Physics Practicals 1

Question 1

Measuring acceleration

Answer 1

• IV-> masses on trolley
• DV-> measuring acceleration
• CV-> time, length of string, trolley

1. Measure mass of trolley
2. Set up equipment
3. Add masses
4. Position metre ruler on ramp. Mark 20cm with tape
5. Let go of trolley & record time it takes for trolley to travel length of metre ruler & time to travel final 20cm.
6. Calculate trolleys acceleration. Repeat with different masses

Question 2

Measure frequency, wavelength, speed of waves in water

Answer 2

1. Set up ripple tank
2. Add current so u can see wavefronts clearly
3. Count amount of waves formed in 10s . Repeat 3 times & use mean to calculate the frequency
4. Mark 2 points on ripple tank & measure distance. Time how long it takes for wave to go to 1 mark to other
5. Calculate wave speed

Question 3

Measure frequency, wavelength, speed of sound waves in a solid

Answer 3

1. Suspend metal rod & set up equipment
2. Hit one end of rod with hammer
3. Hold frequency app near the rod & note peak of frequency
4. Measure length of rod
5. Calculate wave speed

Question 4

Reflection of light on glass block

Answer 4

1. Place paper on desk. Set up equipment
2. Turn on power supply & add slit so a ray of light is shining on paper
3. Place glass block on paper & draw around block
4. Shine ray of light into block. Use small crosses to mark where the light rays go
5. Take block off paper. Use ruler to join crosses where the light entered & left to show where it travelled inside block
6. Measure angle of incidence & refraction