if your answer is wrong.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 60.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
• This document has 21 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
Turn over
for more: tyrionpapers,com
, SECTION A
Answer all the questions.
1. A student determines the resistivity of a constantan wire. She measures the wire's diameter at
three points with a micrometer screw gauge, obtaining: 0.48 mm, 0.51 mm, 0.49 mm.
She then measures the resistance R = 6.84 Ω over a length L = 80.0 cm using an ohmmeter
(resolution 0.01 Ω). The metre ruler has a resolution of 1 mm.
Fig 1.1
(a) Calculate the mean diameter of the wire and state the absolute uncertainty in this value.
Mean diameter of the wire = ............................................................mm
Absolute uncertainty = ...........................................................mm [2]
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, (b) Show that the percentage uncertainty in the cross-sectional area A is approximately 6%.
State clearly how uncertainties combine when a quantity is squared.
[3]
(c) Use ρ = RA/L to calculate the resistivity of constantan. Give your answer to an appropriate
number of significant figures with its absolute uncertainty.
[4]
Resistivity of constantan = ............................................................ Ω m [4]
for more: tyrionpapers,com
PREDICTED PAPER
A Level Physics B (Advancing Physics)
H557/03 Practical skills in physics
Time allowed: 1 hour 30 minutes
worked solutions
You must have:
• the Data, Formulae and Relationships Booklet
You can use:
a scientific or graphical calculator
a ruler (cm/mm)
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes.
Centre number Candidate number
First name(s)
Last name
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink. You can use an HB pencil, but only for graphs and diagrams.
• Write your answer to each question in the space provided. If you need extra space use
the lined pages at the end of this booklet. The question numbers must be clearly shown.
• Answer all the questions.
• Where appropriate, your answer should be supported with working. Marks might be
given for using a correct method, even if your answer is wrong.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 60.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
• This document has 21 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
Turn over
for more: tyrionpapers,com
, SECTION A
Answer all the questions.
1. A student determines the resistivity of a constantan wire. She measures the wire's diameter at
three points with a micrometer screw gauge, obtaining: 0.48 mm, 0.51 mm, 0.49 mm.
She then measures the resistance R = 6.84 Ω over a length L = 80.0 cm using an ohmmeter
(resolution 0.01 Ω). The metre ruler has a resolution of 1 mm.
Fig 1.1
(a) Calculate the mean diameter of the wire and state the absolute uncertainty in this value.
Mean diameter of the wire = ............................................................mm
Absolute uncertainty = ...........................................................mm [2]
for more: tyrionpapers,com
, (b) Show that the percentage uncertainty in the cross-sectional area A is approximately 6%.
State clearly how uncertainties combine when a quantity is squared.
[3]
(c) Use ρ = RA/L to calculate the resistivity of constantan. Give your answer to an appropriate
number of significant figures with its absolute uncertainty.
[4]
Resistivity of constantan = ............................................................ Ω m [4]
for more: tyrionpapers,com
