EXPERIMENTS WRITING

IGCSE PHYSICS PAPER 6

EXPERIMENT: 1

A student is investigating whether using a lid reduces the time taken to heat a beaker of water to
boiling point.
The student has the following apparatus available:
thermometer
250 cm3 glass beaker
250 cm3 measuring cylinder
heatproof mat
lid to fit the beaker
clamp, boss and stand.
Plan an experiment to investigate whether using a lid reduces the heating time.
You should
• list the additional apparatus that you would require
• explain briefly how you would carry out the investigation
• state the key variables that you would control
• draw a table, with column headings, to show how you would display your readings; you are
not required to enter any readings in the table
• explain how you would use your readings to reach a conclusion.
A diagram is not required but you may draw a diagram if it helps your explanation.

ANSWER

clock / stopwatch

source of heat heat to boiling with and without lid measure time taken to reach boiling point

boil same volume / mass / amount of water same starting temperature

suitable table with column headings and units (seconds or minutes) conclusion drawn

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EXPERIMENT: 2

A student is investigating how the material of a spring affects its behaviour when stretched.
The following apparatus is available to the student:
wires of different thickness, length and material
a set of 10 g masses and a set of 100 g masses, both with hangers
a wooden rod approximately 1 cm in diameter
other standard laboratory equipment.
Plan an experiment which will enable you to test the extension of springs made from different
types of wire.
In your plan, you should include:
• instructions for making a spring from the wire that is provided,
• what you will measure,
• instructions for carrying out the experiment,
• the variables you will keep the same to ensure the comparison is a fair test,
• any precaution which should be taken or difficulty which might occur,
• how you will present your results.
You may draw a diagram if it helps to explain your plan.

ANSWER

apparatus:
MP1 springs made by winding wire around rod (or similar)
method:
MP2 apply load, measure length / extension of spring
MP3 repeat for spring(s) of different material
MP4 record results in suitable annotated table / bar chart / graph
control variables:
MP5 mark gained for any two of:
unstretched length of spring,
diameter of wire,
coil spacing,
load / range of loads used
diameter of spring
MP6 precautions / difficulties / additional points:
MP7 any two from:
clamp retort stand / might topple,
use small loads / spring might overstretch/spring too weak/use loads which don’t overstretch
spring to support
loads
need to apply force smoothly / slowly,
suggested range of loads,
workable arrangement for applying load to spring (e.g. small loop at end of spring)
trial experiment to find (range of) loads to use
how to determine extension of spring,
repeat each reading and take average,
at least 5 loads for each sample if producing graph

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EXPERIMENT: 3

A student is investigating the effect of draughts (moving air) on the rate of cooling of hot water.
The following apparatus is available to the student:
an electric fan with four speed settings
a supply of hot water
thermometer
250 cm3 beaker
250 cm3 measuring cylinder
stopwatch
clamp, boss and stand.
Plan an experiment to investigate the effect of draughts on the rate of cooling of hot water.
You should:
• explain briefly how you would carry out the investigation
• state the key variables that you would control
• draw a table, or tables, with column headings, to show how you would display your
readings (you are not required to enter any readings in the table)
• explain how you would use your readings to reach a conclusion.
You may draw a diagram if it helps your explanation.

ANSWER

method to include:
MP1 measurements of temperature of hot water over a period of time/measurement of
temperature at start and end of a
specified cooling time /measurement of time for a specified temperature drop
MP2 repeat using variety of fan speeds (blowing air over water surface)
MP3 AND MP4
two from:
room temperature
initial/starting temperature of hot water
volume/mass/amount of (hot) water
distance of beaker to fan for each speed setting
time of cooling (for a fixed temperature drop)
temperature drop (for a fixed time)
same beaker size/material
MP5 table with columns for fan speed, time and temperature with units in the table headings (not
the body of the table) for
time and temperature, but fan speed units not required
MP6 compare readings to find out which fan speed
produces the greatest temperature drop / takes least timeor plot a graph of temperature against
time
MP7 in the same time / for same temperature drop
or steepest gradient gives the fastest rate of cooling

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EXPERIMENT: 4

Plan an experiment to investigate how increasing the number of layers of insulation affects the
rate of cooling of hot water in a beaker.
Write a plan for the experiment, including:
• the apparatus needed
• what you would measure
• the variables you would keep the same to ensure the comparison is a fair test
• instructions for carrying out the experiment
• how you would present your results
• how you would use your readings to reach a conclusion.
You may draw a diagram if it helps to explain your plan.

ANSWER

method to include:

MP1 apparatus beaker with insulation and thermometer and stopclock (or alternative)
mentioned

MP2 method pour hot water into container

measure temperature of hot water over period of time

MP3 repeat for additional layers

MP4 results: suitable table / graph / cooling curve
MP5 control variables any pair from:
same initial temperature,
same volume of water,
same size/material/thickness of beaker,
same thickness of each layer,

MP6 AND MP7

additional points any 2 from:
how cooling rate calculated/how to compare cooling curves,
read thermometer perpendicularly,
thermometer at same depth (for repeat) thermometer not touching beaker,
stir before reading thermometer,
use of lid,
minimum of 5 different thicknesses of insulation,
repeat experiment with different sized beakers/different amount of water,
sensible amount of water (50 cm3 to 500 cm3)

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EXPERIMENT: 5

QUESTION

A student is investigating the effect of insulation on the rate of cooling of hot water in a 250 cm3
container.
The student can choose from the following apparatus:
thermometer
250 cm3 glass beaker
250 cm3 plastic beaker
250 cm3 copper can
250 cm3 measuring cylinder
three different insulating materials
clamp, boss and stand
stopwatch.
Plan an experiment to investigate the effectiveness of the three insulating materials.
You should
• explain briefly how you would carry out the investigation,
• state the key variables that you would control,
• draw a table, or tables, with column headings, to show how you would display your readings.
You are not required to enter any readings in the table,
• explain how you would use your readings to reach a conclusion.
A diagram is not required but you may draw a diagram if it helps your explanation.

ANSWER

MP1 Uses same container throughout

MP2 Hot water in container (any) and takes temperatures at intervals or at start and after a fixed
time
OR Hot water in container (any) and takes time for a fixed temperature fall.
MP3 Repeats with different insulators (all three used)
MP 4&5 Any two from:
Constant room temperature
Same starting temperatures (clearly stated)
Same volumes of hot water (clearly stated)
Same thickness/amount of insulator
Use container without insulation
Use of a lid
Insulates bottom of container
Uses the copper can only
MP6 Table or tables as appropriate to method: Temperatures with unit °C and time with unit s
(or min) and different
insulators shown
MP7 Use of readings: graph of temperature against time

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EXPERIMENT: 6

A student is investigating how the resistance of a wire depends on the length of the wire. The
student aims to plot a graph.
The following apparatus is available to the student:
ammeter
voltmeter
power supply
variable resistor
switch
connecting leads
resistance wires of different lengths
metre rule.
Plan an experiment to investigate how the resistance of a wire depends on the length of the wire.
You should
• draw a diagram of the circuit you could use to determine the resistance of each wire
• explain briefly how you would carry out the investigation
• suggest suitable lengths of wire
• state the key variables that you would control
• draw a table, or tables, with column headings to show how you would display your readings.
You are not required to enter any readings in the table.

ANSWER

MP1 Sample of wire must be clearly identifiable by a label on the diagram or by letters on the
diagram with an explanation
in the text
MP2 All circuit symbols correct (even if circuit is incorrect)
Method:
MP3 Take readings of V and I
MP4 For 5 or more lengths
MP5 Range of lengths must be between 5 cm and 2 m with the largest length at least twice the
smallest
Table drawn with headings:
MP6 l / m, V / V, I / A, R / Ω
Key variables to control:
MP7 Any one from
• Material / resistivity / conductivity / type of wire
• Diameter / radius / thickness / cross sectional area
• Temperature of wire

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EXPERIMENT: 7

A student notices that the size of the image produced by a converging lens changes when the lens
is moved further away from an object.
Plan an experiment to investigate how the size of the image varies with the object distance for a
converging lens suitable for school experiments.
Write a plan for the experiment, including:
• a labelled diagram of the apparatus needed
• instructions for carrying out the experiment
• the factors that will limit the range of object distances
• the graph you will plot
• one precaution you will take to ensure reliable results, explaining what might be the effect of
not taking this precaution.

ANSWER

apparatus:
diagram – lens, (illuminated) object, screen in suitable order for experiment
in line on flat surface
instructions:
set / measure object distance, move screen to get image, measure image height,
repeat for different object distances
limiting factor for range of object distances – one from:
• image virtual / too big for screen,
• image too dim / too small to measure,
• must be greater than focal length
graph:
image size / magnification against object distance
precaution:
any one suitable precaution and consequence of not taking it, e.g.
• dark room / bright light – image might not be distinct,
• lens and object at same height – image might not appear on screen,
• lens, object and screen perpendicular – image might be distorted,
• fix rule – may move and give incorrect distances
• mark position of lens on holder – cannot judge correct measurements / owtte
• detailed means of obtaining a sharp image – might not be correctly focused
• means of measuring image height accurately – might be obscured

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EXPERIMENT: 8

A student is investigating resistors connected in parallel.

The following apparatus is available to the student:
ammeter
voltmeter
power supply
variable resistor
switch
connecting leads
a box of identical resistors.
Plan an experiment to investigate how the combined resistance of the resistors, connected in
parallel, depends on the number of resistors.
You should:
• draw a diagram of the circuit you could use to determine the resistance of resistors connected
in parallel (show only two resistors in your diagram),
• explain briefly how you would carry out the investigation,
• draw a table or tables, with column headings, to show how you would display your readings.
You are not required to enter any readings into the table.

ANSWER

MP1 On circuit diagram: one voltmeter in parallel with any component

MP2 Circuit diagram correctly shows power supply, ammeter, unless in a branch, two or
more resistors in parallel
MP3 Circuit diagram: Correct symbols for ammeter, voltmeter and fixed resistor
MP4 Repeat with a different number of resistors (in parallel)
MP5 Table that includes columns for number of resistors, voltage/V and current/A
MP6 & MP7 Then any two from:
Resistance calculated (may be shown in table)
Use low current (to stop resistors getting too hot)/switch off between readings
Use at least 5 different combinations
Repeat with different current or voltage or variable resistor setting
Drawing a graph of number of resistors against combined resistance

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EXPERIMENT: 9

A student has noticed that different types of paper have different strengths.
Plan an experiment which will enable you to compare the strengths of different samples of thin
Paper

Write a plan for the experiment, including:

• the additional apparatus needed
• instructions for carrying out the experiment, including any precautions you will take
• what you will measure
• how you will present your results
• how you will determine which paper is the strongest
• the variables you will keep the same to ensure the comparison is a fair test.
You may draw a diagram if it helps to explain your plan.

ANSWER

apparatus – workable arrangement

how applied force is measured
suitable table for results / plot a bar graph
how to conclude which is strongest
one suitable control variable:
e.g. same width of sample
same thickness / weight / length of paper
all samples fixed in same way
any 2 from:
control variable,
force applied smoothly / no jerking
ensure no tears before applying force
repeat for each type of sample / repeat with samples of different widths
soft mat under weights (to cushion fall) / clamp stand to bench
add weight of lower block to value of load
any other suitable precaution

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EXPERIMENT: 10

A student suggests that the area of the water surface will affect the rate of cooling of hot water in
a
container.
Plan an experiment to investigate the relationship between surface area and rate of cooling.
Write a plan for the experiment, including:
• the apparatus needed
• how you will obtain a range of surface areas
• instructions for carrying out the experiment
• the measurements you will take
• the precautions you will take to ensure that the results are as reliable as possible
• the graph you will plot from your results – you should sketch the axes, with appropriate labels.
A diagram is not required but you may draw one if it helps to explain your plan

ANSWER

apparatus:
(set of) different sized beakers / containers, thermometer and stop clock / watch
method:
pour hot water into container (and allow to cool)
and measure temperature and time
repeat for a second container with a different surface area
precautions:
any two from:
same volume of hot water
same initial hot water temperature
same room temperature or other environmental condition
graph:
temperature change / rate of cooling against surface area,
temperature against time,
time to cool between fixed temperatures against surface area
additional point:
any one from:
• at least 5 different surface areas,
• sensible range of container sizes given,
• sensible amount of water stated,
• use of lagging / insulating material for container walls,
• same type of container
• how surface area may be calculated

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EXPERIMENT: 11

A student is investigating whether the resistance of a wire depends on the material from which
the wire is made.Resistance R is given by the equation R = VIThe following apparatus is
available to the student:

ammeter
voltmeter
micrometer screw gauge
power supply (0–3 V)
variable resistor
switch
connecting leads
wires of different materials.
Plan an experiment to investigate whether the resistance of a wire depends on the material from
which it is made.
You should:
• draw a diagram of the circuit you would use to determine the resistance of each wire
• explain briefly how you would carry out the investigation, including the measurements you
would take
• state the key variables that you would control
• draw a suitable table, with column headings, to show how you would display your readings
(you are not required to enter any readings in the table).
ANSWER

MP1 Diagram showing power supply, ammeter, voltmeter and resistance wire correctly
connected (variable resistoroptional)

MP2 Correct symbols for ammeter and voltmeter. Variable resistor symbol correct if included.

MP3 Measure potential difference (voltage) and current and calculate resistance.

MP4 Repeat with other (types of) wires

MP5 Key variables length AND diameter stated

MP6 One of:
Repeat with different voltages (or currents).
Repeat and take average (voltage and current) readings.
Repeat entire experiment with different length or different diameter.
Use low current to prevent wire heating up.
Keep temperature of wire constant / switch off between readings
Use micrometer screw gauge to measure diameter / thickness of wire.

MP7 Table with columns for type of wire, voltage, current, resistance with correct units (V, A
and Ω)

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