Practical Skills in Physics II

PlanningSign up

identify the most appropriate apparatus, giving details. These may include the range and resolution of instruments and/or relevant dimensions of apparatus (e.g. the length of string used for a pendulum) · 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(s) and 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.

Implementation and MeasurementsSign up

comment on how the experiment could have been improved, possibly by using additional apparatus (e.g. to reduce errors) — examples may include using set squares to measure the diameter of a cylinder and using a marker for timing oscillations · comment on the number of readings taken · comment on the range of measurements taken · comment on significant figures — students may be required to identify and/or round up any incorrect figures in a table of results · identify and/or amend units that are incorrect · identify and check a reading that is inconsistent with other readings, e.g. a point that is not on the line of a graph.

AnalysisSign up

perform calculations, using the correct number of significant figures · plot results on a graph using an appropriate scale and units — the graph could be logarithmic in nature · use the correct units throughout · comment on the trend/pattern obtained · determine the relationship between two variables or determine a constant with the aid of the graph, e.g. by determining the gradient using a large triangle · use the terms precision, accuracy and sensitivity appropriately · suggest realistic modifications to reduce errors · suggest realistic modifications to improve the experiment · discuss uncertainties qualitatively and quantitatively · compound percentage uncertainties correctly · 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.

Core Practical Activities (Units 4 and 5)Sign up

CORE PRACTICAL 9: Investigate the relationship between the force exerted on an object and its change of momentum · CORE PRACTICAL 10: Use ICT to analyse collisions between small spheres, e.g. ball bearings on a table top · CORE PRACTICAL 11: Use an oscilloscope or data logger to display and analyse the potential difference (p.d.) across a capacitor as it charges and discharges through a resistor · CORE PRACTICAL 12: Calibrate a thermistor in a potential divider circuit as a thermostat · CORE PRACTICAL 13: Determine the specific latent heat of a phase change · CORE PRACTICAL 14: Investigate the relationship between pressure and volume of a gas at fixed temperature · CORE PRACTICAL 15: Investigate the absorption of gamma radiation by lead · CORE PRACTICAL 16: Determine the value of an unknown mass using the resonant frequencies of the oscillation of known masses