PHYSICS 𝟓𝟏𝟎/𝟑 PRACTICALS e.g. 45.00𝑔, 158.00𝑔 𝑜𝑟 40.

0𝑔,
34.0𝑔 𝑒𝑡𝑐
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
UNITS AND SYMBOLS
1. Metre rule
Measures length in cm to 𝟏𝒅𝒑  Units are stated using the right symbols.
e.g. 2.0 𝑐𝑚, 10.2 𝑐𝑚, 12.7 𝑐𝑚 etc  Abbreviation of units is not used e.g.
Unit for time is, (𝒔) NOT 𝑠𝑒𝑐
2. Vernier caliper.  Units named after Scientists are written
Measures length in cm to 2dps with capital letters. e.g. watts (W), joule
eg 2.62cm, 6.67cm etc (J) ampere (A).
 Units must be written in brackets e.g.
3. Micrometer screw gauge 𝑚(𝑘𝑔), 𝑡(𝑠), 𝐼(𝐴) 𝑒𝑡𝑐. NOT 𝑚/𝑘𝑔,
Measures length in mm 𝑡/𝑠, 𝐼/𝐴
eg 0.34mm, 0.67mm etc  Units of derived quantities are written
using Scientific notations e.g. m𝑠 −1
4. Stop clock NOT m/s, kg𝑚−3 NOT kg/𝑚3 , Ω
Measures time in seconds (𝑠) to 𝟏𝒅𝒑 NOT V/A.
e.g. 10.0𝑠 25.5𝑠, 16.0𝑠 17.5𝑠  𝒔𝒊𝒏, 𝒄𝒐𝒔, 𝒕𝒂𝒏, 𝒍𝒐𝒈 do not have units.
 Values of 𝒔𝒊𝒏, 𝒄𝒐𝒔, 𝒕𝒂𝒏, 𝒍𝒐𝒈, are
5. Stop watch written to 3 𝑑𝑝𝑠.
Measures time in seconds (𝑠) to 𝟐𝒅𝒑𝒔
e.g. 𝑠𝑖𝑛300 = 0.500
e.g 12.43𝑠, 20.92𝑠, 16.73 etc
𝑙𝑜𝑔2 = 0.301 𝑐𝑜𝑠300 = 0.866
6. Protractor SIGNIFICANT FIGURES
Measures angles in degrees ( o) to 𝟎𝒅𝒑𝒔
e.g. 100 , 240 , 290 etc. 1. All non - zero digits are significant. e.g.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
7. Ammeter 12.1 ℎ𝑎𝑠 3𝑠𝑓𝑠
Measures current in amperes (A) to 2471 ℎ𝑎𝑠 4𝑠𝑓𝑠
𝟐 𝒅𝒑𝒔 1.2 ℎ𝑎𝑠 2𝑠𝑓𝑠
The last decimal value is
0 𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟. 2. Zeros between non – Zero digits are
e.g 0.24𝐴, 1.40𝐴 , 2.20𝐴 𝑒𝑡𝑐 Significant e.g.
10.1 ℎ𝑎𝑠 3𝑠𝑓𝑠
8. Voltmeter 102 ℎ𝑎𝑠 3𝑠𝑓𝑠
Measures 𝑝. 𝑑 in volts (V) to 𝟐 𝒅𝒑𝒔. 100006 ℎ𝑎𝑠 5𝑠𝑓𝑠
The last decimal value is 2007 ℎ𝑎𝑠 4𝑠𝑓𝑠
0 𝑜𝑟 5. 𝑒𝑔 0.45𝑉, 1.20𝑉, 4.50𝑉,
4.20𝑉 𝑒𝑡𝑐 3. Zeros to the left of the first non - Zero
digits are not significant e.g.
9. Electronic beam balance. 0.12 ℎ𝑎𝑠 2𝑠𝑓𝑠
Measures mass in grams (g) to 0.00006 1𝑠𝑓𝑠
𝟏 𝒅𝒑 𝒐𝒓 𝟐𝒅𝒑𝒔. 0.0202 ℎ𝑎𝑠 3𝑠𝑓𝑠

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 = 24.2 𝑐𝑚 (1𝑑𝑝)
4. Zeros at the end of a number and at the
right of a 𝑑𝑝 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑛𝑡
4.0 ℎ𝑎𝑠 2𝑠𝑓𝑠 3. Addition and subtraction with another
4.000 ℎ𝑎𝑠 4𝑠𝑓𝑠 measured value
0.040 ℎ𝑎𝑠 2𝑠𝑓s Decimal places of a value with the least
number of decimal places are to be used e.g.
5. Zeros at the end of a number without a e.g 𝐼𝑓 𝑥 = 12.6𝑐𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 =
𝑑𝑝 in measured values and given values 20.24𝑐𝑚, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 ,
are significant
e.g. 100 ℎ𝑎𝑠 2𝑠𝑓𝑠 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 12.6(1𝑑𝑝) + 20.24(2𝑑𝑝𝑠)
400 ℎ𝑎𝑠 2𝑠𝑓𝑠
400𝑔 ℎ𝑎𝑠 3𝑠𝑓𝑠 = 32.84 (𝑐𝑎𝑙)

= 32.8 (1𝑑𝑝)
GENERAL GUIDELINES
4. Division and multiplication with
Float: another measured value.
A float is a constant or whole number which is Significant figures of the value with the least
not measured and therefore has an infinite number of significant figures are to be used.
number of decimal places (dps) and infinite
number of significant (sfs). e.g 𝜋, 2, 10, 20 𝑒𝑡𝑐 e.g.

1. Division and multiplication with a 5.21(3𝑠𝑓𝑠) × 4.6 (2𝑠𝑓𝑠) = 23.966 (𝑐𝑎𝑙)

float.
= 24(2𝑠𝑓𝑠)
Significant figures of a measured value are to be
0.0463(3𝑠𝑓𝑠)
used. e.g. = 0.016535714(𝑐𝑎𝑙)
2.8 (2𝑠𝑓𝑠)

If 𝑡 = 14.2𝑠 and n=20 If 𝐼 = 2.46𝐴, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 = 0.017 (2𝑠𝑓𝑠)

𝑡 1 1
𝑇 =
20
=
𝐼 2.46 ( 3𝑠𝑓𝑠) RECORDING MEASUREMENTS
14.2 ( 3𝑠𝑓𝑠)
= 20 (𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑡)
= 0.406504065 (𝑐𝑎𝑙) 1. Single measurements:

= 0.71 ( 𝑐𝑎𝑙 ) = 0.407𝐴−1 (3𝑠𝑓𝑠) (a). To be measured once.

= 0.710𝑠 (3𝑠𝑓𝑠) These are recorded once outside the table of
values
2. Addition and subtraction with a float  mass of the metre rule
 𝑒. 𝑚. 𝑓 of the cell
Decimal values of a measured value are to
 Focal length etc.
used.e.g. If 𝑥 = 14.2𝑐𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 10 +
 Centre of gravity
𝑥 𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑠;
 Room temperature
10 + 𝑥 = 10 + 14.2( 1𝑑𝑝)
Note; take note of dictating questions e.g.
= 24.2 (𝑐𝑎𝑙) recording in 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠

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(b). To be recorded three times  They are recorded as they are provided in
their order in the question.
 Width/Breadth
 Diameter MEASURED VALUES
 Thickness  They are determined using an instrument
 Length eg of a glass block  They are recorded to the degree of accuracy
Take note of the degree of accuracy of the of the instrument.
instruments used.
Show the working when getting the average. CALCULATED VALUES
Values should be recorded in a logical way eg for  They are obtained using a formula
thickness, 𝑡  The equations are not included in the table
𝑡1 = 6.67𝑐𝑚 of values
𝑡2 = 6.67𝑐𝑚
𝑡3 = 6.67𝑐𝑚 CALCULATED VALUES
Then;  Obtained using a formula
𝑡=
6.67+6.67+6.67
, 𝒕 = 𝟔. 𝟔𝟕𝒄𝒎  Equations are not included in the table of
3
values
OR
𝑡1 (𝑐𝑚) 𝑡2 (𝑐𝑚) 𝑡3 (𝑐𝑚)
FILLING TABLE OF RESULTS
6.67 6.67 6.67
A table of results should be
2. Repeated measurements.
(a) Columnar
Take note of changing quantities e.g. extension, (b) Closed
angles, current, voltage etc.
A table must be filled using a pen
These are recorded in the main table of values
Examples
RECORDING IN THE MAIN TABLE OF
RESULTS (a) Modal table

The main table of results should be columnar Given Measured Calculated Division Log, sin,
Each column should have a heading with units values values (addition or and cos, and
written in brackets subtraction) multiplic tan
ation
Take note of units which are names of people. Appear are Accuracy 𝑑𝑝𝑠 of the First All values
The table should be self-explanatory. they are of the number with entry use written to
The main table of results has only values of given instrument smallest 𝑠𝑓𝑠 and 3 𝑑𝑝𝑠
changing quantities. These are categorized as; number of maintain
𝑑𝑝𝑠 is to be same
1. Given values used 𝑑𝑝𝑠
2. Measured values
3. Calculated values
Note

GIVEN VALUES Uniformity in the table of values is based on 𝑑𝑝𝑠

 These are provided in the procedures
 They are recorded in the first column

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 𝑹(Ω) 𝑰(𝑨) 𝟏 −𝟏 = 0.5
(𝑨 )
𝑰 = 0.575 (4.6 ÷ 8.0)
(2 𝑠𝑓𝑠) (2 𝑠𝑓𝑠)
1 1.50 0.667 𝑡 = time for oscillations
2 0.75 1.333 𝒍(𝒎) 𝒕(𝒔) 𝑻(𝒔) 𝑻𝟐 (𝒔𝟐 )
3 0.50 2.000 0.900 37.0 1.85 3.42
4 0.30 3.333 0.800 36.0 1.80 3.24
5 0.25 4.000
0.700 34.5 1.73 2.99

0.600 32.0 1.60 2.56

Largest value of 𝑰(𝟏. 𝟓𝟎) gives the number of
0.500 29.5 1.48 2.19
𝟏
𝑠𝑓𝑠 for the first entry in
𝑰 0.400 26.0 1.30 1.69
𝐼 = 1.50 (3 𝑠𝑓𝑠)
0.300 23.0 1.15 1.32
1 1
= = 0.666666666666 (𝑐𝑎𝑙)
𝐼 1.50 (3 𝑠𝑓𝑠)
𝑡
𝑇=𝑛 𝑇2 = 𝑇 × 𝑇
= 0.667(3 𝑠𝑓𝑠)
𝑥 37.0 (3 𝑠𝑓𝑠)
𝑖(0 ) 𝑥(𝑐𝑚) 𝑦(𝑐𝑚) sin 𝑖 =
20
= 1.85(3𝑠𝑓𝑠) × 1.85(3𝑠𝑓𝑠)
𝑦
= 1.85 (3𝑠𝑓𝑠) = 3.42(3𝑠𝑓𝑠)
10 1.0 6.6 0.15 0.174
𝑢(𝑐𝑚) 𝑣(𝑐𝑚) 𝑣 1 1 (𝑢 + 𝑣)(𝑐𝑚)
20 1.5 6.7 0.22 0.342
𝑢 (𝑐𝑚−1 ) (𝑐𝑚−1 )
𝑢 𝑣
30 2.4 7.0 0.34 0.500
15.0 30.0 2.00 0.0667 0.0333 45.0
40 3.2 7.4 0.43 0.643
20.0 20.0 1.00 0.0500 0.0500 40.0
50 3.8 7.6 0.50 0.766
25.0 16.7 0.67 0.0400 0.0599 31.7
60 4.6 8.0 0.58 0.866
30.0 15.0 0.50 0.0300 0.0667 45.0
2 𝑑𝑝𝑠
3 𝑑𝑝𝑠 35.0 14.0 0.40 0.0286 0.0714 50.0
𝑥
= 0.15151515 40.0 13.3 0.33 0.0250 0.0752 53.3
𝑦

= 0.22388 2𝑑𝑝𝑠 4𝑑𝑝𝑠 4𝑑𝑝𝑠 1𝑑𝑝

= 0.34286

= 0.43243

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 𝑣 30.0(3𝑠𝑓𝑠) 1 1 1 1 2.8086
= 15.0(3𝑠𝑓𝑠) = 40.0(3𝑠𝑓𝑠) = 30.0(3𝑠𝑓𝑠)
𝑢 𝑢 𝑣
3.0625
2 = 0.0250(3𝑠𝑓𝑠) = 0.0333(3𝑠𝑓𝑠)
3.5616 (4.2(2𝑠𝑓𝑠) × 0.848(3𝑠𝑓𝑠)
1
= 3.6 (2𝑠𝑓𝑠)
0.668
PLOTTING GRAPHS
0.5
(a) Title
0.4  Clearly written at the top of the graph in
one line
0.3325  Units should not be included in the title
Largest Quotient  Example
 A graph of 𝑽 against 𝑰
Note  A graph of 𝑻𝟐 against 𝑳

For any change of units, the constant is

regarded a float and the rule of significant (b) Axes
figures is followed  Drawn perpendicular to each other with
arrows
 Axes must be clearly labeled with
quantities with units
𝑖(0 ) 𝑟(𝑜 ) 𝑥(𝑐𝑚) sin 𝑖 cos 𝑟 𝑥𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑟 (𝑐𝑚)

10 8 1.0 0.174 0.990 1.0 𝑉(𝑉)

20 12 1.4 0.342 0.978 1.4

30 18 2.2 0.500 0.951 2.1

𝐼(𝐴)
40 25 3.1 0.643 0.906 2.8

50 29 3.5 0.766 0.875 3.1 𝑚(𝑘𝑔)

60 32 4.2 0.866 0.848 3.6

Largest product
𝑒(𝑚)
𝑥 cos 𝑟 = 0.99

1.3692 (c) Scale

2.0922  Scale must be uniform

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  It should be at least 50% of the graph  While plotting we use the number of small
paper provided divisions.
 Should be suitable and convenient
(g) Line of best fit
A convenient scale is a multiple or a sub multiple  Moves in the trend of plotted points
of 𝟏, 𝟐, 𝟐. 𝟓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝟓  Passes in most of the plotted points leaving
almost equal number of points on either side
e.g. if any

𝟏𝟎𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟎, 𝟐𝟓𝟎, 𝟓𝟎𝟎

𝟏𝟎, 𝟐𝟎, 𝟐𝟓, 𝟓𝟎

𝟏, 𝟐, 𝟐. 𝟓, 𝟓

𝟎. 𝟏, 𝟎. 𝟐, 𝟎. 𝟐𝟓, 𝟎. 𝟓

𝟎. 𝟎𝟏, 𝟎. 𝟎𝟐, 𝟎. 𝟎𝟐𝟓, 𝟎. 𝟎𝟓

(h) Slope
𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟏, 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟐, 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟐𝟓, 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟓  Draw a right angled triangle which
covers all plotted points on the graph.
Obtain the scale of one small division on each
Don’t use dotted lines
axis
 Values are read and transferred directly
(d) Starting values from the axes
 A graph should have starting values on all  Units of the slope are derived from the
axes axes
 Starting values should be multiples of the  E.g.
scale used on that axis  A graph of 𝑇 2 against 𝑚
 Using a calculator ( press
𝟎 then press = 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑇 2 (𝑠 2 )
Units of the slope =
then press + 𝒃𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒐𝒏 then scale) then 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑚 (𝑘𝑔)

continuously press = until a value just less

= 𝑠 2 𝑘𝑔−1 (But not 𝒌𝒈−𝟏 𝒔𝟐 )
than the smallest value in the column is
(i) Calculations
obtained
 We follow rules of 𝑑𝑝𝑠 and 𝑠𝑓𝑠 in all
calculation
(e) Intercept
 Is a value of a quantity for which another
Exercises
quantity is zero
 For a vertical intercept, the horizontal axis Instructions
must start from zero
 For a horizontal intercept, the vertical axis Complete the following tables and plot the
must start from zero corresponding graphs
 Written to same 𝑑𝑝𝑠 as on the axis
1.
Let 𝑡 = time for 20 oscillations
(f) Plotting

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 ℎ(𝑚) 𝑡(𝑠) 𝑙(𝑚) 𝑡(𝑠)

0.100 44.5 0.900 37.0 𝑡 = time for 20

oscilations
0.200 43.0 0.800 36.0 (a) Complete the
table including values
0.300 41.0 0.700 34.5
of 𝑇 and 𝑇 2
0.400 39.0 0.600 32.0 (b) Plot a graph of
2
𝑇 against ℎ
0.500 36.5 0.500 29.5 (c) Find the slope, 𝑆
of the graph
0.600 34.5 0.400 26.0 (d) Calculate the
value of acceleration
(a) Complete the table including values 0.300 23.0
due to gravity, 𝑔,
of 𝑇 and 𝑇 2
4𝜋2
(b) Plot a graph of 𝑇 2 against 𝑙 from 𝑔 =−
𝑆
(take 𝜋 = 3.14)
𝑙(𝑐𝑚) 𝑉(𝑉)

10.0 1.40 3.

20.0 1.25
𝑖(0 ) 𝑥(𝑐𝑚) 𝑦(𝑐𝑚)
30.0 1.10
10 1.0 6.6
40.0 1.00
20 1.5 6.7
50.0 0.90
30 2.4 7.0
60.0 0.85
(a) Plot a 40 3.2 7.4
70.0 0.75 graph of 𝑉
50 3.8 7.6
against 𝑙
80.0 0.70 (b) Find the 60 4.6 8.0
intercept 𝑉0
on the 𝑉 − axis (a) Complete the table including values
𝑥
of and sin 𝑖, cos 𝑖
2. 𝑦
𝑥
(b) Plot a graph of sin 𝑖 against of
𝑦
(c) Find the slope, 𝑛 of the graph

(a) Complete the table including values

1 𝑉
of , and 𝐼𝑉
𝐼 𝐼

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 1 𝑉
(b) Plot a graph of 𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡 𝑥(𝑚) 𝐼(𝐴) 𝑉(𝑉)
𝐼 𝐼
0.200 0.64 1.65
4.
𝑖(0 ) 𝑟(0 ) 0.300 0.56 1.90

17 27 0.400 0.44 2.05

23 39 0.500 0.34 2.10

28 48 0.600 0.26 2.25

32 57

36 69
(a) Plot a
41 77
graph of 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑖
against 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑟
(b) Determine the slope 𝑆 of the graph
(c) Calculate 𝑛 from the expression
1
1 2
𝑛= (− 𝑆)

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