PHYSICS PRACTICAL

GRADE 10

2025
MAHATMA GANDHI INSTITUTE SECONDARY SCHOOL
 Experiment 1
Using the Micrometer Screw Gauge

Fig.1. The micrometer reads 8.90 mm

The micrometer must be checked for any zero error. Before placing the object to be measured
between the anvil and the spindle, turn the thimble until the anvil and the spindle meet. If the zero
on the thimble scale lies directly opposite the datum line of the main scale (Fig.2.), we say that
there is no zero error.

Fig.2. No Zero error

If the zero on the thimble scale does not lie directly opposite the datum line of the main scale as
in Fig.3. and Fig.4., then we say that the instrument has a zero error.

Case 1: Zero error = +ve

Fig.3., the zero error is + 0.03 mm, and all

measurements should be reduced by 0.03
mm. Then the value obtained from Fig.1. will
then become (8.90 – 0.03) mm = 8.87 mm
due to the zero error of +0.03 mm.
Fig.3.

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Case 2: Zero error = -ve

Fig.4., the zero error is - 0.03 mm, and all

measurements should be increased by 0.03
mm. Then the value obtained from Fig.1. will
then become (8.90 + 0.03) mm = 8.93 mm
due to the zero error of - 0.03 mm.
Fig.4.

In general, for a micrometer with zero error, the equation to obtain the corrected value is given
by:
Corrected value = reading – zero error

Exercise
(a) Determine the reading on the micrometer.

Reading = ……………. mm

(b) The following micrometers have zero errors as indicated in each case. Determine the
actual reading from each micrometer.

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Measurement of length
Apparatus Metre rule Marble short piece of thick wire
Micrometer small beaker (50 ml)
Procedure
(a) Examine the metre rule and check the its smallest reading.

Smallest reading (one division) = ……………...

(b) Measure the height of your seat/stool from the floor at 4 different positions. Find the
average height of your seat/stool.
Position 1 2 3 4
Height/cm

Average height = ……………... cm

(c) Examine the micrometer screw gauge and check its smallest reading. Check also for
any zero error.
Smallest reading (one thimble division) = ……………... mm
Zero error of micrometer screw gauge (if any) = ……………... mm

(d) Use the micrometer screw gauge to measure the diameters of the wire and marble at 3
different positions. Find the average diameter of the wire and marble.

Position Corrected diameter of wire/ mm Corrected diameter of marble/mm

1
2
3

Average diameter of wire = ……………... mm

Average diameter of Marble = ……………... mm

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 Experiment 2
To determine the density of an irregular Solid

Apparatus Measuring cylinder water Electronic Balance

String Irregular body tissue paper

Procedure
(a) Weigh the irregular body to determine its mass, M.
(b) Pour water into the measuring cylinder to about one-third of its depth. Note the volume
reading, V1.
(c) Tie the irregular body with a piece of string and lower it gently into the water. Note the
volume reading, V2.
(d) The volume of the irregular body, V is equal to V2 – V1.
(e) Remove the irregular body and dry it using tissue paper.
(f) Repeat step (b) twice with different values of V1 and obtain the corresponding values of
V2 and V2 – V1.

Record of readings
First attempt Second attempt Third attempt

V1/cm3

V2/cm3

(V2 -V1)/cm3

Average volume of irregular body, V = …………………. cm3

(g) Calculate the density of the irregular body using the formula
Density = mass/volume

Density = ………………….

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 Experiment 3

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 Experiment 4
In this experiment you will determine the acceleration due to gravity by the simple Pendulum
method
1.1 Theory:
l
The periodic time, T is given by the formula T  2 , where l is the length of the
g
pendulum.
1.2 Apparatus:
Thread, pendulum bob, retort stand, clamp, stop watch, metre rule
1.3 Diagram:

1.4 Procedure
1. One end of the thread is fixed to the pendulum bob. The other end is clamped firmly.
2. Initially the length is 100.0 cm. The pendulum bob is set into oscillation.
3. The time taken, t1 for n complete oscillations is noted. Another time t2 for n complete osc
is also noted.
4. The average value of time <t> is determined. Hence the periodic time is given by
T=<t>/n
5. The length, l is shortened and the experiment is repeated.
6. The values of l, t1, t2, <t>, T and T2 are recorded in a table.
7. A graph of T2/s2 (y-axis) against l/cm (x-axis) is plotted
8. From the graph, the gradient is calculated and hence g can be determined.
1.5 Table of results

No. of Osc, Length, l/cm Time for n osc Time period, T/s T2/s2
n t1/s t2/s <t>/s

100.0
90.0
80.0
70.0
60.0
50.0
40.0

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1.6 Calculation

Gradient = ………………………

Hence g= ………………………

1.7 Precautions
 The stopwatch must be started and stopped at the position O, since the bob moves
fastest at this position. (hence there is less reaction error)
 External factors such as wind must be avoided by doing the experiment in a closed
room.
 Repeat the experiment to minimize random error
 The eye must be placed perpendicular to the motion of the bob.
 A wide range of values of l must be taken
 Six or more set of readings must be taken to plot a graph
 The amplitude should be small as that the equation is obeyed
 When plotting the graph, the scale should be such that the whole graph paper is
used.

1.8 Comment
I. In the experiment, how does the period of oscillation vary as the length of the
pendulum increases?
II. Why must the pendulum swing through a small angle?
III. Suggest why the length l should be between 40.0 cm and 100.0 cm
IV. Explain how the period of oscillation would be affected if the mass of the bob is
increased?
V. Would the time period be affected if the experiment is repeated on moon?

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 Experiment 5
To verify Hooke’s law

Procedure
1. Hang a helical spring on a clamp as shown in the diagram below.
2. Place a metre rule in a vertical position close to the spring.
3. Fix a pointer horizontally at the lower end of the spring.
4. Record the reading, L, indicated by the pointer on the metre rule.
5. Hang 50 g mass on a mass hanger at the lower end of the spring as shown in the diagram
above.
6. Repeat procedure number 4.
7. Calculate the extension, e, produced by the 50 g mass.
8. Add another 50 g mass onto the hanger and record reading indicated by the pointer and
calculate the extension produced.
9. Repeat procedure number 8 until you obtain 5 further sets of readings. Tabulate the data in
the table below. Record the weight of the slotted masses used in each trial.
Table of Observations
S/N Mass/g Load/N L/cm e/cm Load/N
1 0
2 50
3 100
4 150
5 200
6 250
7 300

10. Plot a graph of extension against load, and draw the line of best fit.
11. Determine the gradient of the line and state its unit.
12. Hence, determine the value of the spring constant, k.

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 Experiment 6
To determine the position of the centre of mass of a triangular lamina
Apparatus Triangular card Plumb line Optical Pin
Retort stand with boss head and clamp cork

(a) Suspend the triangular lamina from the optical pin at the point labelled A.
(b) Suspend the plumbline from the pin and mark the position of the plumbline on the lamina.
(c) Repeat the procedure in (a) and (b) for the point labelled B.
(d) (i) Draw lines on the lamina representing the positions of the plumbline.
(ii) Explain how you ensured that the positions of the two lines were marked accurately.
(e) Label the intersections of the two lines as X. Measure and record the perpendicular distance
p from X to the longest side of the triangle.

Questions
1. Explain of how you ensured that the position of the two lines were marked accurately.
2. How would you check that X is the centre of mass of the lamina?

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 Experiment 7
To verify the Principle of Moments
Apparatus Metre rule with hole drilled at 50 cm mark
Retort stand with clamp and boss-head
Optical pin
50 g, 100 g masses
Plasticine
Thread and cork

Procedure
(a) Clamp the optical pin horizontally at an approximate height of 25 cm above the bench.
(b) Pivot the metre rule at the 50 cm mark. The metre rule must be able to rotate freely.
(c) Check whether the metre rule is able to balance horizontally. If not, add Plasticine to the rule
to balance it.
(d) By means of a loop, hang the mass m1 = 50 g on one side of the rule so that the distance =d1
from the 50 g mass to the pivot is 45.0 cm. Calculate the weight of the mass m1, W1 = m1g,
where g= 9.8 N kg-1.
(e) Balance the ruler horizontally by hanging the mass m2 = 100 g on the on the other side of the
rule. Measure the distance d2 from the 100 g mass to the pivot. Calculate the weight of mass
m2, where W2 = m2 g.
(f) Record W1 , d1, W2, d2 in the table below. Hence calculate the anti-clockwise moments given
by W1d1 and clockwise moments W2d2.
(g) Repeats steps (d) to (f) for other values of d1 = 40.0 cm, 35.0 cm, 30.0 cm, 25.0 cm and 20.0
cm.
(h) Plot a graph of d1 against d2 and determine its gradient,
W 1 = m1 g Distance W 2 = m2 g Distance Anti- clockwise
W1/N d1/cm W2/N d2/cm clockwise moment
moment
W1d1/ N cm W2d2/ N cm

Question: Why is the weight of the ruler not included in the calculation of moments?
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