PHYSICS ACTIVITIES

2023 – 24

TH
CLASS – 12
CBSE
ACTIVITY – 1
TO MEASURE RESISTANCE, VOLTAGE, CURRENT AND CHECK CONTINUITY OF
A GIVEN CIRCUIT USING MULTI-METER.
Aim
To measure resistance, voltage (AC/DC), current (AC) and check continuity of a given circuit
using multi-meter.
Apparatus and material

Apparatus. Three carbon resistors, one standard resistance coil, a battery eliminator
with tapping (2 V, 4 V and 6 V), a step down transformer (6-0-6 V) with two tapping
(2 V and 4 V), a resistor of 100 ohm, a plug key and multimeter.

Theory
Multimeter. It is a single measuring device acting as an Ammeter, a Voltmeter and
an Ohmmeter. For this reason, it is also called AVO meter.
It can measure alternating as well as direct current and alternating as well as direct
voltage in addition to resistance. For this purpose its panel is divided into five
different sections. There are many ranges in each section so that it can measure
from micro (10-6) to mega (106) units. Rotation of a knob changes the section and the
range in one section.
— Rotation of knob for change in ammeter range, brings shunt resistances of
different values in circuit in parallel with the coil.
— Rotation of knob for change in voltmeter range, brings series resistances of
different values in circuit in series with the coil.
— Rotation of knob for change in ohmmeter range, brings different resistances in
circuit in series with the multimeter cell.

1. Carbon resistors are frequently used in electrical and electronic circuits and
their values vary over a very wide range. A colour code is used to indicate the
value of the resistance.

2. A carbon resistance has four different concentric coloured ringe or bands on

its surface. The first three bands a, b and c determine the value of the
resistance and the fourth band d gives the percentage of accuracy called
tolerance. The resistance of carbon resistor R = (ab x 10c ± T %) Ω.
 3. To read the value of carbon resistance, the following sentence is found to be
of much more helpful.

4. The following table provides the colour code for the carbon resistors :

Procedure

1. Mark the given carbon resistors as R1,R2, R3.

2. Note the colour of first, second, third and fourth ring for each resistor.
3. Plug in the probes of the multimeter in appropriate terminals. Select the
appropriate range, short the other ends of probes and adjust zero. Turn the
terminal marked ‘Adjust’ such that the needle of the meter shows full scale
deflection and reads zero ohm.
4. Separate the metallic ends of the probes. Insert the resistor R1 to be
measured in between the metallic ends of the two probes and read the
deflection of the pointer on the range selected.
5. Repeat the step 4 for other resistors R2and R3 each time selecting the
appropriate range and testing the zero.
 6. Now convert using the colour code table, the values of resistors in ohms and
write their values with tolerance.

(b) D.C. Voltage

1. Select a D.C. source of potential difference, 6 V battery eliminator or a

battery.
2. Plug the probes black in com and red in +.
3. Select D.C. volt, by turning the selector switch to range 10 V D.C. volts,
4. Touch and press other ends of probes such that red is on battery terminal
marked + and black on and not the reading.
5. Insert red probe in terminals marked 4 V, 2 V in succession and note
readings.

(c) A.C. Volts

1. Turn the selector A.C. (200 Volt).

2. Touch and press the probes other ends to two terminals of A.C. source of
potential
drop and note the reading.
3. Use red probe in terminals 4 V and 2 V in succession and record the reading.

(d) Continuity of given circuit

1. Set the selector switch to ohm, range MΩ.

2. Touch and press the ends of probes at A and B, full scale deflection indicates
continuity.
3. Similarly check in succession the continuity between terminals B and C and
terminals C and D.
Never place the probes ends between terminals connected with the terminals
of the battery.
In digital electronic multimeter for continuity test rotor is set to mark 0 and a
buzzer , sounds when probes are connected to ends of components tested.

Observations
(a) For Measurement of Resistance :
(b) Measurement of Voltage:

Inference

1. The measured values by multimeter match with decoded values of resistors.

2. A.C. and D.C. voltages marked on voltage sources match with voltage
measured by multimeter.

Precautions

1. Instructions for handling the multimeter should be gone through thoroughly as

it is a very handy instrument and is likely to get damaged if carelessly or
ignorantly used.
2. Select the appropriate parameter current, voltage or resistance to the
measured and set it on appropriate range.
3. If range of the parameter measured is not known, start with maximum. For
measuring V, never connect more than maximum 600 V.
ACTIVITY – 2
To Assemble the Components of a Given Electrical Circuit

Aim

To assemble the components of a given electrical circuit.

Apparatus and material

• Apparatus: A voltmeter and an ammeter of appropriate range, a battery, a

rheostat, one way key.
• Material: An unknown resistance or resistance coil, connecting wires, a piece
of sand paper.

Diagram

Procedure

1. Connect the components (Resistors, inductors etc.) in series with each other
as shown in diagram and then in series with the battery.
2. Connect the ammeter in series with the circuit, to measure the current.
3. Connect the voltmeter in parallel to the resistor, to measure the potential
difference.
4. Connect the switch in series with the battery.
5. Assembly of the electrical components in electric circuit is complete.

Utility

It is used for measuring an unknown resistance

ACTIVITY – 3
To Draw the Diagram of a Given Open Circuit Comprising at Least a
Battery, Resistor/Rheostat, Key, Ammeter and Voltmeter. Mark the
Components that are not Connected in Proper Order and Correct the
Circuit and Also the Circuit Diagram

Aim
To draw the diagram of a given open circuit comprising at least a battery,
resistor/rheostat, key, ammeter and voltmeter. Mark the components that are not
connected in proper order and correct the circuit and also the circuit diagram.

Apparatus and material

A battery eliminator or a battery (0 to 6 V), rheostat, resistance box (0 to 100 £2),
two- or one-way key. D.C. ammeter (0-3) A and a D.C. voltmeter (0-3) V.

Theory
An open circuit is the combination of primary components of electric circuit in a such
a manner that on closing the circuit no current is drawn from the battery.
Diagram

Procedure
Ammeter: It should be connected in series, with the battery eliminator.
Voltmeter: It should be connected in parallel to the resistor.
Rheostat: It should be connected in series (in place of resistance coil) with the
battery eliminator.
Resistance coil: It should be connected in parallel (in place of rheostat).
One way key: It should be connected in series to the battery eliminator.
Correct circuit diagram: (Components connected in proper order)
ACTIVITY – 4
To Identify a Diode, An LED, a Transistor, An IC, a Resistor & a Capacitor From
a Mixed Collection Of Such Items
Aim
To identify a diode, an LED, a transistor, an IC, a resistor and a capacitor from a mixed
collection of such items.

Apparatus and material

Apparatus: Multimeter.

Material: Above mixed collection of items.

Theory
For identification, appearance and working of each item will have to be considered.
1. A diode is a two terminal device. It conducts when forward biased and does not conduct
when reverse biased. It does not emit light while conducting. Hence, it does not glow.
2. A LED (light emitting diode) is also a two terminal device. It also conducts when forward
biased and does not conduct when reverse biased. It emits light while conducting. Hence, it
glow.
3. A transistor is a three terminal device. The terminals represent emitter (E), base (B) and
collector (C).
4. An IC (integrated circuit) is a multi-terminal device in form of a chip. [See figure (UM 3482
IC Tone Generator)]
5. A resistor is a two-terminal device. It conducts when either forward biased or reverse
biased. (Infact there is no forward or reverse bias for a resistor). It conducts even when
operated with A.C. voltage.
6. A capacitor is also a two-terminal device. It does not conduct when either forward biased
or reverse biased. When a capacitor is connected to a D.C. source, then multimeter shows
full scale current initially but it decay to zero quickly. It is because that initially a capacitor
draw a charge. The components to be identified are shown in figure.
Procedure
1. If the item has four or more terminals and has form of a chip, it is an IC (integrated
circuit).
2. If the item has three terminals, it is a transistor.
3. If the item has two terminals, it may be diode, a LED, a resistor or a capacitor. To
differentiate proceed as ahead.
4. Put the selector on resistance R of Multimeter for checking the continuity. The probe
metal ends are inserted in terminal marked on the Multimeter as common and P (or
+ ve).
If such that the black one is in common and red probe is in P (or + ve). On touching the two
ends of the device to the two other metal ends of probes.
1. If pointer moves when voltage is applied in one way and does not move when
reversed and there is no light emission, the item is a diode.
2. If pointer moves when voltage is applied in one way and does not move when
reversed and there is light emission, the item is a LED.
3. If pointer moves when voltage is applied in one way and also when reversed, the
item is a resistor.
4. If pointer does not move when voltage is applied in one way and also when reversed,
the item is a capacitor.

Observations
ACTIVITY – 5
To Observe Refraction & Lateral Deviation of a Beam of Light Incident
Obliquely on a Glass Slab
Aim
To observe refraction and lateral deviation of a beam of light incident obliquely on a glass
slab.

Apparatus
Glass slab, drawing board, white paper sheet, drawing pins, office pins, protractor.

Theory
When a ray of light (PQ) incident on the face AB of glass slab, then it bends towards the
normal since refraction takes place from rarer to denser medium. The refracted ray (QR)
travel along straight line and incident on face DC of slab and bends away from the normal
since refraction takes place from denser to rarer medium. The ray (RS) out through face DC
is called emergent ray. From the following diagram
1. The incident ray is parallel to the emergent ray i.e. i = e.
2. The emergent ray is laterally deviated from its original path (incident ray) by a distance
d = t sec r sin (i – r).

Diagram

Procedure
Fix a white paper sheet by drawing pins on a drawing board. Take a glass slab and put it
symmetrically in the middle of the paper and mark its boundary ABCD.
Draw a normal at point Q on face AB and draw a line PQ making an angle i with the normal.
PQ will represent an incident ray. Fix two pins at points 1 and 2 on the line PQ at distances
1 cm or more between themselves.
See images of these pins through face DC and fix two more pins at points 3 and 4 (1 cm or
more apart) such that these two pins cover the images of first two pins, all being along a
straight line.
Remove the glass slab. Draw straight line RS through points 3 and 4 to represent emergent
ray. Join QR to represent refracted ray.
Draw normal at point R on face DC and measure angle e. It comes to be equal to angle
i. Produce PQ forward to cut DC at T. Draw TU perpendicular to RS. TU measures
lateral displacement d.
ii. Now take another set for different angle of incident and measure the lateral
displacement.

Conclusions
1. Angle of incidence (i) = Angle of emergence (e).
2. The lateral displacement increases with the increase in the thickness of the slab.
3. The lateral displacement increases with the angle of incidence (i).
ACTIVITY – 6
To obtain a lens combination with the specified focal length by using two
lenses from the given set of lenses

Aim
To obtain a lens combination with the specified focal length by using two lenses from
the given set of lenses.

Apparatus and material

Apparatus. No particular apparatus is needed.
Material. A set of thin convex lenses, one of these is of given focal length (say 15
cm), (we have to select a second lens such that the combination gives a single lens
of focal length fc = 10 cm), lens holder with stand, a white painted vertical wooden
board with broad stand, half metre scale.

Theory

1. The reciprocal of focal length in metre is called power of lens in dioptre (D).

2. With a convex lens, the real image of a distant object is formed at a distance
equal to its focal length.
3. If f1 and f2 be the focal lengths of the two lenses and F be the focal length of
the combination.
Diagram

Procedure

1. Keep the white painted vertical wooden board to serve as a screen.

2. The convex lens (known focal length f1 = 15 cm), fixed into a holder stand is
put on the left of the screen. There are sunlight illuminated green trees at
large distance on the left of the lens.
3. The lens is moved towards and away from the screen till a sharp, inverted
image of
trees is formed on the screen.
4. Distance between central lines of the screen and holder stand is measured by
a half
metre scale.
5. The distance gives the focal length of the convex lens about 15 cm.
6. Replace first lens by second convex lens of required power and repeat the
steps from 2 to 5. This gives the focal length of second convex lens.
7. Now bring both lenses in contact and repeat the steps from 2 to 5. This gives
the
combined focal length.
8. Determine the focal length with other given lens. Determine the focal length of
about six of the convex lenses.

Calculations
Following combinations will be suitable.

Verification
The above combinations may be tried and result verified.

Precautions

1. Thin lenses should be taken.

2. Lenses should have same aperture.

Sources of error

1. Lenses may not be thin.

2. Lens apertures may not be same.