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Physics Practical Exam Cheat Sheet PDF

This cheat sheet provides guidance for physics practical tests and exams in 3 sentences: It outlines how to properly set up graphs, including labeling axes, using sharp tools, and determining precision of instruments. Sources of random errors are discussed for various physics topics and how they may affect variables. The conclusion suggests how to describe linear and non-linear relationships between variables based on how one variable changes with respect to the other within experimental errors.

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Ah Beng Kia
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© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
2K views

Physics Practical Exam Cheat Sheet PDF

This cheat sheet provides guidance for physics practical tests and exams in 3 sentences: It outlines how to properly set up graphs, including labeling axes, using sharp tools, and determining precision of instruments. Sources of random errors are discussed for various physics topics and how they may affect variables. The conclusion suggests how to describe linear and non-linear relationships between variables based on how one variable changes with respect to the other within experimental errors.

Uploaded by

Ah Beng Kia
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Physics Practical Test/Exam Cheat Sheet

Tabulation Dependent
Heading: Symbols variable/s on
Use sharp pencil and ruler
of quantity/unit the right
Independent to draw borders/lines
variable on the left Use pen to write
Equal intervals for info for heading
independent variable and data

Correct number of decimal Take the average of Correct number of


places for raw data multiple readings (if significant figures for
applicable) processed data

Precision of instrument – Half the smallest division of the instrument scale.

Instrument Smallest Precision Examples


division
Metre rule / ruler 1 mm 1 mm (measured on both sides) 10 mm, 1.0 cm, 0.001 m
Thermometer 1°C 0.5°C 25.0°C, 25.5°C, 26.0°C
100ml measuring cylinder 1 ml 0.5 ml 9.5 ml, 10.0 ml, 10.5 ml
Spring balance 0.01 N 0.005 N 0.090 N, 0.095 N, 0.100 N
Protractor 1° 1° (measured on both sides) 9°, 10°, 11°
Electronic balance - Refer to digital readout Refer to digital readout
Digital stopwatch - 0.1 s (regardless of digital 9.0 s, 9.1 s, 9.2 s, 9.3 s,
readout) …… 9.9 s, 10.0 s

1
Graph Drawing and Analysis

Best-fit line

P / kPA Graph of P / kPa against V-1 / cm-3

Labelled axis with Best-fit line: Cuts through as


symbols of (x1, y1) many points as possible. Points
quantity / unit not cut must be equidistant from
line on both sides
Values on axis must be
written in equal intervals Calculation of gradient: Draw the
(every 2.0 cm or every broken triangle and label the
bold square on graph)) coordinates. m = (y2-y1)/(x2-x1)

Starting values of both Draw the broken lines to find out


axes need not be zero. (x2, y2) the unknown value of the axis
Start with a value that given the other axis value.
maximizes the graph size
V-1 / cm-3
Best-fit curve

P / kPA Graph of P / kPa against V / cm3


Labelled axis with Best-fit curve: Cuts through as
symbols of many points as possible. Points
quantity / unit not cut must be equidistant from
line on both sides
Values on axis must be
written in equal intervals (x1, y1) Calculation of gradient: Draw the
(every 2.0 cm or every tangent first before drawing the
bold square on graph) broken triangle and label the
coordinates. m = (y2-y1)/(x2-x1)
Starting values of both
Draw the broken lines to find out
axes need not be zero.
the unknown value of the axis
Start with a value that
(x2, y2) given the other axis value.
maximizes the graph size

V / cm3

2
Sources of Errors
- Random errors that cannot be eliminated and its magnitude varies and are not fixed.
- State the type of random errors and which variable will be affected and how it will be
affected.
Topics Types of random errors
General Physics 1) Non-uniformity of measured objects (i.e. marbles, ball bearings, etc).
2) Kinks and uneven straightening of the length of the object (i.e. wires, paper
clips, etc).
Mechanics 1) Tendency of oscillating pendulum to swing elliptically.
2) Elasticity of spring in newton balance not consistent.
3) Air resistance or viscous force acting against moving object.
Thermal 1) Loss of thermal energy to surrounding.
2) Gain of unwanted thermal energy from surrounding.
3) Introduction of unwanted water droplets into containers.
4) Non-uniform expansion of fluid in thermometer.
Optics 1) Perception of a sharp image on the screen varies among experimenter.
2) Perception of the alignment of pins through the side view varies among
experimenter.
Electricity 1) Heating of wires and changes in resistance when switch is turned on.
2) Presence of contact resistance between apparatus due to poor connection.

Note: The above list is NOT exhaustive.

Conclusion

Best-fit line:

‘Variable y’ has a linear relationship


with ‘variable x’. Within experimental
errors, the ‘result of the experiment’ is
…..

or

‘Variable y’ is directly proportional to


‘variable x’. Within experimental
errors, the ‘result of the experiment’ is
…..

Note: If ‘variable y’ is directly proportional to x, then the graph of y as a function of x is a


straight line passing through the origin with the slope of the line equal to the constant of
proportionality

3
Best-fit curve:

‘Variable y’ has a non-linear relationship with


‘variable x’. As ‘variable x’ increases, ‘variable y’
decreases at a decreasing rate. Within experimental
errors, the ‘result of the experiment’ is …..

‘Variable y’ has a non-linear relationship with


‘variable x’. As ‘variable x’ increases, ‘variable y’
decreases at an increasing rate. Within
experimental errors, the ‘result of the experiment’
is …..

‘Variable y’ has a non-linear relationship with


‘variable x’. As ‘variable x’ increases, ‘variable y’
increases at an increasing rate. Within experimental
errors, the ‘result of the experiment’ is …..

‘Variable y’ has a non-linear relationship with


‘variable x’. As ‘variable x’ increases, ‘variable y’
increases at a decreasing rate. Within experimental
errors, the ‘result of the experiment’ is …..

Prepared by Dr Chia Kok Pin


Aug 2017

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