Core Practicals In Paper 1

Question 1

Explain the investigating acceleration practical

Answer 1

You place a ramp on a table and a trolley on the ramp. Two light gates are set up and the card attached to the trolley will go through them. Masses are attached to the end of the trolley and they are changed to investigate how different weights change the speed of the trolley

Question 2

Explain the investigating waves on water experiment

Answer 2

Place a straight dipper at one end of the ripple tank, and fasten rulers on the adjacent sides so you can see the markings. Measure the frequency of the waves and estimate their wavelengths using the ruler to figure out their speed

Question 3

What is another way to measure wave speed in this investigation

Answer 3

Mark two points on the same ruler and measure the distance. Time how long it takes for one wave to pass between the points

Question 4

Explain the investigating waves in a solid experiment

Answer 4

Suspend a metal rod horizontally using clamps and rubber bands. Hit is with a hammer at one end and use a frequency app to measure its peak frequency. The wavelength will be double the length of the rod so use these two values to calculate wave speed

Question 5

Explain the investigating refraction practical

Answer 5

Plain paper, power supply and a single slit ray box. Place the rectangular glass box on the paper on the paper and draw round it. Draw crosses to show the path of the light and where it enters/leaves the block. Remove the block and join up the crosses. Measure angles of incidence and refraction then repeat.

Question 6

Explain the investigating radiation practical

Answer 6

Cover 4 boiling tubes with different coloured materials, and pour the same volume of boiling water into each. Insert a bung and thermometer into each. Record starting temp and start a stopwatch. Record the temp of each tube every 2 minutes for 20 minutes.