Required practicals

Question 1

Describe a method for investigating an objects specific heat capacity

Answer 1

1. If solid the object must have two holes in it (for the heater and thermometer).
2. Measure the mass of object, then wrap it in an insulating layer. Insert themometer and heater.
3. Measure initial temperature of the object and set PD of PSU to be 10V. Turn on PSU and start a stopwatch.
4. As block heats up use themometer to measure its temperature every min.
5. Once collected enough reading turn off PSU and calculate materials specific heat capacity.

Question 2

Describe a method on how current flowing through a component changes as PD accross it is increased

Answer 2

1. Set up test circuit shown.
2. Begin to vary variable resistor. This alters the current and PD across the component.
3. Take several pairs of readings from ammeter and voltmeter to see how PD across each component varies as current changes.
4. Swap over wires connceted to cell so direction of current is reversed.
5. Plot a graph of I against V for the component.

Question 3

Describe a method to investigate how the length of wire affects resistance

Answer 3

1. Attatch a crocodile clip to wire level with 0 cm on ruler
2. Attatch second crocodile clip to wire, e.g. 10cm way, take note of length between clips
3. Close switch and record current and pd across wire.
4. Open switch, then move second crocidle clip another 10cm. Close switch and record current and pd.
5. Repeat
6. Calculate resistance using R = V / I.