Practical Skills in Physics I

PlanningSign up

identify the apparatus required · the range and resolution of measuring instruments including Vernier calipers (0.1mm) and micrometer screw gauge (0.01mm) · discuss calibration of instruments, e.g. whether a meter reads zero before measurements are made · describe how to measure relevant variables using the most appropriate instrument and correct measuring techniques · identify and state how to control all other relevant variables to make it a fair test · discuss whether repeat readings are appropriate · identify health and safety issues and discuss how these may be dealt with · discuss how the data collected will be used · identify possible sources of uncertainty and/or systematic error and explain how these may be reduced or eliminated · comment on the implications of physics (e.g. benefits/risks) and on its context (e.g. social/environmental/historical).

Implementation and MeasurementsSign up

comment on the number of readings taken · comment on the range of measurements taken · comment on significant figures · check a reading that is inconsistent with other readings, e.g. a point that is not on the line of a graph — students may be shown a diagram of a micrometer that is being used to measure the diameter of a wire and be expected to write down the reading to the correct number of significant figures · comment on how the experiment may be improved, possibly by using additional apparatus (e.g. to reduce errors) — examples may include using a set square to determine whether a ruler is vertical to aid the measurement of the extension of a spring.

Processing ResultsSign up

perform calculations, using the correct number of significant figures · plot results on a graph using an appropriate scale · use the correct units throughout · comment on the relationship obtained from the graph · determine the relationship between two variables or determine a constant with the aid of a graph, e.g. by determining the gradient using a large triangle · suggest realistic modifications to reduce errors · suggest realistic modifications to improve the experiment · discuss uncertainties, qualitatively and quantitatively · determine the percentage uncertainty in measurements for a single reading using half the resolution of the instrument and from multiple readings using the half range (students are not expected to compound percentage uncertainties).

Core Practical Activities (Units 1 and 2)Sign up

CORE PRACTICAL 1: Determine the acceleration of a freely-falling object · CORE PRACTICAL 2: Use a falling-ball method to determine the viscosity of a liquid · CORE PRACTICAL 3: Determine the Young modulus of a material · CORE PRACTICAL 4: Determine the speed of sound in air using a 2-beam oscilloscope, signal generator, speaker and microphone · CORE PRACTICAL 5: Investigate the effects of length, tension and mass per unit length on the frequency of a vibrating string or wire · CORE PRACTICAL 6: Determine the wavelength of light from a laser or other light source using a diffraction grating · CORE PRACTICAL 7: Determine the electrical resistivity of a material · CORE PRACTICAL 8: Determine the e.m.f. and internal resistance of an electrical cell