Presentation of Physics Lab Experiments

Kingston College Department of Physics

Development of personal understanding and recording of Method,
Observation format, and Discussion are to be done to demonstrate
personal thoughts and decision.

The conclusion to an experiment must be in accordance with findings and a

summary of the conclusive observation.

All experiments are set to confirm the theory taught and or to

explore/investigate for further understanding. (The practice of using other
student's opinion is seriously discouraged.)

CSEC PHYSICS LAB MANUAL

Name:

Class:

Pool:
 Documentation of Experiments METHOD/PROCEDURE: Instructions for which the experiment to be
conducted is generally done or the steps to be followed in doing the experiment.

IF THE LAB WAS CONDUCTED, THE METHOD SHOULD BE

This is the written order for each experiment to be completed.
WRITTEN IN PAST TENSE. DO NOT INCLUDE ANY PERSONAL
DATE: PRONOUNS SUCH AS I, WE, YOU OR THEY.

EXPERIMENT #: EXAMPLE OF GIVEN METHOD:

TITLE: The theory of Physics being investigated e.g. Mechanics Use the triple beam balance to determine the mass (m) of the object.

Heat, Light/Optics, Electricity. Fill a measuring cylinder with three-quarters of liquid substance and record the

AIM: This is the objective of experiments and is specified with each volume (V1).
experimental theory.
Gently submerge the solid in the liquid and record as the new volume (V2) of
Ex. To prove Archimedes Principle.
the liquid substance.
THEORY: This provides a framework for explaining the observations that will
EXAMPLE OF REPORTED METHOD:
be made during the experiment. This must also be specified for each
experiment. The mass (m) of the solid was measured using the beam balance and the value
recorded.
Ex. The Law of Floatation
The measuring cylinder was filled with a liquid substance to three-quarter it's
APPARATUS: Equipment supplied that are required to complete the aim of capacity.
each experiment. The volume (V1) was recorded then the mass was immersed into the liquid.

DIAGRAM: A clear diagram of the set-up equipment of the experiment. The new volume (V2) was then recorded.

AN ADDITIONAL DIAGRAM is required of the actual experiment done.

OBSERVATIONS/CALCULATIONS: For information gathered from an
experiment a TABLE FORMAT with appropriate headings and units is required
unless otherwise stated.

IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT MULTIPLE READINGS ARE

RECORDED AND THE AVERAGE OF THESE FOUND.

GRAPH: In most experiment a graph is required. The graph MUST extend

beyond and above the last point to touch each axis. When finding the slope or
gradient of the graph it is best to use the largest possible triangle for more
accuracy. Graphs should appear after OBSERVATION/CALCULATIONS.

PRECAUTION: A minimum of two precautions are required to describe the

steps taken to reduce or avoid possible errors. Room condition and table level
are NOT regarded as precautions.

DISCUSSION: The basis of the discussion is your observations, data

recorded and what is to be proven from the experiment.

CONCLUSION: This is based on the experimental findings and the aim of

experiment. It states whether the theory has been confirmed or otherwise. An
indication of actual data value must be included.

Unless specified ALL LAB DUE DATES ARE FINAL. Only DATA can be
used from another student as most labs are done in groups.
Kingston College Physics Department
Academic year: 20__ - 20___ YEAR 1: GRADE 10 LABS
Exp Lab Title Skill Due Date
# Period Tested PhyDepartment
1 Density: (a) Regular Shape MM
(b) Irregular Shape
(c) Disc
2 Centre of Gravity: (a) Regular MM
(b) Irregular
3 Simple Pendulum: L vs T2 ORR
Kingston College Physics Department
4 Simple Pendulum (Acceleration AI
due to gravity)

5 Principles of Moments (Weight of AI

an Object)

6 Energy conversion ORR

7 Hooke's Law: Spring Constant ORR Kingston College Physics Department

8 Archimedes Principle P&D 015-2016
9 Personal Power: P & D P&D

10 Personal Power: Implementation AI

11 Planning & Design Lab P&D

12 Gas Laws: Boyle's Law AI

13 Heat-Cooling Curve of ORR

Naphthalene
EXPERIMENT #01
Title: MECHANICS -- MEASUREMENT AND MEASURING INSTRUMENTS (b) IRREGULAR SHAPED

AIM: TO FIND THE DENSITY OF OBJECTS APPARATUS: Small solid irregular shape (stone), beam balance, measuring
cylinder, water
Density: (a) Regular Shape
(b) Irregular Shape PROCEDURE: Use beam balance to find mass of solid (m).
(c) Disc Object
Record volume of cylinder half filled with water (V1).
(a) REGULAR SHAPE
Gently lower the solid into the water.
APPARATUS: Rectangular block of wood, beam balance, Vernier caliper.
Record new volume of water. (V2).
PROCEDURE: Use the beam balance to find the mass of the block.
OBSERVATION: Mass of solid m = _______ g = ________kg
Measure the dimensions of the block using the vernier caliper.
Volume without solid V1 = _______ cm3 =___________ m3
Record all observations.
Volume with solid V2 = _______ cm3 =___________ m3
OBSERVATIONS:
Volume of solid V = V2 – V1 = ______ cm3 =___________ m3
Mass of block, m = ______g =_________ kg
Density of solid, ρ (rho) = m / V= ______g cm-3 = ______ kg m -3
Dimensions of block

l = ______cm = ____________m
(c) DISC:
w = ______cm =____________m
APPARATUS: Small disc (coin), Vernier caliper, micrometer screw gauge
h = ______cm= ____________m
PROCEDURE: Use beam balance to find mass of disc.
Volume of block V=lxwxh = _______cm3 = ____________m3
Use the caliper to measure the diameter of the coin. Repeat measurement
Density of regular object, ρ (rho) = mass / volume to get a second reading.

= _______g cm -3 = ________kg m-3 Use the micrometer screw-gauge to measure the thickness.
 EXPERIMENT # 02

OBSERVATION: TITLE: MECHANICS - CENTRE OF GRAVITY

Mass of disc, m = _____ g = ________ kg Aim: TO FIND THE POSITION OF CENTRE OF GRAVITY OF A LAMINA

Diameter of disc d1 = _____ cm = _________ m Theory: Define the term Centre of gravity.

Repeat d2 = _____ cm = _________m How does the location of centre of gravity affect the stability of an object?

Avg. diameter d = (d2 + d1) / 2 = _______cm = ________m Apparatus: Sheet of lamina, pin, cork, retort stand, string, plasticine

Radius of disc = Avg. diameter / 2 = _______ cm = ______m Diagram:

Thickness t1 = _____mm = _____m

Repeat t2 = ____mm = ______m

Average thickness t = (t2 + t1) / 2 = ______m

Volume of disc V = π x r2 x t

V = _____ cm3 = ______m3

Density (D) = Mass (m) / Volume (v) = _____gcm-3 = ______ Kgm-3

Procedure A: Make three (3) holes in the lamina, close to the edge and equal distances

Precautions: State at least 2 precautions taken to reduce errors. apart using the pin.

Label the holes A, B and C.

Discussion: What do the results reveal about the objects? Tie plumb line to the pin and insert the pin into hole A on lamina, then
insert it into the cork that is mounted on the stand.
Why were the precautions taken?
Ensure the lamina swings freely.

Allow the plumb line to come to rest against lamina.

Conclusion: State the results of density for each object.
 Mark position of plumb line, A (pin) to A' (near end point on lamina).

Repeat for the two other positions on the lamina B & B', C & C'.

Remove lamina from retort stand and draw lines to connect A to A', B to

B' and C to C'.

Precautions: List at least 2 precautions taken to reduce errors.

Discussion: Where is the centre of gravity located on the lamina?

Why must the lamina swing freely?

If the lines do not intersect what does this mean?

If an object is to stand and not tip over, where must the centre of gravity

be?

Conclusion: State where on the lamina the centre of gravity is located.

EXPERIMENT # 03 Change the length of the pendulum and repeat the procedure.

TITLE: MECHANICS – THE SIMPLE PENDULUM Vary length between 10 and 80 cm.

AIM: TO INVESTIGATE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LENGTH AND Plot a graph of L vs T2.

PERIOD OF A PENDULUM

THEORY: What is the period of a pendulum? VARIABLES: Manipulated variable: _________________

What factor affects the period of a simple pendulum? Responding variable: _________________

APPARATUS: Pendulum, ruler, timer/stopwatch, retort stand OBSERVATION: Tabulate the results

DIAGRAM: Length, Time for 20 Time for 20 Average time Period, Periodic
l (cm) oscillations in sec oscillations in for 20 T/s time
(1) sec (2) oscillations in squared,
sec T2/s2

80

70

60

50

40
PROCEDURE: Set length of pendulum to 80 cm, ensure ruler is vertical.
30
Set the pendulum oscillating with small amplitude in one plane.

Using the countdown method and timing from a mid-reference line,

find the time, t1, taken for 20 oscillations.

Precautions: List the precautions you should take when measuring the length and
Repeat the timing (t2) to acquire a second reading.
period of the pendulum.
 EXPERIMENT # 04

Discussion: What does the shape of the graph tell about the relationship between AIM: TO FIND ACCELERATION DUE TO GRAVITY USING THE SIMPLE
PENDULUM
length and period of pendulum?
APPARATUS: Same as Exp. # 03.
Why were the precautions taken?
DIAGRAM: Same as Exp. #03.

PROCEDURE: Same as Exp. # 03

Conclusion: State the relationship between length and period of pendulum.
VARIABLES: Same as Exp. # 03

OBSERVATION: Same as Exp. # 03

CALCULATIONS: Plot a graph Period squared (T2 /s2) vs length (L/cm) then
calculate the gradient of the graph, S
2
Given g = 4 /100 S, calculate g.
DISCUSSION:

1. From analysis of the table is T2 proportional to L?

2. Use your graph to find the period when the length is 35 cm.
3. What is the value obtained for the gradient of the graph?
2
4. Using g = 4 /100 S, what is the value obtained for acceleration
due to gravity?
5. What can you conclude about the relationship between L and T2?
6. Write an equation relating T2 to L.
PRECATIONS: List no less than two precautions.

CONCLUSION: State the value obtained for acceleration due to gravity.

EXPERIMENT # 05

TITLE: MECHANICS - THE PRINCIPLE OF MOMENTS

AIM: TO FIND THE WEIGHT OF AN OBECT USING THE

PRINCIPLE OF MOMENTS

THEORY: What is the moment of a force?

PROCEDURE: Place the metre rule into the overhead suspension point (pivot)
How do we decide if a moment is clockwise or anti-clockwise?
and adjust until the metre rule balances.
What does the principle of moments state? Write the formula
associated with the principle as well. Record the position of the centre of gravity.

If the mass is in grams and the weight is in Newton, what factor do Hang two (2) slotted masses from the small loop
we need to multiply the mass by to convert it to weight?
fitted on the ruler.
APPARATUS: Slotted masses, metre rule, retort stand, stone
Set the stone at a fixed distance from the pivot and slide
DIAGRAM:
the slotted mass along the ruler until balanced.

Record the values for d1, and d2.

Repeat to get at least six pairs of values.

DATA COLLECTED: Record your data in a suitable table

CALCULATION: By the principles of moments,

Stone
W of the stone x d2 = W of 50 g mass x d1

Calculate the mass of the stone.

DATA ANALYSIS: Plot a graph of d1 vs d2 and calculate the gradient.

 Discuss whether or not the data collected verifies the principle of

moments.

PRECAUTIONS: State two (2) precautions taken.

CONCLUSION: State the weight of the stone obtained.

EXPERIMENT # 06 PROCEDURE: Arrange retort stand with the ruler close to the spiral spring.

TITLE: MECHANICS: HOOKE’S LAW Attach a pointer to the spring and read a zero scale before being stretched.

AIM: INVESTIGATE HOOKE'S LAW USING A STRETCHED Hang the slotted mass hanger to end of spring and record the reading l0

SPIRAL SPRING Continuously add masses, m, and each time record the pointer position l1 (loading).

THEORY: What does Hooke’s law state? Obtain at least 8 readings for l1.

Is it valid for all materials? Remove the masses in the same order and re-check, the pointer position l2 (unloading).

What is the difference between mass and weight?

What are their standard units?

How do we convert mass to weight?

What is the elastic limit?

What is a permanent set?

APPARATUS: Spiral spring, ruler, retort stand, clamp stand, slotted masses

DIAGRAM:
DATA COLLECTED: 7. Has the elastic limit been exceeded?

Tabulate results for m - mass added in grams 8. Identify two precautions you took in order to get good readings.

F – weight added in Newtons

l1 – pointer position loading PRECAUTIONS: List no less than two precautions.

l2 – pointer position unloading

e – extension CONCLUSION: Write a suitable conclusion based on the aim of the experiment.

Mass/kg g/Nkg-1 Weight/N L1/cm L2/cm Average Extension

L/cm e/cm

DISCUSSION: 1. Plot a graph of Force vs Extension

2. Find the gradient of graph.

3. What force produces an extension of 1.3 cm?

4. Is F proportional to e? Justify your answer.

5. Does your system obey Hooke’s law?

6. What would one expect to see in l1 and l2 if the

spring had a permanent set?

EXPERIMENT # 07 Repeat several times and then record the most reoccurring rebound height (Hr) along
with the release height (Ho).
TITLE: MECHANICS – ENERGY CONVERSION
Repeat the experiment changing the release height to obtain six sets of values for Ho
AIM: TO INVESTIGATE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN and H0 respectively.
HEIGHT OF RELEASE (Ho) AND HEIGHT OF REBOUND
(Hr) FOR A TENNIS BALL. [NOTE for each release height used, release the ball several times and record the
average rebound height.]
THEORY: State the principle of conservation of energy.
Plot a graph of Hr against Ho.
Explain the energy transformation that takes place when an object

falls.
VARIABLES: Manipulated variable:
APPARATUS: Table tennis ball, metre rule, retort stand and clamp
Responding variable:
DIAGRAM:
Controlled variable:

OBSERVATION: Tabulate your values for Ho and Hr.

Height of rebound

Height of release 1 2 Average Ratio Hr /Ho

Ho rebound height
Hr

PROCEDURE: Arrange the metre rule on the clamp with one end resting on the desk.

Hold the tennis ball approximately 80 cm above the bench (Ho) and release observing
the rebound height.
PRECAUTIONS: List no less than two precautions.

DISCUSSION:

What is the gradient of the graph?

What will be the height of rebound when the height of release is 200 cm? Show on the
graph.

Give a brief discussion of your observation.

What can you say about the relationship between Ho and Hr?

What can you say about the graph plotted?

CONCLUSION: Tell what relationship exists between the two variables.

 Record weight of the rubber bung in air.

EXPERIMENT # 08 Fill the Eureka can with water to spout level just before it spills.

AIM: TO INVESTIGATE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE Find and record the weight of the empty beaker in grams.

UPTHRUST AND THE WEIGHT OF FLUID DISPLACED

APPARATUS: Spring balance, rubber bung, beaker, Eureka can, water, wood Slowly submerge the rubber bung into the water and record

block, retort stand, beam balance the weight of rubber bung in the water.

THEORY: Define upthrust.

State the Archimedes principle. Record the weight of water in the beaker from the spill of the

Write an equation showing the relationship between upthrust, Eureka can.

apparent weight and weight in air.

DIAGRAM:

DATA COLLECTED:

Weight from spring balance with the rubber bung in air =_____N

Weight from spring balance of rubber bung in water = ______ N

Weight of beaker without water = ______ N

Weight of beaker with water = ______ N

Weight of water displaced = _______N

PROCEDURE: Hang spring balance from the retort stand to get the weight of the PRECAUTIONS: List no less than two precautions.

rubber bung in the air.

DISCUSSION: Account for the change in the weight (apparent weight) of the EXPERIMENT # 09

rubber bung in the water. PLAN and DESIGN EXPERIMENT

What did you observe about the weight of the fluid displaced and the (See how to write a PLAN and DESIGN EXPERIMENT)

apparent weight loss? TITLE: PERSONAL POWER

Explain floating and sinking in terms of the buoyancy law PROBLEM STATEMENT: Plan and design an experiment to evaluate your body's
power during physical activity. These activities are walking, running and jogging.
How is a submarine able to sink and rise to the surface?

EXPERIMENT # 10
CONCLUSION: What is the relationship between upthrust and weight of fluid
IMPLEMENTATION OF EXPERIMENT # 09
displaced?
For the implementation, you are required to carry out the experiment you have planned
in experiment 9 to garner results and evaluate these results.

(See how to write an IMPLEMENTATION)

EXPERIMENT # 11

PLAN and DESIGN EXPERIMENT

TITLE: Thermal Energy Transfer

PROBLEM STATEMENT: “All good absorbers are good emitters of thermal energy.”

Plan and design an experiment to test this theory.

EXPERIMENT # 12 Take six readings between 1 x 105 N/m2 to 2 x 105 N/m2.

TITLE: HYDROSTATICS – Gas laws Tabulate readings to construct graph of Volume vs 1/Pressure.
AIM: TO INVESTIGATE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN

PRESSURE AND VOLUME

THEORY: State Boyle’s law.

Write the formula associated with Boyle’s Law

APPARATUS: Boyle’s law apparatus, vacuum pump, Fortin's Barometer

DIAGRAM:

PROCEDURE: Attach pump to the gauge of the apparatus using a rubber tubing.

Using the vacuum pump, increase the height of the oil in the tube at

a rate of 0.1 x 105 N/m2 or 0.2 x 105 N/m2.

DATA COLLECTED: Table consist of V Volume, 1/Volume, P Pressure, 1/ Pressure DISCUSSION: [copy and complete the following]

When the pressure in the tube is raised by _____________, the initial ______________ of
V/cm3 P / (x 105 Pa) PxV 1/V (1/cm3) 1/P(1/ x 105 Pa)
the gas ______________by ________________. This verifies the principle that as pressure

_______________ the volume of gas will________________ provided that

_______________ remains________________.

CONCLUSION: State whether or not Boyle’s law was verified. Give a reason for your
answer.
ANALYSIS: 1) Calculate by graphical methods the gradient of the graph.

2) Identify the relationship between pressure and volume.

3) From the graph, determine:

a) the pressure of 5 cm3

b) the volume at 4 x 105 Pa

PRECAUTIONS: List at least two (2) precautions taken.

EXPERIMENT # 13 PROCEDURE: Fill a boiling tube with naphthalene until it is about quarter full.

TITLE: THERMAL PHYSICS AND THE KINETIC THEORY Half fill the beaker with water to be used as a water bath.

AIM: TO PLOT THE COOLING CURVE OF NAPHTHALENE Bring water to a boil then insert boiling tube containing

THEORY: Define latent heat. naphthalene and allow it to melt.

Describe what happens during a phase change. When the naphthalene melts to liquid state, insert the

Explain what happens to temperature during a phase change. thermometer.

APPARATUS: Boiling tube, thermometer, naphthalene, beaker, water, heater, Record the melting point of the naphthalene.

timer, retort stand Remove boiling tube from water and clamp it.

DIAGRAM: Start the stop watch and record the temperature for 0 minute.

Record the temperature of the naphthalene for every minute for

15 minutes.

Plot a graph of Temperature against Time.

On the graph, indicate the melting / freezing point of naphthalene.

OBSERVATION: Table format for time and temperature of cooling naphthalene.

Time elapsed / mins Temperature of naphthalene /oC

0
1
2

PRECAUTIONS: List two (2) precautions taken.

DISCUSSION: Why was a water bath used instead of direct heating?

If the melting point of the substance is above 100°C, what could

you replace the water bath with?

State clearly how this experiment could be improved.

What observation was made as the naphthalene solidified?

Explain.

What happened to the temperature after the naphthalene

solidified?

CONCLUSION: What can you conclude about the cooling of Naphthalene?