PHYSICS PRACTICAL WORK BOOK FOR NEW LOWER SECONDARY

CURRICULUM

S3 AND S4

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Contact: +256757298014/[email protected]

2025 EDITION
 STUDENT’S PARTICULARS

Student’s name

Class

Stream

Year

Facilitator’s name
 PREFACE

This book is intended to help leaners who are preparing to sit for their final ordinary
level examination particularly in physics practical under new lower secondary level
curriculum.

The book is written basing on the content of physics in new lower secondary level
curriculum as guided by NCDC physics syllabus and UNEB

The book contains worked examples, test items from mechanics, light and
electricity. All the content is condensed to enable self-study.

The book contains theory and possible diagrams of most common experiments in
ordinary level physics. An updated physics practical score grid (marking guide-
2024) format is also provided in this book.

There is no doubt that this book will be helpful to all suitable users across the
country.

i
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I am thankful to the almighty God for giving me the gifts of life, knowledge and
wisdom that have enabled me to come up with this book.

Thanks to the physics department members of the following schools whom I served
with at some point. St Joseph’s Girls senior secondary school Nsambya, St Noa girls
secondary school Zana, Maryland high school-Entebbe (Kigungu main campus),
King’s way high school - kitende, Kairos high school Muyenga, Central college high
school - Bulenga campus and Ebenezer Christian high school -Bulenga. You added
a brick in my career development.

Thanks to all senior physics facilitators across the country especially those who have
reviewed and edited this book. May God bless you.

ii
 DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to all physics facilitators across the country

This book is also dedicated to all our dear learners of physics across the country.
You are the main reason as to why we wrote this book.

iii
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents
PREFACE ...................................................................................................................i
ACKNOWLEDGMENT........................................................................................... ii
DEDICATION ......................................................................................................... iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS ..........................................................................................iv
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 1
PRESENTATION OF PHYSICS PRACTICAL WORK (PRACTICAL REPORT)
BASED ON A SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION. .................................................... 2
SUMMARY OF A PHYSICS SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION REPORT ............ 7
WRITING UNITS AND THEIR SYMBOLS ........................................................... 7
LEAST COUNT OF A MEASURING INSTRUMENT........................................... 9
ACCURACY (LEAST COUNT) OF DIFFERENT MEASUREMENT
INSTRUMENT .......................................................................................................... 9
DECIMAL PLACES AND SIGNIFICANT FIGURES .......................................... 11
DECIMAL PLACES (dp) ........................................................................................ 11
SIGNIFICANT FIGURES (sf) ................................................................................ 13
ROUNDING OFF TO THE GIVEN NUMBER OF SIGNIFICANT FIGURES ... 14
MANIPULATION OF EXPERIMENTAL VALUES ............................................ 16
RULES OF DATA MANIPULATION ................................................................... 16
(TREATMENT OF EXPERIMENTAL VALUES) ................................................ 16
THE FLOAT ............................................................................................................ 19
MANIPULATION OF EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS IN MAIN TABLE OF
RESULTS ................................................................................................................ 20
RULES OF DATA MANIPULATION IN THE MAIN TABLE OF RESULTS ... 21
GRAPH WORK ....................................................................................................... 26
THEORY OF COMMON EXPERIMENTS IN PHYSICS .................................... 33
DIAGRAMS (SET UP) OF SOME COMMON EXPERIMENTS IN PHYSICS .. 37
EXAMPLES ON DATA MANIPULATION, PLOTTING A GRAPH AND
FINDING SLOPES .................................................................................................. 41

iv
PRECAUTIONS WHEN CARRYING OUT A PHYSICS SCIENTIFIC
INVESTIGATION ................................................................................................... 48
WORKED EXAMPLES OF SCENARIO BASED ITEMS ................................... 49
SCENARIO ITEMS FROM MECHANICS............................................................ 52
SCENARIO ITEMS FROM LIGHT ....................................................................... 60
CURRENT ELECTRICITY .................................................................................... 64
ELECTRICAL SYMBOLS OF COMPONENTS USED IN ELECTRIC
CIRCUITS ............................................................................................................... 64
SCENARIO ITEMS FROM ELECTRICITY ......................................................... 66
MISCELLANEOUS TRIAL QUESTIONS ............................................................ 70
SCORE GRID/MARKING GUIDE ........................Error! Bookmark not defined.
(FOR TEACHER’S USE ONLY) ...........................Error! Bookmark not defined.
SUMMARY OF MARKING GUIDE AS OF 2024 UNEB PHYSICS
PRACTICAL PAPERS ............................................................................................ 78

v
 INTRODUCTION

Ordinary level physics practical (535/2 and 353/3) has been revised under new lower
secondary curriculum as follows

Structure

The paper consists of two scenario-based items set from either mechanics and light or,
light and electricity or mechanics and electricity. A candidate will be required to answer
only one item.

Duration.

The time allocated to this paper is strictly two hours. Candidates are advised to use the first
15 minutes for planning which may include;

i. Reading and understanding the scenario items asked. (Each scenario should be read
at least twice). Make sure you fully understand the items before making a choice on
the item you are to answer.
ii. Checking and making the choice of the apparatus you are going to use in your set
up and procedures.
iii. Understanding the aim, hypothesis and variables involved in the experiment to be
under taken
iv. Understanding on how data will be presented.
For example, which quantities are to be included in the table of results, how will
data be analysed (do you need a graph, then slopes, then intercepts etc.?).
v. Drawing conclusion from data analysed to prove your hypothesis and give
appropriate advice.

1
 PRESENTATION OF PHYSICS PRACTICAL WORK
(PRACTICAL REPORT) BASED ON A SCIENTIFIC
INVESTIGATION.

Aim of the experiment.

This is a general statement that guides your steps throughout the experiment. It brings out
the main objective as to why you are carrying out the experiment. It is derived from the
scenario item at hand. At the end of the experiment, make sure that you have achieved the
aim of the experiment. For example, if the aim of your experiment was

‘’A scientific investigation to determine the mass of the metre rule”. At the end of the
experiment, you should come up with the mass of given metre rule.

Variables.

These are quantities whose values may vary during the experiment. These variables are
divided into three. That is;

Independent variable.

This is a variable which when changed causes a variation in another quantity. An

independent variable is varied (changed or altered) so that we can notice how it affects
another quantity (or variable).

For example; when the length of string of a pendulum is adjusted, the period of oscillation
changes.

As the length of the string is increased from 10.0cm to 20.0,30.0,40.0cm etc., the period
of oscillation keeps on increasing. This means that the period of oscillation of the
pendulum depends on the length l of the string. In this case, the period of oscillation
becomes the dependent variable (because it depends on the length of the string) while the
length of the string becomes independent variable.

2
Dependent variable.

This is a variable whose values depend on values of the other physical quantity
(independent variable).

Controlled (fixed) variable

This is a variable whose values may change as the experiment goes on but the effects of
its variations are assumed to be constant since it not part of the experiment.

The most notable examples of such variable include; effect of blowing wind, sunlight
intensity, temperature, etc.

Hypothesis.

This is a general statement that predicts the outcome of the experiment. At the end of the
experiment, it can be proven correct or wrong. It is derived from given the situational
(scenario) item.

For example,

When John, a camera man took his lens camera for repair, the technician (mechanic)
advised him that the lens to be used in repairing the lens camera should be of focal length
f, ranging from 10cm to 15cm.

Your hypothesis basing on this scenario may be

“The focal length, f of the lens is in the range 10𝑐𝑚 𝑡𝑜 15𝑐𝑚 and the lens can be used to
repair the lens camera of the camera man”.

If at the end of the experiment, your focal length is let’s say 13.5cm, then your hypothesis
is proved correct (tested positive) and the lens can be used to repair the lens camera of the
camera man.

However, if the value of focal length is 9.0cm or 20.0cm, then your hypothesis is tested
negative since the obtained value of f does not lie in the expected range of

3
10𝑐𝑚 𝑡𝑜 15𝑐𝑚 and therefore the lens cannot be used to repair the lens camera of the
camera man

List of apparatus.

This is a set of instruments or materials that you are going to use in the experiment. When
stating the apparatus, specify the quantity of the apparatus needed e.g.,

❖ 1 metre rule,
❖ 1 stop clock,
❖ 3 pieces of thread each of length 50.0cm
❖ 1 pendulum bob
❖ 1 retort stand with a clamp, etc.

Experimental set up

Under this, you can sketch a simple diagram that is well labelled to show how your
apparatus are to be arranged. The diagram guides the logical flow of your procedures.

Procedure or steps

Write the steps to be taken so as to come up with results. The procedures must be relevant,
accurate and coherent (logically flowing). Present simple tense is recommended when
writing these procedures.

You should properly number your steps.

Sources of errors and precautions.

Some times after running the experiment and analysing data, the outcome may not be
exactly the same as what was expected.

In most cases this could be a result of the errors that may arise as we do the experiment.
Sources of such errors depend on the experiment being carried out. They may include;
parallax errors which arise due to poor positioning of your eye when taking a reading from
a given scale of a measuring instrument, zero errors in some measuring instruments

4
especially the stop clocks, ammeters, voltmeters, galvanometers, wind effects and air
resistance etc.

Once those errors are specified, go ahead and suggest how they can be minimised or
avoided.

Data presentation

Record the single measurements first if necessary for example, the initial position of the
pointer 𝑃𝑂 = 45.6𝑐𝑚, The balancing point 𝐺 = 49.5𝑐𝑚

After this, design a suitable table where results are to be tabulated. In the table of results,

❖ Independent variables should be entered first. Then after, depended variables

(measured and calculated values should follow in the next columns).
❖ The symbol of the quantity and its unit in brackets () should be written once at the
top of each column.
❖ Related columns should be next to each other

Data analysis

Data recorded in your table has to be analysed so as to accomplish the aim the experiment
and test the hypothesis. Data is analysed by plotting relevant graph(s) or using pie chart,
line graphs, bar graphs, statistical tables etc. depending on the nature of the data to be
analysed. Graph is highly recommended when analysing data from a physics practical.

Conclusion and advice

Data analysis may include drawing a graph, finding the slope of the graph, and using the
slope to make a conclusion.

The conclusion may also be made after substituting the value of the slope in the appropriate
formula.

You are expected to use the value of the slope or value obtained after substituting the slope
in the appropriate formula or the trend of the graph to prove your hypothesis, make
conclusions in relation to your aim and give appropriate advice
5
For example,

Given the hypothesis which states that

“The value of focal length, f of a lens is in the range 8cm < f < 15cm and the lens can
be used to repair the lens camera of the camera man”.
𝟏
When a graph of (u + v) against uv is plotted, the slope s of this graph will be . That is
𝒇
1 𝟏 𝟏
𝑠 = , 𝑡ℎ𝑢𝑠 𝒇 = . If slope 𝑠 = 0.5𝑐𝑚−1 , then by substitution in 𝒇 =
𝑓 𝒔 𝒔

𝟏
𝒇= = 𝟏𝟎 𝒄𝒎
𝟎.𝟓 𝒄𝒎−𝟏

conclusion and advice should be stated as follows;

The value of focal length, f of the lens is 10cm which lies in the range of

8cm to 15cm hence the hypothesis is tested positive. Therefore; the lens can be used to
repair the lens camera of the camera man.

6
 SUMMARY OF A PHYSICS SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION
REPORT
❖ Aim of the investigation
❖ Variables
❖ Hypothesis
❖ List of apparatus
❖ Experimental set up (diagram)
❖ Procedures or steps
❖ Sources of errors and precautions
❖ Data presentation (recording of single measurements and table of results)
❖ Data analysis (plotting of a graph and calculation of the slope)
❖ Relate your slope, trend of your graph or value obtained by substituting the slope in
suitable formula to your aim
❖ Conclusion and advice

WRITING UNITS AND THEIR SYMBOLS

When writing symbols of measured quantities, the following points should be noted

i. All units of measured quantities should be the same as those of their respective
instruments unless told to write the values in other units. For example, when the
length of a wire is measured using a metre rule, the value should be written in
centimetres (cm) e.g., 5.0cm
when the diameter of a wire is

For example, 𝑙 = 5.0𝑐𝑚

= 0.050𝑚

ii. All units of derived quantities are derived units and should be written in index form
(where applicable). Forward slash (/) should be avoided when writing such units
e.g., density 𝛒 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎𝐤𝐠𝐦−𝟑 but not 𝛒 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎𝐤𝐠/𝐦𝟑

7
iii. Units named after persons to be written in full words using small letters or using
their known symbols. If a single letter (normally the first letter of the full name of
the unit) represents the symbol of such unit, it should be a capital letter e.g., force
𝐹 = 0.25𝑁 or 𝐹 = 0.25 𝑛𝑒𝑤𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑠 but not 𝐹 = 0.25𝑁𝑒𝑤𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑠

However, if first two letters of the word are to be used, the first letter should be the
capital letter while the second letter should be small letter e.g., pressure

𝑃 = 1500𝑃𝑎 or 𝑃 = 1500 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑠

Examples of units named after persons include force in newtons (N), temperature
in kelvin(K), voltage (V), amperes (A), pascals (Pa), tesla (T) etc.

iv. Units which are not named after persons should be written in small letters whether
in full or using their symbols e.g., centimetres (cm), kilometres (km), grams (g),
kilograms(kg).
v. Units of quantities outside the table of results should not be in brackets for example
length l=5.0cm but not l=5.0(cm). You are advised not to put a full stop after a
value or its unit e.g., 5.0. is not correct.
vi. In the table of results, symbol of a quantity and its unit within brackets () is written
once at the top of the column.

8
LEAST COUNT OF A MEASURING INSTRUMENT
ACCURACY (LEAST COUNT) OF DIFFERENT
MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENT

9
 Degree of
Instrument Quantity it Units Symbol of Accuracy or least
measures unit count (Number of
decimal points dp)
Metre rule Length l centimetres cm 0.1cm (1dp)
(l ≥ 10cm)
vernier caliper Length, l 0.01cm (2dp)
(1cm ≤ l ≤ 10cm)
e.g., breadth of a centimetres cm
metre rule,
internal and
external diameter
of a test tube etc.)
micrometer screw length l millimetres mm 0.01mm (2dp)
gauge (l ≤ 1cm)
0dp, or 1dp. For
Stop clock Time seconds s one dp, the last
figure is a 0 or 5
Note.
0dp or 1dp
depends on the
scale that your stop
clock has
Stop watch time seconds s 2dp
1dp or 2p
Voltmeter Voltage volts V depending on the
scale you are using

10
 1dp or 2dp
Ammeter Current amperes A depending on the
scale you are using
0
Thermometers Temperature degrees C 0dp or 1dp where
celsius or last digit is 0 or 5
centigrade
Measuring cylinder, Volume cubic cm3
pipette, beaker and centimetres Note; 1𝑐𝑚3 =
flasks 1𝑚𝑙
Hence
0dp
250𝑐𝑚3 =
250𝑚𝑙
0
Protractor Angles degrees 0dp
Beam balance Mass grams g 1dp
Graph paper Length centimetres cm 1dp (since 5small
squares represents
1cm,
1
1𝑠𝑞 = 5 =

0.2𝑐𝑚 (1𝑑𝑝)

DECIMAL PLACES AND SIGNIFICANT FIGURES

DECIMAL PLACES (dp)

A decimal place is a specific position of a digit in the fractional part of a decimal number.

A decimal point is a dot that separates whole and fractional parts of a given number.

Number of decimal places (dp) are counted from decimal point to the right for example
the number 23.567 has three decimal places. 0.0456 has 4 decimal places.

11
PROCESS OF ROUNDING OFF

A figure can be rounded off to a given number of decimal places. This is done through the
following steps

i. Note the number of decimal places to round off to

ii. Identify a digit that is in position of required number of decimal places.
iii. Leave this digit unchanged if the digit next to it is less than five
iv. Add one to this digit if the digit next to it, is equal to or greater than five

Example

Round off the following to the required number of dp as indicated in brackets

a) 23.44676 (0,1,2𝑑𝑝)

i. 23.44676 = 23 (0𝑑𝑝)
ii. 23.44676 = 23.4(1𝑑𝑝)
iii. 23.44676 = 23.45(2𝑑𝑝)

b) 56.46997 (1, 2,3,4𝑑𝑝)

i. 56.46997 = 56.5 (1𝑑𝑝)

ii. 56.46997 = 56.47(2𝑑𝑝)
iii. 56.46997 = 56.470(3𝑑𝑝)
iv. 56.46997 = 56.4700(4𝑑𝑝)

Exercise.

1. Round off the following as instructed in brackets

12
 a) 0.0067459897(0,1,2,3,4,5𝑑𝑝).

2. Rund off the following as instructed in brackets

b) 2457.4567(1,2,3,4,5,7,9𝑑𝑝)

SIGNIFICANT FIGURES (sf)

Significant figure represents the precision (consistency or reproducibility) of a

measurement or a calculation.

IDENTIFYING THE SIGNIFICANT FIGURES.

a) All non-zero digits are significant figures. These digits are 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9
b) Zeros may or may not be significant as explained below

13
 i. Leading zeros. These are zeros just before first non-zero digit. These zeros
are not counted as significant figures 𝑒. 𝑔. , 0.00456 has 3sf
(The first three zeros are leading zeros, that is they are before the first non-
zero digit 4), 0056 has only 2sf
ii. Trapped zeros. These are zeros between non zero digits. They are counted
as significant figures
𝑒. 𝑔. ,405 ℎ𝑎𝑠 3𝑠𝑓, 0.00405 ℎ𝑎𝑠 3𝑠𝑓 𝑎𝑛𝑑 0.1010101 ℎ𝑎𝑠 7𝑠𝑓
iii. Trailing zeros. These are zeros at the end of a number. If these zeros are from
rounding off, they are not counted as significant figures.

However, if trailing zeros are not as a result of rounding off, they simply
indicate the level of accuracy and precision of a measured value or
calculated value. Hence, they are counted as significant figures.

Take a look at the following examples

➢ A number 249897 can be rounded off to 2sf so that it becomes 250000. The last
four zeros are not counted as sf since they result from approximation (rounding off)
➢ All digits including trailing zeros in a measured value or varying values are
significant.

If mass of an object is 500𝑔 as measured by a beam balance, then 500𝑔 ℎ𝑎𝑠 3𝑠𝑓.

In the same way, if the length of an object as measured by a metre rule is 5.0cm, the
zero at the end is counted as a significant figure.

For that matter, it is correct to take all trailing zeros in varying or measured value as
significant figures.

ROUNDING OFF TO THE GIVEN NUMBER OF

SIGNIFICANT FIGURES
Steps

i. Identify the digit in the position of the required number of sf.

ii. Leave this digit unchanged if the digit next to it is less than 4.
14
iii. Add one to this digit if the digit next to it is equal to or greater than five

Note: When counting the number of significant figures, we start from the first significant
number irrespective of the position of decimal point.

Example

Round off the following to the required number of sf as indicated in brackets

a) 10.1469879 (3,5,6 ,2,1)

i. 10.1469879 = 10.1 (3𝑠𝑓)
ii. 10.1469879 = 10.147(5𝑠𝑓)
iii. 10.1469879 = 10.1470(6𝑠𝑓)
iv. 10.1469879 = 10 (2𝑠𝑓)
v. 10.1469879 = 10 (1𝑠𝑓)
b) 45873 (1,2,3,6 𝑠𝑓)
i. 45873 = 50000(1𝑠𝑓)
ii. 45873 = 46000(2𝑠𝑓)
iii. 45873 = 45900(3𝑠𝑓)
iv. 45873 = 45873.0 (6𝑠𝑓)
c) 0.01048976 (1,2,4𝑠𝑓)
i. 0.01048976 = 0.01 (1𝑠𝑓)
ii. 0.01048976 = 0.010(2𝑠𝑓)
iii. 0.01048976 = 0.01049 (4𝑠𝑓)

Exercise

Round off the following as instructed in brackets

a) 1.09957 (1,2,3,7𝑑𝑝)

………………………………. ……………………………………..

………………………………. ……………………………………

b) 148976 (1,3,5𝑠𝑓)
15
………………………………. ……………………………………..

………………………………. ……………………………………

c) 0.0450675 (1,2,4𝑠𝑓)

………………………………. ……………………………………..

………………………………. ……………………………………

d) 0.75 (1,2,3,4 𝑠𝑓)

………………………………. ……………………………………..

………………………………. ……………………………………

e) 4.09863 × 10−6 (1,2,3,4,5𝑠𝑓)

………………………………. ……………………………………

……………………………….. ……………………………………

MANIPULATION OF EXPERIMENTAL VALUES

RULES OF DATA MANIPULATION

(TREATMENT OF EXPERIMENTAL VALUES)

16
Addition and subtraction

Examples

a) 4.508 (3𝑑𝑝) + 0.2(1𝑑𝑝) = 4.7 (1𝑑𝑝)

b) 0.2345 (4𝑑𝑝) − 0.12 (2𝑑𝑝) = 0.11 (2𝑑𝑝)
c) 𝐼𝑓 𝑥 = 0.075 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 = 0.00483, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛
i. 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 0.075 + 0.00483 = 0.080 (3𝑑𝑝)
ii. 𝑥 − 𝑦 = 0.075 − 0.00483 = 0.070 (3𝑑𝑝)

Multiplication and division

Examples

a)

Exercise

𝐼𝑓 𝑥 = 0.075 , 𝑦 = 0.00483 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑧 = 1.23, find;

(x+y)
i.
xz

17
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………

(xy−z2 )
ii.
xyz

……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
𝑦
iii. − 𝑥𝑧
𝑥𝑧

……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………..

iv. 𝑥𝑦𝑧 −xy – z

……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………

Note:

i. The logarithm of a measured value, the roots (square root, cube root etc.) of a non-
measured whole number or a float (to be discussed later), the trigonometric ratios of

18
 measured angles (sin, cos and tan) are all recorded to three decimal places
3
𝑒. 𝑔. , 𝑠𝑖𝑛 380 = 0.616, √45 = 3.557, 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 = 0.301, 𝐼𝑛2 = 0.693 𝑒𝑡𝑐.
ii. For the root of non-float (e.g., a decimal number or measured value), maintain the
significant figures of that number.
3
𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑥𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 √1.9320 = 1.2455

THE FLOAT

A float is a non-measured whole number or constants like 1,2, 𝜋, 𝑒, 𝑒𝑡𝑐.

They are considered to have infinite number of significant figures e.g., 20 can be written
as 20.00000 … hence having infinite number of sf.

When multiplying or dividing a measured value with a float, maintain the number of sf of
the measured value.

NOTE

Whole number

Example

If 𝑡 = 19.5 seconds is time for 20 oscillations, then

𝑡
period T=
20 (𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑡)

19.5(3𝑠𝑓)
=
20(𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑡)

= 0.975 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑠

Exercise

Given that 𝑥 = 23.5, 𝑇 = 1.925,

Compute

19
 1
i.
𝑥

………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………
10
ii.
𝑥2

……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………

𝑡
iii. obtain t if T=
20

………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………

MANIPULATION OF EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS IN MAIN

TABLE OF RESULTS

Single (non - repeated values) or non - varying values.

𝐺 = 48.9𝑐𝑚

If a letter or symbol is to be used to represent a physical quantity, it must

clearly be defined e.g., let V represent the volume of liquid x.

i. Some constant values like breadth or width of a metre rule, thickness of a wire,
diameter of a test tube etc. can be measured at least three times along different points
and average value obtained. This increases the accuracy of your results

For example, a simple table is designed as below

Let the diameter of the wire be d

20
 d1 (cm) d2 (cm) d3 (cm)
…………………. …………………. …………………

(d1 +d2 +d3 )

d=
3

NOTE

The average value obtained should be recorded to the same number of dp as that of the
least count of the instrument used. That is, maintain the degree of accuracy (dp) of the
instrument being used.

In the main table of results, only varying values are tabulated as follows

i. Related values should be in columns that are next to each other. The table should be
1
as detailed as possible e.g., if a column of is required in the table of results,
𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃

expected columns in the table of results are those that contain values of
1
𝜃, 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃, 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛
𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃

ii. The table should be in column form and it should be continuous. It should be fully
closed.
iii. Symbols used in the table of results should be clearly defined just before the main
table of results unless they have been already defined in the procedures.

RULES OF DATA MANIPULATION IN THE MAIN TABLE

OF RESULTS

The following rules should guide you when manipulating data in the main table of results.

ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION

or subtracted.

Example
21
Copy the table below and include values of 𝑢𝑣 and 𝑢 + 𝑣

𝑢(𝑐𝑚) 𝑣(𝑐𝑚)
2.5 99.5
5.0 93.5
7.5 88.5
10.0 76.0
12.5 67.0
15.0 46.5
Solution

DEALING WITH VALUES FROM A SINGLE COLUMN

Example.
1 𝑦
Copy the table below and include the values of 𝑦(𝑚), (𝑚−1 ), 𝑦 2 (𝑚2 ) , (𝑐𝑚)
𝑥 20

𝑥(𝑚) 𝑦(𝑐𝑚)
0.05 26.1
0.10 31.0
0.15 38.0

22
 0.20 45.0
0.25 53.2
0.30 62.0

Solution

23
MULTIPLICATION AND DIVISION OF VALUES FROM TWO DIFFERENT
COLUMNS

Example 1
𝑥
Copy the table below and include the values of 𝑥𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑
𝑦

𝑥(𝑐𝑚) 𝑦(𝑐𝑚)
0.05 0.261
0.10 0.310
0.15 0.380
0.20 0.450
0.25 0.532
0.30 0.620
solution

Note

i. For logarithm of a number, roots of floats (e.g., whole number and constants),
trigonometric ratios like 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃, 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃, 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃, write your answer to 3dp.
ii. logarithm of a number, trigonometric ratios (𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃, 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃, 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃) and other ratios of
quantities with similar units like refractive index, relative density etc. have no units
iii. In case you get constant (same) values in the column, do the following
❖ For repeated measured values, try to carefully repeat the procedures that gave
constant values so that you get different values
❖ For calculated values in a column, increase the number of decimal points by
one.

24
Example 2

Copy and complete the table below

𝑖(°) 𝑟(°) 𝑥 (𝑐𝑚) 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑖 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑟 𝑥𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑟 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥

20 11 1.0 0.342 0.982
30 16 1.2 0.500 0.961
40 20 1.4 0.643 0.940
50 25 1.8 0.766 0.906
60 31 2.0 0.866 0.857
70 38 2.8 0.940 0.788

Exercise on data manipulation in the main table of results

1) Complete the following tables

25
2) Given the table below

𝑖(°) 10 20 30 40 50 60
𝑟(°) 5 13 21 27 29 34
𝑥(𝑐𝑚) 1.0 1.5 2.4 3.2 3.8 4.6
𝑦(𝑐𝑚) 6.6 6.7 7.0 7.4 7.6 8.0

Rearrange the table above in column form and include values of

𝑥 𝑥2
𝑥𝑦, , 𝑥 2 , 𝑦 2 , 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑟 , 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑟, 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑖 𝑎𝑛𝑑 . Use the space provided below.
𝑦 𝑦2

……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………………………………………

GRAPH WORK

A graph is preferred in a physics practical to make analysis of experimental results. This

is because, it is considered most accurate method of data analysis.

When drawing a graph in physics practical, take note of the following key features of a
good physics graph

Title (heading)

Write the title of your graph in the first square line of your graph paper. It should be well
balanced in a middle of that line. Use small letters and do not underline your title. Do not
put units in your title. An example of a title is
26
A graph of 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑖 against 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑟

Drawing and labelling of axes

❖ The axes should be clearly drawn putting in consideration of the nature of data you
are to plot. This helps you to plan for your graph paper properly. The axes must
slightly cross and should be perpendicular to each other.
❖ Once the axes are drawn, they must be labelled basing on your title. For example, if
your title is
A graph of T2 against l, Vertical axis is labelled T2(s2) and horizontal axis is labelled
l(m).

Write a quantity with its unit in brackets in the same line when labelling axes. Do
not label axes as y-axis and x -axis unless otherwise

❖ Each axis should be demarcated every after 2cm (2 big squares).

❖ You should make at least 10 demarcations on the vertical axis and at least 8
demarcations on the horizontal axis from the origin

Scales.

❖ We strictly use convenient scales which are; 1,2 and 5 including their multiples and
sub multiples
❖ The scale to be used should be picked from the scale chart below that is based on
special multiples and sub multiples of 1,2 and 5

27
 ❖ A scale of 2.5 including its multiples and submultiples may be used though it’s not
most convenient.
❖ Once a scale is picked, its number of dp should be maintained when labelling axes
with values
❖ The obtained scale is divided by 10 so that we get the value of each small division
(least count of given axis) that is crucial in plotting, calculating slopes and
intercepts.
❖ When a value is read from a given axis, it should be recorded to the same number
of dp as that of each small division (least count) on that particular axis.

Calculation of scales

a) When no intercept is needed

b) When intercept(s) are needed
Intercept may be required on one of the axes or on both axes.

Cases where intercepts are required, the scales are obtained as follows

i. Vertical intercept

When ………………..

28
 ii. Horizontal intercept
When an ………………………

Intercepts on both axes

When the intercept is required on both axes, both axes must start from zero. Both
scales are obtained as follows
ℎ𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒−𝑧𝑒𝑟𝑜
➢ 𝑉𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑒 = ,
10
ℎ𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒−𝑧𝑒𝑟𝑜
➢ 𝐻𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑒 =
8

When correctly plotted, and the line of the best fit produced so that it cuts both axes, the
resulting graph may look as that shown below

29
Starting values.

❖ Each axis must be having its own starting value that is a multiple of the convenient
scale to be used on that axis.
❖ The number of decimal places used on a given axis should be equal to the number
of dp of your scale.
❖ At the end of each axis, put an arrow to show the direction of increasing or
decreasing values.

How to obtain the starting value

Follow the following steps to get the starting value

NB. There are other ways of obtaining a suitable starting value.

Plotting

❖ The values should be accurately plotted.

❖ Note that you should not assume the position of the values to be plotted.
❖ You should also not round off the values in the table of results so that they become
easy to plot.
To locate position of a value to be plotted, use any of the following methods

Method 1

𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑝𝑙𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑑 − 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠

𝑃𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑝𝑙𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑑 =
𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ 𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠

This gives you the number of small divisions you are to count from starting point up to the
position of the value to be plotted.

Method 2

30
Identify two labelled points on a given axis between which the value to be plotted lies.
𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑝𝑙𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑑−𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑖𝑡 𝑜𝑛 𝑎 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠
𝑃𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑝𝑙𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑑 = 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ 𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠

This gives you the number of small divisions to count from the value just below the value
to be plotted to the position of the value to be plotted

NOTE
𝑠𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑒 𝑜𝑛 𝑎 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠
i. The value of each 𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 (𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡) = .
10

ii. When plotting, use a dot with a small circle around it as illustrated in the square grid
below.

The small circle around the dot should be drawn as guided below

• If the dot is at the point of intersection of lines of the squares e.g., dot B, the circle
should be drawn such that it passes through the halves (centres) of small squares on
either side of the dot
• If the dot is in the middle of the square e.g., dot A, the circle should not go beyond
that square. It should be within the boundaries of the square
• If the dot lies on the vertical line e.g., dot D, the circle drawn should be within the
boundaries of the upper and lower lines but it should not touch the neighboring
vertical lines

31
 • If the dot lies on the horizontal line e.g., dot C, the circle drawn should be within
the boundaries of vertical lines but it should not touch the neighboring horizontal
lines

The line of the best fit

❖ This should be drawn so that it follows the trend of the points plotted
❖ It may pass through all the points plotted, or passes through the most plotted points
such that it averages the rest. That is, the number of points left on either side of the
line should be equal or approximately equal
❖ Where possible, the line of the best fit should pass through or pass close to the first
and last points plotted. This will help you to draw accurate triangle that will be used
to calculate the slope.

Drawing slope triangle

❖ The triangle used in getting values to be used in calculation of slope should be drawn
in a such way it is a right-angled triangle and it encloses all the points plotted. No
plotted point should lie outside of this triangle.
❖ It must cross the line of the best fit at one of the points where small squares meet
the line of the best fit.
❖ The triangle is drawn using a solid line (recommended) or dotted lines.

NOTE

Calculation of slope

❖ Values to be used in calculating the slope are directly read from your graph

The slope is then obtained from

32
 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠
Slope =
𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠

❖ The units of the slope should be derived from the graph. For example, if T2(s2) was
plotted against e(m), the units of slope would be s2m-1

When the slope is obtained, it can be substituted in a suitable formula to draw

conclusions

THEORY OF COMMON EXPERIMENTS IN PHYSICS

A scientific Transformed Variable on Shape of expected graph and

investigation to equation in form slope, s
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐.
For intercept verti horizon
𝑐 = 0, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 cal tal axis
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 axis
(𝒂) 𝐹 = 𝑘𝑒
determine the where F is wight
spring’s constant k or force in
of a spring newtons (N) and
Theory. From e is extension in
hooks’ law, metres (m) F e
slope
extension of an
𝑠 = 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑘
elastic material is
𝑠 = 𝑘 𝑖𝑛 𝑁𝑚−1
proportional to the
Note that a graph of e against F
applied force
can be plotted if your transformed
provided the elastic
equation
limit is not 1
is 𝐞 = 𝑭
exceeded. Hence 𝑘
1
𝐹 ∝ 𝑘𝑒 ; 𝐹 = 𝑘𝑒 slope 𝑆 = hence
𝑘

33
 1
𝑘=
𝑠
A graph e against F is an inverse of
a graph of F against e
Note: mass in grams can be
plotted with extension in
centimeters. The slope of graph is
𝑘
𝑠=
𝑔

𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑔 = 10𝑚𝑠 −2
OR.
You can use a
loaded spring
When a loaded 2
4𝜋 2 𝑇2 m
𝑇 =( )𝑚
spring is slightly 𝑘
pulled vertically
downwards and 4𝜋2
slope s =(
𝑘
) hence
then left oscillate,
4𝜋2
the period T of 𝑘 = (
𝑠
) 𝑖𝑛 𝑘𝑔𝑠 −2 . Note that

oscillation is from definition of a newton,

related to mass m 1𝑘𝑔𝑠 −2 = 1𝑁𝑚−1
by the equation Therefore, the value of k obtained
𝑚 is in 𝑁𝑚−1
𝑇 = 2𝜋√( )
𝑘

where k is springs
constant.
The masses should
be converted into
kg for easy
manipulation

34
You need a stop
clock or stop watch
to measure time t of
given number of
oscillations which
will help you to get
period T and T2
(𝒃) (𝒊)
determine the
density 𝜌 of a m= 𝜌𝑣 m v
liquid
𝑚
𝜌=
𝑣

slope 𝑠 = 𝜌 in gcm-3 which can be

converted to SI units, kgm-3
𝒃(𝒊𝒊) 𝑒𝑙
𝑅. 𝐷 =
𝑒𝑤
We can also obtain 𝑒𝑙 𝑒𝑤
the relative density
of the liquid and
𝑒𝑙 = (𝑅. 𝐷)𝑒𝑤
use it to obtain the
its density using
the equation
𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒
𝑹. 𝑫 =
𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒅
𝑠 = 𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦, 𝑅. 𝐷 of
𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 the liquid.
To obtain R.D of The 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑑 =
the liquid, obtain 𝑅. 𝐷 × 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟
extensions 𝑒𝑙 of the
spring caused by a

35
given volumes of
the liquid.
Repeat the
procedure to obtain
the extensions 𝑒𝑤
of the same spring
caused by equal
volumes of water

36
 DIAGRAMS (SET UP) OF SOME COMMON EXPERIMENTS
IN PHYSICS

Experiment possible set up or diagram

To determine the force constant of a
spring
OR: To determine the acceleration due
to gravity g using a loaded spring

To determine the mass of a metre rule or

uniform rod

C is initial balancing point (position of centre of

gravity)

37
To show that object distance is equal to
image distance from the plane mirror
Note;
A graph of x against y is a straight line
with a slope of one.
This shows that x is always equal to y

To investigate the relationship between

the angle 𝜃 of inclination of two plane
mirrors and number of images formed.
Note
1
𝑛 = 360 ( ) − 1
𝜃
1
A graph of 𝑛 𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡 is a straight
𝜃

line. This shows that n is inversely

proportional to 𝜃
To determine the refractive index of a
glass prism

38
To determine the focal length or power
of a water lens
Note
y is object distance u while (𝑦 − 𝑥) is
image distance v
when a graph of 𝑢𝑣 against (𝑢 + 𝑣), its
slope is focal length f. hence power
1
𝑝=
𝑓

The same applies to concave mirror and

convex lens

To determine the resistance of a

conductor e.g., a resistor or filament
bulb

OR

39
To determine the internal resistance or
emf of a cell(s)

To determine resistivity or cross

section area or diameter d of a
constantan wire

Note

➢ You will not be given a hint in form of a diagram or an equation in the scenario-
based. You are therefore required to think of suitable list of apparatus, experimental
set up (diagram) and procedure or steps that can clearly bring out the aim of an
investigation.

The whole theory of how to achieve the aim of the investigation should be at the
back of your mind.

40
 EXAMPLES ON DATA MANIPULATION, PLOTTING A
GRAPH AND FINDING SLOPES

Example 1

In a scientific investigation to determine the refractive index of a glass block, the student
obtained the following angles of refraction 𝑟(°) for respective angles of incidence 𝑖(°)

𝑖(°) 𝑟(°)
10 5
20 15
30 20
40 24
50 31
60 37
Tasks
1 1
a) Copy the table above and include columns with values 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑖, 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑟, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 .
𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑖 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑟

b) Plot a graph of 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑖 against 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑟

c) Obtain the slope of your graph.

d) comment on the value of slope obtained

41
Responses

a)

𝑖(°) 𝑟(°) 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑖 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑟 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑖 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑟 1 1

𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑖 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑟
10 8 0.174 0.139 0.030 0.019 11.49 52.63
20 15 0.342 0.259 0.117 0.067 8.55 14.93
30 20 0.500 0.342 0.250 0.117 4.00 8.55
40 24 0.643 0.407 0.413 0.166 2.42 6.02
50 31 0.766 0.515 0.587 0.265 1.70 3.77
60 37 0.866 0.602 0.750 0.362 1.33 2.76

b) (On the graph paper)

42
 A graph of sin 𝑖 against sin 𝑟

1.0

sin 𝑖
0.9

0.8

0.7

0.6

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

0.0
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8
sin 𝑟

43
 c) From the graph
∆𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑖
𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑠 =
∆𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑟

0.96−0.11
𝑠=
0.64−0.09

0.85
s= = 1.5
0.55

𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑖
d) From Snell’s law of refraction of light, 𝑛 = ℎ𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑖 = 𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑟 which is in
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑟

the form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑐 = 0

Hence the slope s of graph of 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑖 against 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑟 is equal to refractive index of
a material (glass block)

Therefore, 𝑛 = 1.5

Example 2

In an attempt to determine the value of the acceleration due

ℎ(𝑚) 𝑡(𝑠)
0.100 47.5
0.200 45.5
0.300 43.0
0.400 40.0
0.500 37.5
0.600 35.5
Tasks

Using experimental results above,

a) copy the table and include the values of T2 where T is the period

b) Plot a graph of T2 against h

c) Obtain the slope s of the graph

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d) Use the slope s in (c) above to obtain the value of acceleration due to gravity g from
4𝜋2
𝑔=
−𝑠

Responses

Exercise
1
1 a) Copy the table below and include values of frequency 𝑓, 𝑓 2 and where 𝑡 is time for
𝑓2

20 oscillations

𝑙(𝑚) 𝑡(𝑠)
0.300 22.0
0.400 25.5
0.500 28.0
0.600 31.0
0.700 33.5
0.800 36.0

1
b) Plot a graph of against l and obtain its slope s
𝑓2

4𝜋2
c) Obtain the value of acceleration due to gravity from 𝑔 = , use 𝜋 = 3.14
𝑠

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 1 1 𝑉
2 a) Copy and complete the table below. Include the values of l in metres, , , , 𝐼𝑉,
v I I

1 1
b) Plot a graph of 𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡 and obtain its slope
I V

PRECAUTIONS WHEN CARRYING OUT A PHYSICS

SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION

Precautions are measures taken to prevent or minimize the risks of harm and also to
improve on the accuracy of experimental results

Precautions in mechanics experiments

For experiments involving oscillations (e.g., oscillation of loaded spring or swinging The
spring should not be stretched beyond elastic limit. After loading the spring with a mass,
the mass should be removed to find out whether the spring returns to its original position
before adding other loads/masses.

❖ The pointer should be horizontal so that its direction is perpendicular to scale of

vertically clamped metre rule.

For experiments in light

❖ The surfaces of mirrors or lenses should be thoroughly clean.

❖ The mirror or lens should be vertically fixed firmly in their holders using small
pieces of plasticine.

For experiments in electricity

❖ Avoid loose connections at the cell holder and on other external circuit components

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 Note

In all experiments that involve taking a reading from the scale of instrument, avoid parallax
errors by making sure that the line of view is perpendicular to the point being read off from
the scale.

WORKED EXAMPLES OF SCENARIO BASED ITEMS

Item 1

Scenario

A barber in your nearby trading center uses a manual hair clipper to trim the hair of his
customers

Of recent, he realized that when the handles of the clipper are pressed, a sufficient force is
no longer generated to trim the hair effectively. Worried, he took the clipper to a mechanic
for repair. When the mechanic assessed the clipper, he concluded that the spring in the
clipper had weakened and therefore needed to be replaced with another spring whose force
constant is between 15𝑁𝑚−1 and 40𝑁𝑚−1

When the barber went to the nearby shop to buy the spring for replacement, he was given
a spring with unknown spring constant. Therefore, there was a need to carry out an
investigation to find out whether the spring bought was of the recommended force
constant.

As the learner of physics, you are provided with the spring that was bought by the barber

Task.

Carry out a scientific investigation to determine whether or not the spring provided to you
is appropriate to replace the one in the hair clipper of the barber

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RESPONSE

Aim

A scientific investigation to determine the force constant of the spring provided and
ascertain whether spring is appropriate to replace the one in the hair clipper of the barber

Variables

Independent variables;

❖ Known mass m

Dependent variables;

❖ New position of the pointer

❖ extension of the spring

Controlled variables

❖ Initial position of the pointer

❖ mass of the spring

Hypothesis

The force constant of the spring provided is in the range 15Nm-1 to 40Nm-1 and it is
appropriate to replace the one in the hair clipper of the barber

List of apparatus

• 1 Retort stand with a clamp,

• 1 helical spring,
• 2 small pieces of wood,
• 5 known masses each of 100g,
• 1metre rule
• 1pointer
• 1 string of length of about 50cm

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Experimental set up

Procedures/steps

a) One end of the helical spring is suspended from a clamp using two pieces of wood
as shown in the diagram above.
b) A pointer is attached to the lower end of the spring such that it points on to the
vertical scale of a vertically clamped metre rule
c) The initial position, P0 of the pointer is recorded from scale of a metre rule
d) A mass 𝑚 = 100𝑔 is suspended from the lowest end of the spring using a thread.
e) The new position of the pointer P is read and recorded from the metre rule
f) The extension, e of the spring is calculated from 𝑒 = 𝑃 − 𝑃𝑜 and recorded in metres
g) The procedures from (d) to (f) are repeated for values of 𝑚 = 200,
300, 400 𝑎𝑛𝑑 500𝑔
h) Results are tabulated in a suitable table including values of force F
i) A graph of F against e is plotted
j) The slope S of the graph is obtained
k) The force constant K, of the spring is obtained from 𝑆 = 𝐾

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Sources of errors

i.

Precautions

SCENARIO ITEMS FROM MECHANICS

Item 1

Scenario

The supplier of physics laboratory appraratus of your school has supplied a set of metre
rules. However, the mass of each metre rule is not specified. The laboratory technician
normally uses digital beam balance to determine the mass of each metre rule. The expected
mass of each metre rule is always in the range 80g to 120g. However, the beam balance is
now faulty hence it can not be used to accurately determine the mass of each metre rule.
The laboratory technician is confused whether or not he should pay for them.

Your physics teacher has chosen you to go in the laboratory and help the laboratory
technician in determining the mass of a metre rule. You have been given a metre rule which
is a sample of metre rules supplied.

Task

As a physics learner, carry out a scientific investigation to ascertain whether or not the
mass of each of the metre rules supplied lies within expected range and advise the
laboratory technician accordingly

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Item 6

Scenario

A certain mock examination body has sent to your school laboratory technician, the list of
apparatus that will be used by each candidate in upcoming physics practical exam. Among
the list of apparatus each candidate will use; there is a rubber bung of mass not less than
80g and not more than 110g.

In the laboratory, there are some rubber bungs of unknown mass that were previously
bought by the school laboratory technician. In the school laboratory, there is no weighing
scale that can be used to measure and ascertain their correct range of mass. The technician
is a bit challenged whether or not the available rubber bungs are suitable to be used by
students in upcoming physics practical exam.

The laboratory technician has chosen you to assist him. He gives you one piece of rubber
bung which is sample of available rubber bungs that were previously bought.

Task

Carry out a scientific investigation to determine the mass of rubber bung provided and
advise the laboratory technician accordingly.

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 SCENARIO ITEMS FROM LIGHT
Item 11

Scenario

A man was driving his car through a heavy jam on Kampala Road. Accidentally motor
cyclist knocked his car head lamp and broke it. The mirror inside the head lamp was
damaged as well hence it needed replacement. The concave mirror used in the car head
lamp has focal length of 15 ± 1𝑐𝑚 according to car’s log book. The man has decided to
take his car to nearby garage for repair.

At the garage, the mechanic has a concave mirror of unknown focal length and therefore
he is not sure whether or not it is suitable to be used in repairing man’s car head lamps.
The mechanic approaches you to help him identify the exact focal length of his mirror.

You are provided with a concave mirror, the mechanic had at the garage

Task

As a physics learner, determine the focal length of the concave mirror provided and advise
the mechanic whether or not it is suitable to be used in repairing the man’s car head lamp

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 CURRENT ELECTRICITY

Electric current is the rate of flow of charges through the conductor. Current flows in a
closed electric circuit that is made up of different electrical components such as resistors,
dry cells, wires, ammeters, voltmeters etc. Therefore, a candidate is supposed to arrange
and connect appropriate electrical components so as to come up with a closed-circuit
diagram that allows current to flow.

In a circuit diagram, electrical components are represented by their standard symbols as

given in the table below

ELECTRICAL SYMBOLS OF COMPONENTS USED IN

ELECTRIC CIRCUITS

Electrical symbol Name

standard resistor

Variable resistor /rheostat

Switch

cell

battery (combination of cells)

A Ammeter

64
 crossing wires

connected wires

v voltmeter

G Galvanometer

alternating current supply

bulbs/lamp

capacitor

Note

❖ In all circuit diagrams, an ammeter should be connected in series with the

component so as it reads the current through that component
❖ The voltmeter should be connected across (in parallel with) the component so that
it reads the potential difference (voltage) across that component

65
SCENARIO ITEMS FROM ELECTRICITY

Item 12

Scenario

The physics laboratory technician is preparing a simple practical exam for senior four
class. She has been presented with a confidential having an instruction that each candidate
should be given one fresh dry cell of internal resistance not exceeding 1.5Ω. She faces a
challenge of how to determine the internal resistance of available fresh dry cell in the box.
She approaches you for assistance. She gives you one dry cell which is a sample of
available fresh dry cells in the box

Task

As a physics learner, advise the laboratory technician whether she should or should not
give the available dry cells to the students.

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 MISCELLANEOUS TRIAL QUESTIONS
Item 18

Scenario

A senior 3 student had a project of making a prism periscope. In his research from the
libraries about the project, he noted that the prism to be used in making the project should
be of refractive index 1.5±1

The student picks one prism of unknown refractive index from the physics laboratory. The
student does not know how to determine the refractive index of the prism. When he went
to the teacher for help, the teacher had no enough time to help him. The teacher directed
the student to come to you for help.

The senior 3 student gives you the prism he intends to use in his project of making a prism
periscope

Task

As a physics learner, carry out a scientific investigation on the prism and advise the boy
accordingly

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Item 21

Scenario

You have been shortlisted for a job oral interview to work as a store keeper of a company
that deals with selling of plane mirrors

In the interview room, the interviewer has requested you to stand upright in front of two
plane mirrors that are inclined to each other at right angle.

You are requested to note the number of your images formed.

The interviewer repeats the procedure by adjusting the angle between the plane mirrors.
Each time the angle is adjusted, different number of images is obtained.

This amazed the interviewer and therefore wanted to know from you how the angle of
inclination between two plane mirrors is related to the number of images formed.

Task

Carry out a scientific investigation to determine relationship between the angle of

inclination between two plane mirrors and the number of images formed.

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 SUMMARY OF MARKING GUIDE AS OF 2024 UNEB
PHYSICS PRACTICAL PAPERS

Basis Code Maximum

weights
Aim and purpose A 6
variables VAR 5
hypothesis H 6
procedures (list of apparatus, diagram, procedures/steps) P 3
sources of errors and mitigations/precautions EP 3
presentation of data PD 2
recording of data with accuracy RDA 3
data analysis and interpretation (graph work) DAI 4
conclusion and advice CAD 6
Total weights T/W 38

78