ADVANCED LEVEL CLASSICAL PHYSICS PRACTICAL HANDBOOK

PRACTICAL HANDBOOK

FOR ADVANCED

LEVEL PHYSICS

CURRICULUM C

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 ADVANCED LEVEL CLASSICAL PHYSICS PRACTICAL HANDBOOK

ADVANCED LEVEL PRACTICAL: PAPER 4

INTRODUCTION

This was prepared to assist Advanced level students and physics teachers in preparation for
Advanced level practical examination. Common errors made by students are highlighted,
and how marks are awarded.

QUESTION 1 AND 2

Marks are awarded under the following categories.

1: MEASUREMENTS AND OBSERVATIONS

1.1 Readings
1.2 Quality of results
1.3 Justification of significant figures
1.4 Repeated readings

2: PRESENTATION OF RESULTS.

2.1 Column headings

2.2 Consistency of raw readings

2.3 Significant figures in calculated quantities

3: GRAPHICAL WORK

3.1 Axes

3.2 Plotting of points

3.3 Line of best fit (BFL)

4: ANALYSIS

5: THE NEW CURRICULUM REQUIRES THE TREATMENT OF ERRORS

5.1 Calculation of uncertainty

5.2 Drawing of error bars, best fit line and worst acceptable line.

5.3 Determining the error in gradient.

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5.4 Error in y intercept.
 ADVANCED LEVEL CLASSICAL PHYSICS PRACTICAL HANDBOOK

QUESTION 3

6: DESIGN QUESTION

6.1 Problem definition

6.2 Diagram

6.3Procedure: Measurement of variables (independent, dependent) and controlled

variables.

6.4 Good physics/Additional details.

6.5 Precautions

1 MEASUREMENT AND OBSERVATIONS

1.1 READINGS

For the candidates to get the 3 to 4 marks on this part there must be six observations and all
the data must be processed. If four and less observations are recorded, the candidate will
not get these marks and again they will lose marks for plotting, best fit line and for
measurement of gradient. Candidates must make sure that all calculations on the table are
carried out correctly.

1.2 QUALITY OF RESULTS

This is judged by the scattering of points. The best fit line might not be there. But if it was
drawn the quality will be judged by the scattering of point about the best fit line. This mark is
reserved for the candidates who have done the experiment carefully.

1.3 JUSTIFICATION OF SIGNIFFICANT FIGURES

Candidates are often allowed to explain why they have given a calculated quantity to a
specific number of significant figures.

EXAMPLE 1.3.1

I/A V/V R/𝛺

2.4 4.28 1.8
Justify the number of S.F you have given for R.
3
l have used 2sf for R because my raw data with the least number of significant figure, I/A,
has 2sf.
 ADVANCED LEVEL CLASSICAL PHYSICS PRACTICAL HANDBOOK

Note [a] The difference between s.f and decimal places

[b]The raw data must be stated e.g. I/A or current.

[c]S.F of the measured quantity with the least precision are used (Allowed to add or
subtract 1sf)

Example 1.3.2

Logarithms and natural logarithms

For log and natural logarithms (In) the number of s.f of raw data must be equal to the
number of decimal places of log or In, [NB :not allowed to add or subtract 1s.f ]

L/cm Log(L/cm)
11.2 1.049
Justify the number of s.f for Log (L/cm)

I have used 3dp for log(L/cm) because my raw data L/cm has 3s.f.

E.g. 1.3.3

X/cm Log(X/cm)
2.2 0.34
5.8 0.76
8.6 0.93
9.8 0.99
10.1 1.004
11.6 1,064
Justify the number of sf you have used for log(X/cm).

Note: From the table above, most of the values of log(X/cm) are to 2 dp but the last 2 values
are to 3dp.

For justification we use the most abundance that is 2dp are most abundant than the 3dp
{that is 4 numbers are to 2dp and only 2 are to 3dp}

SOLUTION: l have used 2dp for log(X/cm) because my raw data X/cm is to 2sf or has 2f.

If the values with 2dp are three and the values with 3dp are also three. Just choose one.

4 Table1.3.4

20𝑇1 /S 20𝑇2 /S 20Tav/S T/S 𝑇 2 /𝑆 2

10.41 10.46 10.44 0.5218 0.2722
 ADVANCED LEVEL CLASSICAL PHYSICS PRACTICAL HANDBOOK

Justify the number of sf you have used for 𝑇 2 /𝑆 2 candidates normally make mistake of
saying: I have given 𝑇 2 to 4sf because my raw data T/S is to 4sf, but T/S and 20Tav/S are not
raw data, are calculated quantities, they cannot be used for justification.

Correct justification: I have used 4sf for T2/S2 because my raw data time [20T1/S and 20T2/S]
are to 4sf.

Example 1.3.5

You may be asked to justify the significant figures of a gradient value.

After drawing a graph of x2 against t ,of the equation 𝑥 2 =𝛽t + A , 𝛽 = gradient

∆𝑥 2
𝛽=
∆𝑡

x/cm t/s x2
2.4 19.6 5.8

Note: 𝛽 is calculated using 𝑥 2 and t but 𝑥 2 is not raw data, it is a calculated quantity.
Therefore it is not used to justify. Students normally say that l have used 2sf for 𝛽 because
my raw data 𝑥 2 is to 2sf.

Correct justification: l have used 2sf for 𝛽 because my raw data x with the least number of s.f
has 2 S.F [ ± 1 S.F is accepted]

1.4: REPEATED READINGS

It is expected that candidates will repeat readings and calculate the average. All raw
readings should be recorded. It is only necessary to repeat readings so that two sets of
values are obtained, to avoid too much time being spend taking readings. Candidates get
this mark if not more than half of readings taken are the same.

Example 1.4.1

10𝑇1 /S 10𝑇2 /S
9.41 9.41
11.02 11.02
13.48 13.48
16.44 16.44
17.29 17.31
5 19.24 19.38

The first four sets of readings are the same. The candidate will lose this mark.
 ADVANCED LEVEL CLASSICAL PHYSICS PRACTICAL HANDBOOK

2. PRESENTATION OF RESULTS

2.1: COLUMN HEADING

It is expected that all column headings will consist of a quantity and a unit.

The quantity may be represented by a symbol or written in words. There must be some kind
of distinguishing notation between quantity and the unit.

For example L/cm; L (cm) etc

For a candidate to get this mark, all the column headings must be correct, any mistake on
the table a candidate will lose this mark.

Example 2.1.1 double labelling

Time for 20 oscillations

t1 /s t2 /s tav /s
11.21 11.81 11.51
12.41 12.58 12.50
A candidate will lose this mark for double labelling.

Correct presentation

20 T1 /s 20 T2 /s 20Tav/s
11.21 11.81 11.51
12.41 12.58 12.50

2.2: CONSISTENCY OF RAW READINGS

All the raw readings for a particular quantity should be recorded to the same number of
decimal places which should be consistency with the apparatus used to make the
measurement.

Candidates normally make mistakes when representing readings from a metre rule, when
using m, cm or mm

EXAMPLE 2.2.1

L/cm L/mm L/m

90.0 900 0.900
1d.p 0d.p 3d.p
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Note: if one value is measured to 2d.p then all values should be given to 2d.p
 ADVANCED LEVEL CLASSICAL PHYSICS PRACTICAL HANDBOOK

All readings of a particular quantity must be given to the same degree of precision.

2.3: S.F IN CALCULATED QUANTITIES

The number of s.f of raw data must be related to the number of s.f of calculated quantities

x/cm X2/cm2 s.f

2.4 5.9 2s.f
9.5 90 2s.f
11.4 130 3s.f
13.8 190 3s.f

Students normally want to make the s.f in calculated quantities the same, but the s.f for the
value of x2 on each row will dependent on the s.f for the value of x for that row. Each row is
treated separately.

Note: the number of d.p for In x / log x should be exactly the same as the number of s.f of x.
(not one more or one less).

x/mm 1.5 (x/mm) d.p

88 1.94 2d.p
96 1.98 2d.p
106 2.025 3d.p
171 2.233 3d.p

3. GRAPHICAL WORK

3.1 AXES

Each axis must be labelled with a correct symbol (or description). Scales must be such that
the plotted points occupy more than half the grid in both the x and y-axis.

Students must not leave more than 3 large squares between scale markings on axis and
must not choose an awkward scale for example: 3,6,9 etc

If units are written, they must be correct as they appear on the table of results. Avoid double
labelling of axis.

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 ADVANCED LEVEL CLASSICAL PHYSICS PRACTICAL HANDBOOK

Example 3.1.1 Double labelling of axis Correct Labelling

T2/S2 T2/S2

L/cm x L/cm

A candidate is not supposed to write x and y . Only L/cm on the x- axis is needed and T2/S2 on
the y-axis is needed.

3.2 PLOTTING POINTS

Plots in the margin area are not allowed

Any plots in the margin area will be ignored

It is expected that all observations will be plotted (e.g. if 10 observations have been made
then it is expected that there will be ten plots.

Plotted points must be accurate to half a small square.

Plots must be clear (and not obscured by the line of best fit or other working)

NOTE: 4 plots will lose this mark.

3.3 BEST FIT LINE (BFL)

There must be at least five plots on the graph grid for a best fit mark to be awarded.

There must be a reasonable balance of points about the line. However one more point or one
less than the balance is accepted.

[One more point above best fit]

 ADVANCED LEVEL CLASSICAL PHYSICS PRACTICAL HANDBOOK

The line must be thin and clear. Thick |hairy| point-to-point/Kinked lines are not credited.

3.4 MEASUREMENT OF GRADIENT

All working must be shown. It is helpful to both candidates and the examiner if the triangle
used to find the gradient were drawn on the graph grid and the co-ordinates of the vertices
clearly labelled.

The length of the hypotenuse of the triangle should be greater than half the length of the
line which has been drawn.

If plots are used which have been taken from the table of results then they must lie on the
line of best fit.

Example 3.4.1

V/V I/A
2.45 1.47

A candidate might have plotted the point above on a graph and the point lie on the best fit
line. But most candidates plot to one decimal places for example the candidates might have
plotted 2.5 and 1.5 but in calculating the gradient, the weaker candidates use 2.45 and
1.47.instead of 2.5 and 1.5 they have plotted.

Some weaker candidates again do not round off numbers when plotting for example they
plot 2.4 instead of 2.5 and 1.4 instead of 1.5.

Note: This mark is awarded if the triangle is greater than half the length of the line and co-
ordinates correctly read to the nearest half a small square.

All co-ordinates are checked.

4. ANALYSIS

𝑥 = 𝐴𝑒 𝛽𝑡

𝐼𝑛𝑥 = 𝛽𝑡 + 𝐼𝑛 𝐴

After plotting the graph of Inx against t

9 𝛥𝐼𝑛𝑥 8.2 − 6.1

𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 = =
𝛥𝑡 2.8 − 1.6 𝑠

=1.75s-1
 ADVANCED LEVEL CLASSICAL PHYSICS PRACTICAL HANDBOOK

Candidates are encouraged to write gradient =1.75s-1, other than to write m=1.75s-1 (unless
m is defined as gradient). Not just to assume that the Examiner knows that m represent
gradient because of 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 . In physics our equations might have m which is not
𝑘
gradient e. g 𝑇 = 2𝜋 𝑚

(a)A mark is awarded for equating the gradient value to 𝛽

𝛽 = 1.75𝑠 −1

(b)A mark is awarded for the correct determination of the y intercept. Using 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐. Do
not use the equation 𝐼𝑛𝑥 = 𝛽𝑡 + 𝐼𝑛 𝐴 and substitute different values in it. Use your
gradient value and one of the points you have used in calculating gradient, to calculate the y
intercept.

Now 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐

8.2=1.75(2.8) +C

C=6.8

Y intercept=6.8

Candidates must not assume again that the examiner knows that c represents the y
intercept.

NOTE: Do not use undefined symbols in Physics.

(c)A mark is normally awarded for equating the intercept value to In A

𝐼𝑛 𝐴 = 6.8

(d)A mark is awarded for the correct determination of A and its correct unit.

𝐼𝑛 𝐴 = 6.8

𝐴 = 𝑒 6.8 = 897.8

Candidates normally lose this mark by interchanging log and 𝐼𝑛; for example weaker
candidates write 𝐼𝑛 𝐴 = 6.8 , then 𝐴 = 106.8 , instead of A=e6.8

And again candidates write log A=6.8, then 𝐴 = 𝑒 6.8 instead of 𝐴 = 106.8

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(e)Marks are also awarded for specific questions asked for example

(i)To state the physical significance of a physical quantity 𝛽

(ii)Ways of improving experimental results; etc

 ADVANCED LEVEL CLASSICAL PHYSICS PRACTICAL HANDBOOK

Note: it is important to include units in calculations.

Determining units, for example 𝑙𝑜 = 𝑞𝑥 𝑛

𝑙𝑜 = 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡𝑕

𝑥 = 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡𝑕

The units of q depend on the value of n.

E. g if n=1; q has no units

If n=2, the unit of q is cm-1 e. t. c

(a)Candidates are sometimes asked to calculate simple percentage errors or state the
uncertainty in a measurement.

L/cm
2.4
7.8
10.6
11.6
Calculate the percentage error in the value of length.

Uncertainty in length= 0.1 cm (smallest reading that can be measured using the instrument).

For percentage error then choose any value from the table
0.1
For example × 100 = 1.3%
7.8

However when using a stopwatch, a weaker candidate will often quote the uncertainty as
the smallest interval. But almost every stopwatch gives time to a hundredth of a second, but
candidates clearly cannot operate the watch to this accuracy. Human reaction time will give
errors of (typically) 0.1s to 0.4s which are reasonable estimates of the uncertainty.

t/s
9.41
10.36
11.48
12.76

Calculate the percentage error in the value of time

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0.01
× 100 = 0.097% This is wrong
10.36
 ADVANCED LEVEL CLASSICAL PHYSICS PRACTICAL HANDBOOK

0.1
× 100 = 0.97% This is correct.
10.36

Candidates may use any value from 0.1s to 0.4s

5. TREATMENT OF ERRORS

The new curriculum requires students to calculate uncertainty and represent them as error
bars on graphs. And to calculate error of gradient and of the y intercept.

5.1 CALCULATION OF UNCERTAINTIES

A B C D E F
L/cm 20T1/s 20T2/s 20Tav/s T/s T2/s2
20.0±0.1 9.2±0.2 9.3±0.2 9.3±0.2 0.47±0.01 0.22±0.01
30.0±0.1 10.4±0.2 10.8±0.2 10.6±0.2 0.53±0.01 0.28±0.01
40.0±0.1 11.8±0.2 11.6±0.2 11.7±0.2 0.59±0.01 0.35±0.01
50.0±0.1 12.7±0.2 12.5±0.2 12.6±0.2 0.63±0.01 0,40±0.01
60.0±0.1 13.6±0.2 13.4±0.2 13.5±0.2 0.68±0.01 0.46±0.01
70.0±0.1 14.5±0.2 14.0±0.2 14.3±0.2 0.72±0.01 0.52±0.01

Note: A, B ,C, D, E and F were written for reference purposes

Calculating the uncertainties for T and T2

For example using 20Tav/s=9.3±0.2

9.3+0.2 9.3
Uncertainty in T= − =0.01 [that is maximum period - actual period]
20 20

Or
9.3+0.2 9.3−0.2
Uncertainty in T= − ÷ 2 = 0.01 [That is maximum - minimum] divided by 2.
20 20

9.3 9.3−0.2
Or Uncertainty in T = − =0.01 [That is actual-minimum]
20 20

For T2, the same procedure is used. You just choose one.

For example when T/s =0.47±0.01

Uncertainty in T2= (0.47+0.01)2-(0.47)2=0.0095=0.01

𝟐∆𝑻
NB Fractional method for determining uncertainty is also accepted for example XT2
𝑻
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2(0.01)
For example when T/s =0.47±0.01 : Uncertainty in T2= x0.472=0.0094.
0.47
 ADVANCED LEVEL CLASSICAL PHYSICS PRACTICAL HANDBOOK

NOTE: It is by coincidence that all uncertainties for column F are the same. But however
for column A, B, C, D and E are supposed to be the same.

Instead of writing all the uncertainties in columns A, B, C, D and E to serve time, they can be
written as shown below

(L±0.1)/cm (20T1±0.2)/s (20T2±0.2)/s (20Tav±0.2)/s (T±0.01)/s T2/s2

20.0 9.2 9.3 9.3 0.47 0.22±0.01
30.0 10.4 10.8 10.6 0.53 0.28±0.01
40.0 11.8 11.6 11.7 0.59 0.35±0.01
50.0 12.7 12.5 12.6 0.63 0.40±0.01
60.0 13.6 13.4 13.5 0.68 0.46±0.01
70.0 14.5 14.0 14.3 0.72 0.52±0.01

For the uncertainty in time (t), you can take any value from 0.1s to 0.4s as discussed before
and not 0.01s.

UNCERTAINTIES FOR EXPRESSIONS WITH FRACTIONS

V/ms-1 d/m 𝒅
/s
𝒗
10±1 13.0±0.5 1.3±0.2/±0.16
15±1 24.5±0.5 1.6±
20±1 39.5±0.5 2.0±
25±1 57.5±0.5 2.3±
30±1 79.0±0.5 2.6±
35±1 103.0±0.5 2.9±0.09/±0.1

𝒅
CALCULATIONS OF UNCERTAINTIES FOR 𝒗

Method 1
𝒅 ∆𝒅 ∆𝒗 𝒅 𝟎.𝟓 𝟏 𝟏𝟑.𝟎
Uncertainty in 𝒗 = [ 𝒅 + 𝒗 ] x𝒗 e.g. 𝟏𝟑.𝟎 + 𝟏𝟎 x =0.18
𝟏𝟎

Method 2
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𝒅 𝒎𝒂𝒙𝒊𝒎𝒖𝒎 𝒅 𝒅 𝟏𝟑.𝟓 𝟏𝟑.𝟎
Uncertainty in 𝒗= 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒎𝒖𝒎 𝒗 - e.g. – =0.2
𝒗 𝟗 𝟏𝟎
 ADVANCED LEVEL CLASSICAL PHYSICS PRACTICAL HANDBOOK

Method 3
𝒅 𝒎𝒊𝒏 𝒅 𝒅 𝟏𝟐.𝟓 𝟏𝟑.𝟎
Uncertainty in 𝒗 =𝒎𝒂𝒙 𝒗 - 𝒗 e.g. – = -0.16 but the error is the modulus of the
𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟎
answer=0.16.

USING STANDARD MASSES (mass)

The so called standard masses are less accurate than you would think, and vary
considerably. Generally consider the uncertainty to be 1%. So, 100g=100±1g,
1.0kg=1000±10g etc.

5.2 DRAWING OF ERROR BARS

ERROR BAR. Highest value= (measured value + uncertainty)

Average or measured value

Lowest value= (measured value-uncertainty)

T2/s2 worst acceptable line (greatest slope)

BEST FIT LINE

L/cm

The line of best fit is drawn as in section 3.3.

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Worst acceptable line: we have two types.

(a) Greatest or steepest slope

 ADVANCED LEVEL CLASSICAL PHYSICS PRACTICAL HANDBOOK

(b) Least slope

The greatest slope , join the lowest point of the first error bar to the highest point of the last
error bar as shown above. The least slope is drawn by joining the highest point of the first
error bar to the lowest point of the last error bar.

NOTE: You cannot draw both the greatest and the least slope on the same graph, you
choose one.

5.3 UNCERTAINTY IN GRADIENT

Find the gradient of the Best Fit Line and of the worst acceptable line, follow procedure of
section 3.4

Uncertainty in gradient=
𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝐹𝑖𝑡 𝐿𝑖𝑛𝑒 − 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒.

5.4 UNCERTAINTY IN Y INTERCEPT

Uncertainty in y intercept=y intercept of Best Fit line-y intercept of worst acceptable line.

DRAWING A CURVE

Sometimes question 2 requires that you draw a smooth curve. If you take more
than six observations. You have to draw a smooth curve.

Error bars are also drawn as demonstrated before. Then you draw the curve of
best fit and the curve of worst fit. The other question requires you to calculate
the gradient with its uncertainty. You calculate the gradient of best fit curve
and the gradient of worst fit curve, by drawing tangents to the curves at the
point stated by the question. Then subtract the two gradients to get the
uncertainty. Write the gradient with its uncertainty.

You may be asked to comment on the relationship between two variables eg A

and B. Answer: As A increases B increases exponentially. Or as A increases B
decreases exponentially.

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 ADVANCED LEVEL CLASSICAL PHYSICS PRACTICAL HANDBOOK

GRAPH
Worst acceptable curve Tangent of best fit curve

P/W Best fit curve

Tangent of worst fit curve

2000 R/Ω

The curve of best fit is drawn by balancing all the plotted points about the curve of best fit. It
does not necessarily passes through all the plotted points.

In drawing the worst acceptable curve, you join the lower point of the first error bar of the
first plotted point which is not on the best fit curve (using the example above this point is the
second plotted point) to the upper point of the error bar of the last plotted point which is not
on the best fit curve as shown above.(from the example , it is the second from the last
plotted point)

Alternatively you may choose to ignore to draw the worst acceptable curve. You just draw
the best fit curve and the error bars. Then you draw two tangents at the same point on the
best fit curve stated by the question, you just change the slope of the tangents. NB many
tangents may be drawn at the same point of a curve but you just draw two tangents as
16 shown below.
 ADVANCED LEVEL CLASSICAL PHYSICS PRACTICAL HANDBOOK

GRAPH

Tangents

P/W Best fit curve

2000 R/Ω

Find the gradients of the two tangents. The difference in the gradients is the uncertainty.

Then write the gradient with its uncertainty. Eg gradient=(20.6±0.5)W/Ω

Eg Use the graph to determine the gradient when R=2000Ω with its uncertainty. You draw
the tangents at R=2000Ω as shown above and then calculate the gradient as described
before.

QUESTION 3

6 DESIGN QUESTION

6.1 PROBLEM DEFINITION

6.2DIAGRAM
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6.3 PROCEDURE: MEASUREMENT OF VARIABLES (DEPENDENT, INDEPENDENT AND
CONTROLLED VARIABLES)
 ADVANCED LEVEL CLASSICAL PHYSICS PRACTICAL HANDBOOK

6.4 GOOD PHYSICS/ADDITIONAL DETAILS.

6.5SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

6.6 TYPICAL EXAMINATION QUESTIONS

6 DESIGN QUESTION

Introduction

The context of the question may be unfamiliar to candidates, although it is expected that
they will have used or learnt about suitable apparatus for completing the task. Candidates
are expected to select suitable apparatus from the range supplied. Not all of the apparatus
in the list is essential for the investigation. Candidates may use other standard equipments.

6.1 PROBLEM DEFINITION

Candidates should clearly state what they want to investigate. The information is there on
the question. For example: To investigate how the resistance of a conductor depends with
length, cross sectional area and temperature.

6.2 DIAGRAM

Candidates should continue to be encouraged to give clear labelled and workable diagram of
arrangement of apparatus which they choose to use. Space is available for this in question
three. Draw clearly labelled diagram showing the relative positions of the different
apparatus which will be used in the experiment.

6.3 PROCEDURE: MEASUREMENT OF VARIABLES

Candidates must number their procedures.

Candidates should clearly state.

(a) How to vary independent variable

(b) How to measure dependent and independent variables.
(c) What variables to be kept constant. No mark is awarded for saying fix other factors
constant (mention the factors that you fix constant)

For example .Vary current using a rheostat or variable power supply, measure current using
an ammeter and temperature using a thermometer. Keeping diameter and length of wire
constant.
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NOTE: In an experiment we have only one dependent variable, but we might have more than
one independent variables to be varied but one at a time. And the other are kept as
controlled variables.
 ADVANCED LEVEL CLASSICAL PHYSICS PRACTICAL HANDBOOK

This is going to be clarified with examples to follow.

6.4 GOOD PHYSICS/ADDITIONAL DDETAILS

Any relevant details will help in carrying out the planned experiment. These details included
could help to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the results obtained: guidelines of proper
use of equipment, measuring range of meters to be used, and crucial arrangement of
apparatus.

e.g.

(a)Use of sensitive equipments or precision measuring equipments e.g. mill ammeter,

manometer, and use of micrometer screw gauge to measure small lengths.

(b)Reference to constant physical conditions e.g. temperature, pressure etc

(c)Allow system to stabilise for any voltage readings (or when taking readings)

(d)Avoid overheating

(e)Experiments to be performed in draught free rooms.

(f)Ranges of ammeters or voltmeters e.g. use a 12V power supply.

6.5 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.

Candidates should appreciate the safety aspects of their investigations. Assess the risk of the
experiment. Describe the essential precautions to be taken to keep the risk to a minimum.

FOR EXAMPLE

(a)Wear protective clothing e.g. gloves

(b)Avoid splashes

(c)Do not touch hot wire, light bulb etc

(d)Do not handle electrical circuits with wet hands

(e)Avoid short circuiting

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(f)Do not look directly at bright source.
 ADVANCED LEVEL CLASSICAL PHYSICS PRACTICAL HANDBOOK

6.6 TYPICAL EXAMINATION QUESTIONS

6.6.1 QUESTION: When excessive current flows through a fuse the fuse wire becomes hot
and it melts. A student suggests that the temperature of a wire carrying a current depends
on the

(i) Current value

(ii) The diameter

(iii) Length of the wire.

Design a laboratory experiment to investigate the student’s suggestion.

In your account you should pay particular attention to:

The procedure

Control of variables

Precautions

SOLUTION

Problem definition

To investigate how the temperature of a wire carrying a current depends on

Current, diameter and length of wire. Thermocouple

Diagram Power supply Thermometer

Ammeter mA Rheostat

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Procedure Voltmeter V
 ADVANCED LEVEL CLASSICAL PHYSICS PRACTICAL HANDBOOK

1. Vary the current using a rheostat, measure current using an ammeter and
temperature using a thermometer. Keeping diameter and length of wire constant.
2. Vary length by using different lengths of wire (constantan wire), measure length
using a ruler and temperature using a thermometer. Keeping current and diameter
constant.
3. Vary diameter by using wires of different diameters, measure diameter using a
micrometer-screw gauge and temperature using a thermometer. Keeping current
and length of wire constant.

Good physics/Additional details

 Same time of current flow

 Steady ambient conditions (no draughts)
 Good choice of thermometer e.g. Thermocouple thermometer, liquid in glass
thermometer

Safety precautions

 Avoid short circuiting etc

6.6.2 QUESITION

A scientist at a power research institute suggests that the electromotive-force (e.m.f) of an

electrolytic cell depends, among other factors, on

(i) The pH level of the electrolyte,

(ii) The surface area of the electrodes in the electrolyte and
(iii) The electrode separation.

Design a laboratory experiment to show how the given factors affect the e.m.f of the cell.
In the design, pay particular attention to the following:

(a) The procedure to be followed

(b) Control of variables
(c) Measurements to be taken
(d) Precautions to be taken

21 SOLUTION

Problem definition
 ADVANCED LEVEL CLASSICAL PHYSICS PRACTICAL HANDBOOK

To investigate how the electromotive-force (e.m.f) of an electrolytic cell depends on the pH

level of the electrolyte, the surface area of the electrodes in the electrolyte and the electrode
separation.

Diagram

mV

Cu Zn
Copper (II)
Sulphate
Solution

PROCEDURE: MEASUREMENTS OF VARIABLES.

1. Vary the pH by adding drops of acid /alkaline, measure pH using a pH meter and
voltage using a voltmeter. Keeping the surface area of the electrodes in the
electrolyte and the electrode separation constant.
2. Vary the surface area of the electrodes in the electrolyte by dipping or pulling out the
flat electrodes in the electrolyte, measure surface area using a ruler and voltage
using a voltmeter. Keeping pH of the electrode in the electrolyte and electrode
separation constant.
3. Vary the electrode separation by moving the electrodes closer or apart, measure the
electrode separation using a ruler and the voltage using a voltmeter. Keeping the pH
of the electrolyte and the surface area of the electrode in the electrolyte constant.

GOOD PHYSICS/ADDITIONAL DETAILS

 Reference to constant physical conditions, temperature, pressure etc.

 Allow system to stabilise for any voltage reading
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 Use of sensitive equipment e.g. salt bridge

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
 ADVANCED LEVEL CLASSICAL PHYSICS PRACTICAL HANDBOOK

 Wear protective clothing (acid corrodes)

 Always pour acid to electrolyte (not the other way round)

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