Practicals (Paper 2)

Question 1

What is the method for the practical investigating electrical circuits?

Answer 1

Set up a circuit so the current and potential difference across a filament lamp can be measured, adjust the variable resistor setting to obtain a number of different readings for current and potential difference

Question 2

What is the method for investigating the density of solids?

Answer 2

• Measure the mass of the solid using an electronic balance and record the mass
• Measure the volume of the solid using a displacement can to see how much liquid it displaces, the volume of liquid it displaces is equal to the volume of the object
• Calculate the density using the equation: density = mass / volume

Question 3

What us the method for investigating the density of liquids?

Answer 3

• Measure the mass of the liquid by zeroing the scales while the empty measuring cylinder is on the scales, then add the liquid and record the mass
• Measure the volume from the measuring cylinder and record it
• Use the equation density = mass / volume

Question 4

What is the method for investigating thermal properties of water?

Answer 4

• Put an electric heater in a beaker of water and connect it to a power supply, also place a thermometer in the beaker
• Record the current through the heater and the potential difference of the power supply
• Measure the temperature every 30 seconds for a certain amount of time, find the change in temperature

Question 5

What is the method for investigating extension of a spring?

Answer 5

• Attach a spring to a boss which is attached to a retort stand by a clamp
• Place a ruler vertically alongside the apparatus, add masses or weights and to the spring and collect extension values
• You can plot a graph of force against extension, also the gradient of the linear part of the force-extension graph gives you the spring constant