Required Practicals

Question 1

specific heat capacity practical (10)

Answer 1

• get a block of material with two holes in it for the heater and thermometer
• measure mass of the block
• wrap it in an insulating layer
• put in the thermometer and heater
• measure initial temperature of the block and set potential difference of the power supply to be 10v
• turn on power supply
• start stop watch
• take the temperature every minute
• turn off power supply after around 10 readings
• use the results to calculate the SHC

Question 2

IV characteristics practical (6)

Answer 2

• set up test circuit
• start to vary the variable resistor to alter the current flowing through the circuit
• take several pairs of readings from the ammeter and voltmeter to see how potential difference across the component varies as the current changes
• repeat each reading twice to get an average pd
• swap the wires connected to the cell so the direction of the current is reversed
• plot a graph of current against voltage for the component

Question 3

resistance practical (12)

Answer 3

• attach a crocodile clip to the wire, level with 0 cm on the ruler
• attach crocodile clip to the wire around 10 cm away from the first
• write down the length of the wire between the clips
• close the switch
• record the current and pd
• open the switch
• move the second crocodile clip another 10 cm
• close switch again
• record new length, current and pd
• repeat this for a number of different lengths
• calculate resistance
• plot a graph of resistance against wire length

Question 4

density of a solid object practical (6)

Answer 4

• measure solid’s mass with a top pan balance
• fill a eureka can to just below the spout with water
• place a measuring cylinder underneath the spout of eureka can
• any water displaced will be caught by the cylinder
• record the volume of water; this is the volume of the object
• use density formula to calculate the density

Question 5

density of a liquid practical (6)

Answer 5

• put a measuring cylinder on a balance that’s on zero
• pour 10ml of liquid and record it’s mass
• pour another 10ml and record it’s total volume and mass
• repeat until cylinder is full
• calculate the density for each measurement
• take an average