Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2023/2024

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PHYSICS LABORATORY

• The objective of the laboratory is to learn and understand how to apply and verify
theories practically.

• Experiments are designed to illustrate phenomena in different physics areas and

expose you to measuring instruments.

• Conduct the experiments with interest and an attitude of learning.

• You need to come well prepared for the experiment.

• Work quietly and carefully (the whole purpose of experimentation is to make reliable
measurements) and equally share the work with your partners.

• Be honest in recording and representing your data. Don't fake readings to fit a graph
better. If you found an anomaly in one of the readings you obtained, repeat the
measurement carefully. All the recorded data have to be faithfully displayed on the
graph.

• All presentations of data, tables, graphs, and calculations should be neatly and
carefully done.

• Bring necessary graph papers for each experiment.

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Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2023/2024

• Graphs should be neatly drawn with a pencil. Always label the axes and display
units.

• If you finish early, spend the remaining time to discuss your TA or the lab supervisor
in your obtained results and conclusion.

• Come equipped with a calculator, scales, pencils, etc.

• Handle lab instruments with care. Inform the lab technician of any breakage.

• Return all the equipment you have signed out for your experiment.

Bibliography

Here is a shortlist of references that may be useful for further reading in Physics or
instrumentation relevant to the experiments.

1. Raymond A. Serway, Robert J. Beichner, John W. Jewett, "Physics for Scientists

and Engineers with Modern Physics", (9th Ed.), Cengage, 2016.

2. D. Halliday, R. Resnick, and J. Walker, "Fundamentals of Physics", (10th Ed.), John

Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, 2015.

3. Jerry D. Wilson, Cecilia A. Hernández-Hall, "Physics Laboratory Experiments" 7th

Ed., Cengage, 2010.

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Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2023/2024

Resistor color code

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Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

Table of Contents

Introduction: Basic Electronic Components, Devices and Measurements ... 4

Experiment 1: Resistors’ Connection ............................................................ 9

Experiment 2: Verification of Kirchhoff's Laws ........Error! Bookmark not

defined.

Experiment 3: Time constant of an R-C Circuit ......................................... 18

Experiment 4: Dielectric constant ............................................................... 28

Experiment 5: Magnetic force due to a current carrying wire .................... 32

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Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

Introduction

Basic Electronic Components, Devices, and Measurements

Some electronic devices and components should be recognized before starting your 1st
experiment, such as power supply, multimeter, and electronic board (matrix board). We
will begin with the power supply as an essential part of an electric circuit.

1) DC Power Supply

A DC power supply is a device that supplies electric

energy of fixed polarity (unidirectional flow of electric
charge). The figure shows that the power supply has three
output terminals, two paired tonners; one for current
adjustment and the other for voltage. The selected output is
displayed on the embedded meters.

2) Multimeter Device
A multimeter is a measuring instrument that can be used
as an ammeter to measure current, a voltmeter to measure
the potential difference (voltage) between two points, or
an ohmmeter to measure the resistance over several
ranges of value. A multimeter has a set of terminals; two
are selected according to the required function. The
rotating switch of the multimeter is used to determine the
function (DC or AC and which scale is suitable) beside
the connecting terminals, as shown in the figure.

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Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

Multimeter Connection The rotating switch

setup
Ammeter The Ammeter should be Set the rotating switch to A for
connected in series with the wire alternating current (AC)≈ and select a
we want to measure the current suitable range.
passing.
For direct current (DC), set the rotating
Plug the black lead into the COM switch A and select a suitable range
jack.

Plug the red lead into the mA or

10 A (based on the measuring
range of current).

Voltmeter The voltmeter is connected in For DC, set the rotating switch to V
parallel across the resistance R and select a suitable range
to measure the potential
difference V. For AC, set the rotating switch to V≈
and select a suitable range
Plug the black lead into the COM
jack.

Plug the red lead into the V/Ω

jack.
Ohmmeter Connect the black and red leads across Adjust the rotating switch to Ohm and
the resistor, and your value will appear select a suitable range
on the meter screen.

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Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

3) Determination of resistance
There are two methods for determining the value of the used resistance:
i. Measuring method (Using Ohmmeter- more practical): Using the multimeter in
ohmmeter mode, you can measure the value of the resistance, as shown in the
previous figure.

ii. Color method (Using color code- standard value): According to the labeled
colors strips on each resistance (as shown in the following figure), the
corresponding resistance value can be determined using the following color code
table. For example, the given resistance shown below equals 1000 Ω.

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Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

4) Electronic Plug-in Board (Breadboard):

It is an electronic device used to design and test an electronic circuit before
construction and welding the components in the final form. The Plug-in board (as shown
in the figure) consisted of square matrices of pins. Inside each square, the solid line
between any two pins means they are internally connected. Therefore, the two legs of
any electronic component should be connected between two points, not at the same
connected square but between two independent squares.

Any two points in two different All the nine points in any square
squares are not connected are not connected

How to connect the following circuit on the plug-in board?

Plug in board connection Circuit diagram

diagram
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Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

Practice
1) Use the given multimeter (in voltmeter set up) to measure three different
out voltage from the given source (power supply) and compare with that
displayed on its embedded voltmeter.
V V1 (…….) V2 (…….) V3 (…….)
V (Embedded meter)
V (Voltmeter)

2) Given a collection of different resistors, read the resistance value using

the color code and compare it with the measuring value using the
ohmmeter.
R R1 R2 R3
R (Ohmmeter)
R (Color code)

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Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

Experiment 1: Resistors' Connection

Student’s name: _______________________________ ID: _______________________

Group No: ___________ Date: ________ Time: From _____to ______

*The student must fill in all the above information unless marks will NOT be considered
Evaluation theme Description Marks
Prelab Preparation • Attendance after 15 min is not allowed.
• Attendance without the lab manual is not allowed.
• Bringing your tools ( pens, pencils, calculator, ruler, eraser…. etc.) is mandatory.

• Reading the experiment before attending the lab.

20
Circuit connection • Independently connect the circuit.

20
Graphing • Plotting the graph in a well-defined shape (correct scale, doting,
and best fit line)
• Using the correct units. 20
Data analysis and • Data processing/analysis
calculations • Calculating Errors and understanding their reasons
• slope, target value calculation, percentage error, and units) 20
Conclusion • Ability to conclude the obtained results.
• Error Calculations.
20
Total Mark

100

TA Signature: -------------------------------- Date:

Experiment 2: Resistors Connections Page 10

Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

Experiment 1: Resistors Connections

Objective:

• Investigate the equivalent resistance of series and parallel resistors.

• Verify the law of equivalent resistance in the case of series and parallel
connection.

Theory:

As we learned from the previous lab, there is a linear relationship between the
voltages drop across a circuit element and the current flowing through it, as stated by
Ohm's law.

𝑉 = 𝑅 .𝐼 (1)
When two or more resistors are connected together, as shown in figure (1.a), they
are said to be in a series connection. The equivalent resistance of two or more resistors
connected in series can be calculated from equation (2). In a series connection, if an
amount of charge Q exits resistor R1, charge Q must also enter the second resistor and
so on. Otherwise, the charge would accumulate on the wire between the resistors.
Therefore, the same amount of charge passes through both resistors in a given time
interval, and the currents are the same in both resistors (see equation (3)). The potential
difference applied across the series combination of resistors divides between the
resistors, see equation (4).

When two or more resistors are connected, as shown in figure (1.b), they are said
to be in a parallel connection. The equivalent resistance of two or more resistors
connected in parallel can be calculated from equation (5). When charges reach enter a
junction, they split into parts, with some going toward each resistance in parallel. A
junction is any such point in a circuit where a current can split. This split results in less
current in each resistor than the current leaving the battery. Because the electric charge
is conserved, the current I that enters the junction must equal the total current leaving
that junction, see equation (6). In a parallel connection, all resistors are connected

Experiment 2: Resistors Connections Page 11

Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

directly across the same terminals. So, the potential differences across the resistors are
the same, equation (7).

Table 1: The following table indicates the comparison between series and
parallel connection:
Series Connection Parallel Connection
Equivalent 𝟏 1 1 1
𝑹𝒔 = 𝑅1 + 𝑅2 + 𝑅3 (2) = + + (5)
𝑹𝒑 𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅3
resistance

Figure (1.a) Figure (1.b)

Current 𝑰𝒔 = 𝐼1 = 𝐼2 = 𝐼3 (3) 𝑰𝒑 = 𝐼1 + 𝐼2 + 𝐼3 (6)
Voltage 𝑽𝒔 = 𝑉1 + 𝑉2 + 𝑉3 (4) 𝑽𝒑 = 𝑉1 = 𝑉2 = 𝑉3 (7)

Procedures:

A. Series connection

1. From the resistors kit, find two resistors R1=330 Ω and R2=160 Ω, measure their
accurate resistance using an ohmmeter.
2. Calculate the theoretical value of equivalent resistance of the series combination
using and tabulate your result in table (4). (𝑅𝑒𝑞 )𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜. = 𝑅1 + 𝑅2
3. Construct the following circuit on the plug-in board and draw the
connection on your manual. Set the ammeter on 200 mA DC range and
the voltmeter on 20 volts DC range.
Precaution: do not switch on the power supply before checking
that the connection is correct with your TA.
4. Vary the voltage from 1V to 6V in steps of 1V. Record the corresponding voltage
and current intensity in Table 1.

Experiment 2: Resistors Connections Page 12

Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

B. Parallel Connection

1. From the resistors kit, find two resistors R1=330 Ω and R2=160 Ω, measure their
accurate resistance using an ohmmeter.
2. Calculate the theoretical value of equivalent resistance of the series
𝑅 𝑅
combination using and tabulate your result in table (4). (𝑅𝑒𝑞 )𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜. = 𝑅 1+ 𝑅2
1 2

3. Construct the following circuit on the plug-in board and draw the
connection on your manual. Set the ammeter DC range on 200 mA
and the voltmeter DC range on 20 volts.
Precaution: do not switch on the power supply before checking
that the connection is correct with your TA.
4. Vary the voltage from 1 V to 6V in steps of 1V. Record the corresponding
Voltage and current intensity in Table2.

C. Plot a graph between the voltages V (Volts) vs. the currents I(A) of both series
and parallel combinations.

Experiment 2: Resistors Connections Page 13

Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

D. Calculate the slopes of the resulting lines, get the experimental value of
equivalent resistances of both the series and parallel combination, and tabulate
your result in table (4).
E. Calculate the percentage error between the theoretical and experimental values
of the equivalent resistance for both series and parallel connection.
𝑅𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 −𝑅𝑒𝑥𝑝
% 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = | | × 100
𝑅𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜

Results:

Ohmmeter readings:

R1 = ( ), R2 = ( )

Table 2: Series connection Table 3: Parallel Connection

V( ) I( ) V( ) I( )

Table 4:
Combination (Req)th ( ) (Req)exp ( ) Percentage error %
Series

Parallel

Experiment 2: Resistors Connections Page 14

Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

Conclusion:

Experiment 2: Resistors Connections Page 15

Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

Experiment 2: Resistors Connections Page 16

Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

Experiment 3: Wheatstone Bridge/Meter Bridge Page 17

Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

Experiment 2: Verification of Kirchhoff's Laws

Student’s name: _______________________________ ID: _______________________
Group No: ___________ Date: ________ Time: From _____to ______

*The student must fill in all the above information unless marks will NOT be considered
Evaluation theme Description Marks
Prelab Preparation • Attendance after 15 min is not allowed.
• Attendance without the lab manual is not allowed.
• Bringing your tools ( pens, pencils, calculator, ruler, eraser…. etc.) is mandatory.

• Reading the experiment before attending the lab.

20
Circuit connection • Independently connect the circuit.

20
Graphing • Plotting the graph in a well-defined shape (correct scale, doting,
and best fit line)
• Using the correct units. 20
Data analysis and • Data processing/analysis
calculations • Calculating Errors and understanding their reasons
• slope, target value calculation, percentage error, and units) 20
Conclusion • Ability to conclude the obtained results.
• Error Calculations.
20
Total Mark

100

TA Signature: -------------------------------- Date:

Experiment 2: Verification of Kirchhoff's Laws Page 18

Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

Experiment 2: Verification of Kirchhoff's Laws

Objectives
● Verification of Kirchhoff's Current Law and Kirchhoff's Voltage Law

Theory
Kirchhoff's laws, discovered by the German Gustav Robert Kirchhoff, are brilliant
reflections of the fundamental laws of conservation of charge and energy in the context
of electrical circuits.

Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL) states that at any junction (node) of a circuit, the
algebraic sum of all the currents is zero (sum of the currents entering the junction equals
the sum of the currents leaving the junction). KCL is a direct implication of law
conservation of charge. A Junction node is any point in the circuit connection between
two or more branches.

∑ 𝐼𝑖𝑛 = ∑ 𝐼𝑜𝑢𝑡 (1)

Fig1.a Fig1.b
I1= I2+I3 I4+I5=I6
I1- I2 - I3=0 I 4+I5-I6=0

Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) states that: For any closed-loop or path in a circuit,
the algebraic sum of all electric potential differences is equal to zero. KVL is a direct
implication of the law conservation of energy. A loop is any closed path in a circuit
starting and ending at the same point. By algebraic, it means accounting for signs
(polarities), as well as magnitudes.

∑ ∆𝑉𝑖 = 0 (1)

Experiment 2: Verification of Kirchhoff's Laws Page 19

Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

For simplicity, we write V instead of ΔV to refer to the potential difference; therefore,

the above equation can be written as

∑ 𝑉𝑖 = 0 (2)

In order to apply KCL and KVL correctly, the following tips should be taken into
consideration:

● We should label the current direction across

each component in the circuit. Current flows
from high potential to low potential.
However, one might label current directions
between junctions arbitrary, but once made,
we stick with it till the end of the problem.
● We should also label potential drops and
rises across each component in the circuit.
Figure (2) might help us determine the
correct potential difference sign.

● Figure (3) shows the electrical circuit to be

used to verify Kirchhoff's Current Law and Kirchhoff's Voltage Law.

Experiment 2: Verification of Kirchhoff's Laws Page 20

Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

Procedures
1. Pick resistors based on the color codes, R1 = 330 Ω, R2 = 160 Ω, R3 = 160 Ω and
R4 = 100 Ω. Measure their accurate resistances using an ohmmeter and write them
in table (1).
2. Connect the circuit as shown in Figure (3) and do not switch on the power
supplies until the TA's check.
3. Adjust the 1st power supply V(in1) at 5 volts and the 2nd one V(in2) at 3 volts.
4. Accurately measure the potential differences V (in1), V(in2), V1, V2, V3, and V4
across R1, R2, R3, and R4 resistors, respectively, using a voltmeter adjusted on the
range of 20V. Tabulate results in Table 1.
5. Accurately measure currents I1(Exp), I2(Exp), and I3(Exp) using Ammeter adjusted on
the range of 200 mA and also calculate the current through each resistance using
Ohms law (Ical=V/R).

6. #Important Note: For this circuit, to get the correct sign of potential difference
on the voltmeter, step around each loop in a clockwise direction with one probe
(common) of the voltmeter before the resistor and the other probe (V) after the
resistor for each and all measurements.
7. Use the collected data for currents and verify Kirchhoff's Current Law at junction
C (using both measured and calculated values).
8. Use the collected data for the potential differences and verify Kirchhoff's Voltage
Law for loops 1 (ABCDFA) and 2 (FCDEF).

Experiment 2: Verification of Kirchhoff's Laws Page 21

Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

Results

Resistors ( ) Potential Currents ( )

Differences ( )
Measured Calculated (V/R)

R1= Vin1= I1exp= I1cal=

R2= Vin2= I2exp= I2cal=
R3= V1= I3exp= I3cal=
R4= V2=
V3=
V4 =

Verification of Kirchhoff's Current Law at the junction C implies that (write the
equation and then substitute with the obtained data):

Verification of Kirchhoff's Voltage Law for loops 1 (ABCDFA) implies that

(write the equation and then substitute with the obtained data):

Verification of Kirchhoff's Voltage Law for loops 2 (FCDEF) implies that (write
the equation and then substitute with the obtained data):

Experiment 2: Verification of Kirchhoff's Laws Page 22

Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

Conclusion:

Experiment 2: Verification of Kirchhoff's Laws Page 23

Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

Experiment 3: Time constant of an R-C Circuit

Student’s name: _______________________________ ID: _______________________

Group No: ___________ Date: ________ Time: From _____to ______

*The student must fill in all the above information unless marks will NOT be considered
Evaluation theme Description Marks
Prelab Preparation • Attendance after 15 min is not allowed.
• Attendance without the lab manual is not allowed.
• Bringing your tools ( pens, pencils, calculator, ruler, eraser…. etc.) is mandatory.

• Reading the experiment before attending the lab.

20
Circuit connection • Independently connect the circuit.

20
Graphing • Plotting the graph in a well-defined shape (correct scale, doting,
and best fit line)
• Using the correct units. 20
Data analysis and • Data processing/analysis
calculations • Calculating Errors and understanding their reasons
• slope, target value calculation, percentage error, and units) 20
Conclusion • Ability to conclude the obtained results.
• Error Calculations.
20
Total Mark

100

TA Signature: -------------------------------- Date:

Experiment 3: Time constant of an R-C Circuit Page 24

Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

Experiment 3: Time constant of an R-C Circuit

Objectives:

• To study the charging and discharging behavior of the capacitor.

• To determine the time constant of an RC circuit.

Theory:

A. Capacitors
Capacitors are circuit elements that store electric charge Q, hence energy, according to
the expression Q=CV where V is the voltage across the capacitor and C is the constant
of proportionality called the capacitance. The unit of capacitance is the farad (F), 1 farad
= (1 coulomb)/ (1 volt).

Capacitors come in many shapes and sizes, but the basic idea is that a capacitor consists
of two conductors separated by a spacing, which may be filled with an insulating
material (dielectric). One conductor has charge +Q, and the other has charge − Q. The
conductor with a positive charge is at a higher voltage than the one with a negative
charge. Most capacitors have capacitances in the range between picofarads and
millifarads.

B. Charging a Capacitor
Consider the circuit in Fig.1; when the switch is closed, a
potential difference ε is applied across an uncharged capacitor.
This potential difference allows current to flow in the circuit so
that negative charges accumulate on one plate of the capacitor,
making it negative, and positive charges accumulate on the other,
making it positive, thus charging the capacitor.
Fig. 1: RC Circuit

The current I in the circuit and the charge q on the capacitor are exponential functions
of time, where the current decreases while the charge Q increases with time, as indicated
in equations 1 & 2 and shown in figure 2.

Experiment 3: Time constant of an R-C Circuit Page 25

Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

The instantaneous values of I and q (during charging process) depend on the

capacitance and the resistance in the circuit, given by:
𝜀 −𝑡
𝐼 = 𝑒 𝑅𝐶 (1)
𝑅
𝑡
𝑞(𝑡) = 𝐶𝜀 (1 − 𝑒 −𝑅𝐶 ) (2)

C. Capacitor discharge
As the switch k1 is opened, the capacitor with an initial charge Q begins to discharge
through the resistor. According to the following expressions, both the current and
charge decrease exponentially with time during capacitor-discharge. Where; Io is the
initial current at t = 0, R is the resistance value, and C is the capacitance of the capacitor.
𝑡
−
𝐼(𝑡) = 𝐼𝑜 𝑒 𝑅𝐶 (3)
𝑡
−
𝑞(𝑡) = 𝑄𝑒 𝑅𝐶 (4)

The time constant (τ): the time required by the capacitor to discharge through the
resistor to 1/e ≈ 63.2 % of its initial current, or the time needed to charge the capacitor
(1-1/e) ≈ 36.8% of its initial current value. It is given by 𝜏 = 𝑅𝐶 (𝑠𝑒𝑐).
1
ln 𝐼 = ln 𝐼𝑜 − ( ) 𝑡 (5)
𝜏

𝐼𝑜 1
ln ( ) = ( ) 𝑡 (6)
𝐼 𝜏

Fig. 2: The current and charge graphs

Experiment 3: Time constant of an R-C Circuit Page 26
Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

Procedures:
1. Pick the resistor R=2.2 M with color code: (red, red, green, and silver) and
measure the accurate value of the resistance using an ohmmeter. Pick the
capacitor and read the value of the capacitance C=47 μF. Calculate the theoretical
value of the time constant 𝜏 = 𝑅𝐶 (𝑠𝑒𝑐).

2. Construct the following circuit considering that

3. For the capacitor's polarity, connect the capacitor such that the white band is
towards the battery's negative terminal.
4. The Ammeter should be adjusted on the 20 μA.
5. The power supply should be adjusted on 4 Volts.
Precaution: Do not switch on the power supply before checking that the
connection is correct with your TA.

6. Close the switch (k1), and the capacitor will start charging. Wait until the current
intensity in the micro-ammeter reaches a constant value (Io). Then tabulate the
value of Io corresponding to the t=0s.

7. Open the switch (k1) and start the stopwatch simultaneously, and the capacitor
will start discharging through the resistance R.

8. Record the current value every 10 seconds and tabulate your results until the
circuit's current intensity approaches approximately zero.

Experiment 3: Time constant of an R-C Circuit Page 27

Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

9. Plot a graph between ln I0/I vs. time t(sec) vs., and determine the time constant
(RC) from the slope= (1/τ).

Experiment 3: Time constant of an R-C Circuit Page 28

Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

Results:

t( ) I( ) Io / I ln Io/ I

τ Theo.= R.C ( )
R= ( ) C= ( )

Slope = ( )
(τexp) = ( )
% Error =

Experiment 3: Time constant of an R-C Circuit Page 29

Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

Experiment 3: Time constant of an R-C Circuit Page 30

Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

Conclusion:

Experiment 3: Time constant of an R-C Circuit Page 31

Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

Experiment 4: Dielectric constant

Student’s name: _______________________________ ID: _______________________
Group No: ___________ Date: ________ Time: From _____to ______

*The student must fill in all the above information unless marks will NOT be considered
Evaluation theme Description Marks
Prelab Preparation • Attendance after 15 min is not allowed.
• Attendance without the lab manual is not allowed.
• Bringing your tools ( pens, pencils, calculator, ruler, eraser…. etc.) is mandatory.

• Reading the experiment before attending the lab.

20
Circuit connection • Independently connect the circuit.

20
Graphing • Plotting the graph in a well-defined shape (correct scale, doting,
and best fit line)
• Using the correct units. 20
Data analysis and • Data processing/analysis
calculations • Calculating Errors and understanding their reasons
• slope, target value calculation, percentage error, and units) 20
Conclusion • Ability to conclude the obtained results.
• Error Calculations.
20
Total Mark

100

TA Signature: -------------------------------- Date:

Experiment 4: Dielectric Constant Page 32

Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

Experiment 4: Dielectric Constant

Objectives:

• Study the relation between capacitance and distance between isolated parallel
plates of a capacitor to determine the permittivity of free space.
• Determination of the dielectric constant of wood and acrylic sheets using the two
isolated parallel plates of the capacitor.

Theory:

Experiment 4: Dielectric Constant Page 33

Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

Apparatus:

1. A bench of plates.
2. Two plate capacitor with the same dimensions
3. Dielectric sheets of different materials
4. Capacitance meter.
5. Connecting Cables.

Procedures:

1. Connect the circuit as shown in the figure above.

2. Vary the distance between the two plates, then determine the capacitance from the capacitance
meter.
3. Plot a graph between the distance and the corresponding capacitance, and use the slope to calculate
the permittivity of free space ε0 experimentally.
4. Insert the dielectric sheets (Acrylic-Wood), and record the corresponding capacitance value.
5. Calculate the permittivity and the dielectric constant of the dielectric materials (Acrylic-Wood)
using the relation (κ = ε/ ε0).

Experiment 4: Dielectric Constant Page 34

Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

Results:

d( ) C( )

For acrylic (d= 0.003 m)

Capacitance=
Area=
Permitivity (ε) =
Dielectric constant (κ )=

For wood (d= 0.003 m)

Capacitance=
Area=
Permitivity (ε) =
Dielectric constant (κ )=

Experiment 4: Dielectric Constant Page 35

Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

Conclusion:

Experiment 4: Dielectric Constant Page 36

Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

Experiment 4: Dielectric Constant Page 37

Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

Experiment 4: Dielectric Constant Page 38

Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

Experiment 5: Magnetic force due to a current carrying wire

Student’s name: _______________________________ ID: _______________________
Group No: ___________ Date: ________ Time: From _____to ______

*The student must fill in all the above information unless marks will NOT be considered
Evaluation theme Description Marks
Prelab Preparation • Attendance after 15 min is not allowed.
• Attendance without the lab manual is not allowed.
• Bringing your tools ( pens, pencils, calculator, ruler, eraser…. etc.) is mandatory.

• Reading the experiment before attending the lab.

20
Circuit connection • Independently connect the circuit.

20
Graphing • Plotting the graph in a well-defined shape (correct scale, doting,
and best fit line)
• Using the correct units. 20
Data analysis and • Data processing/analysis
calculations • Calculating Errors and understanding their reasons
• slope, target value calculation, percentage error, and units) 20
Conclusion • Ability to conclude the obtained results.
• Error Calculations.
20
Total Mark

100

TA Signature: -------------------------------- Date:

Experiment 4: Magnetic Force due to a Current carrying Wire Page 39

 Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

Magnetic Force due to a Current carrying Wire

Objective
➢ To determine the magnitude of the magnetic field by measuring the force experienced by
a current-carrying wire placed in this magnetic field.

Theoretical Background

A stationary or moving electric charge will experience a force when placed in an electric field. On the
other hand, an electric charge must be moving to experience a force due to a magnetic field. A current in a
wire is due to moving electrons. Therefore, a current-carrying wire will experience a force when placed in
a magnetic field. Measuring the force exerted by a magnetic field on the wire with a known current flowing
through it offers one method to determine the strength of the magnetic field.

A current-carrying wire placed in an external magnetic field would experience a force given by the equation

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑭𝑩 = ⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑰𝑳 × ⃗𝑩
⃗ = 𝑰𝑳𝑩 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝜽
Where I = conventional (positive) current in a straight wire in amperes, L = length of the wire in meters, B
= magnetic field strength in Tesla, FB = the force exerted on the wire by the magnetic field in Newtons, and
θ = the angle between the direction of B and L. Here the vector L gives the direction of the current flow in
the wire.

The current direction and magnetic field vector define a plane. The force vector is perpendicular to that
plane, therefore always perpendicular to both the current and the field. In the lab, the angle θ between the
current and the field will always be 90°.

The experimental setup is shown in the figure; A permanent magnet assembly

is placed on a digital balance, then the balance is zeroed. A variable current
source is connected to the current balance assembly, which has a removable
wire loop etched onto a circuit board at one end. This wire loop is then placed
into the permanent magnet assembly, so the wire loop is perpendicular to the
magnetic field but is not touching the magnets.

Right hand rule.

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 Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

The magnetic field will exert an upward force on the horizontal section of the wire. From Newton's Third
Law of Motion, an equal and opposite force will be exerted by the wire on the magnet. Thus, the apparent
mass of the magnet will increase or decrease depending on the current direction and the magnetic field
orientation. This change in the apparent mass of the magnet is a direct measure of the force acting on the
wire. Using this measured value of the force and knowing the current flowing in the wire, the strength of
the magnetic field can be determined.

The experimental setup. The force diagram.

Procedure

a- Force vs. Length

You will perform the first part of the experiment by varying the length of the wire for a constant
current.

1- Turn on the digital balance and wait for the display to read zero grams. Then carefully place the
magnet assembly on the measuring pan and zero the balance by pressing the "tare" button.
2- Attach one of the current loops to the end of the main unit.

3- Position the equipment so that the current loop extends into the top-notch of the magnet without
touching the sides or the bottom, as shown in Fig. below.

Experiment 4: Magnetic Force due to a Current carrying Wire Page 41

Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

4- Supply a current of about 0.3 amps to the circuit by increasing the voltage to 5 volts on the power
supply.
5- Record the value of the mass in Data Table 1.
6- Repeat steps 2-5 for all five loops, then calculate the magnetic force value.
7- Plot a graph of force versus length, then calculate the magnitude of B from the slope.

b- Force vs. current

1- Use the current loop labeled 39 SF.
2- Vary the current to span five values between 0.5 amps and 2.5 amps by adjusting the voltage on the
power supply.
3- Record the absolute mass for each of the five current values, then calculate the magnetic force value.
4- Plot a graph of force versus current, then calculate the magnitude of B from the slope.

Experiment 4: Magnetic Force due to a Current carrying Wire Page 42

Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

Results

Slope=

B=

Slope=

B=

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Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

Experiment 4: Magnetic Force due to a Current carrying Wire Page 44

Preparatory Year Physics Lab Semester 2: 2021/2022

Experiment 4: Magnetic Force due to a Current carrying Wire Page 45