GUIDE TO SOLVE ATP PAPER
PHYSICS IGCSE
General Terminologies & Answer Specifications:
Errors:
Error is defined as the difference between the actual value and the calculated value of any
physical quantity.
There are 2 types of errors:
1. Systematic Error:
Systematic Errors are those errors which occur due to the faults in the instruments used during
the experiments.
Some Examples Include:
• Dead space in rulers
• Broken edges of ruler
• Using an improperly calibrated thermometer
• Zero Error (Positive and Negative)
Zero Error:
Zero error occurs when the instrument gives a false reading when the true value of the measured
quantity is zero.
Some instances for Zero Error:
• When zero on main scale doesn't coincide with zero on vernier scale
• When zero on main scale doesn't coincide with zero on thimble scale • Dead space in
rulers.
• The needle on an ammeter failing to return to zero when no current flows.
• A top-pan balance showing a reading when there is nothing placed on
There are 2 types of Zero Errors:
1) Positive Zero error:
A positive zero error is when the zero mark on the vernier scale lies ahead of the
zero mark on the main scale in the closed position, i.e the reading is greater than
zero or positive. In simpler terms it causes the values to be overstated.
To Rectify Positive Zero error:
Correct Value = Measured Value - Zero Error
2) Negative Zero Error:
This error occurs when, on closing the screw gauge or Vernier caliper, the zero of
the secondary scale is behind the zero of the main scale. This means that when the
instrument is closed, the secondary scale zero crosses the zero of the main scale.
In simpler terms it causes the values to be understated.
To Rectify Negative Zero error:
Correct Value = Measured Value + Zero Error
2) Random Error:
Random error is the fluctuating error that differs from measurement to
measurement. These errors are produced due to human reaction time,
fluctuations in the atmospheric conditions like temperature and even parallax
error.
Some instances of Random Error:
1) Human Error:
These errors arise from candidate mistakes, such as incorrectly inputting readings,
responding to measurements with delays (human reaction time), or using
instruments incorrectly.
Solution: Take Multiple readings and then take their average value.
2) Parallax Error:
Parallax error occurs when the candidate has not placed his line of sight
perpendicular to the reading.
Solution: To reduce/avoid parallax error, candidate must look at the readings
in such a way that his line of sight is perpendicular to the reading.
Note: To remove random errors caused by fluctuations in atmospheric conditions
you can take multiple readings and then take an average.
Graph Plotting
Things to Remember while plotting Graphs:
1) Scale Chosen for the graph must be such that the plotted points cover
at least 75 percent of the graph.
2) The axis should be linear i.e. the change in the magnitude of property
per unit change in axis should remain the same. However, both the axis can
have different distributions.
3) An easy scale/readable scale should be used. Multiples of 2 and 5 are
preferred. Avoid multiples of 3.
4) Axis should be labelled in this format:
e.g. L/cm "Symbol/unit"
5) While plotting points either use a "x" or "."
6) Start the graph from the values instructed by the examiner. It is not necessary to
always initiate the graph from the origin i.e. (0,0).
Generally, the examiner marks the initial points on the graph himself.
7) Examiner will always instruct you to either draw "line of best fit" or "curve
of best fit"
A best fit line is a balanced line that has equal number of points above and
below it.
8) While plotting the points remember these three things:
• Make sure all observations are plotted
• Plotted points must be accurate to better than one half of a small square
of the graph grid.
• Draw the graph with a thin and light pencil. (But not too light)
9) While calculating gradient of a best fit line do remember these things:
• Select two points that lie on the line
• 2 points taken should be far away that is they must cover at least half of
the graph
• Draw a dotted triangle to show which points you have taken.
Gradient Acceptable:
▪ Points marked
▪ Dotted triangle made
▪ Points cover 50% of graph
▪ It is preferred to label the points as (x1, y1) and (x2, y2)
10) To calculate the gradient of a curve:
• Draw a tangent at the specific point where you want the gradient
• Take 2 points on the tangent that are far away
• Apply gradient formula.
11) Dependent variable comes on the y axis whereas independent variable comes on
the x-axis.
Specific Tips & Tricks for those appearing for Practical:
• The number of observations to be made is given in the examination
and if it is not indicated use 6 readings.
• The range over which the readings are to be taken is usually specified in
the paper. It is expected that the candidate will take sensible intervals
between readings.
For example:
1. If a Quantity "G" is to be measured the question may suggest.
"For Six Values of L between 30cm to 80cm, measure L"
2. Column Headings must include "Quantity/Unit" For Example "d/cm"
All the readings must have same number of decimal places
3. All the readings must have same number of significant figures.