PHYSICS EXPERIMENTS

“Imagination is more important than knowledge.” - Albert

Einstein

“The only thing that interferes with my learning is my

education.” - Albert Einstein

“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and
I'm not sure about the universe.” - Albert Einstein

1
LEAVING CERTIFICATE PHYSICS
LISTED EXPERIMENTS
CONTENTS
MECHANICS
Measurement of velocity.................................................................................................... 4
and acceleration ....................................................................... 6
To show that a proportional toF ....................................................................................... 8
Verification of the principle of conservation of momentum ........................................ 10
Measurement of g ............................................................................................................. 12
Verification of Boyle’s law .............................................................................................. 14
Investigation of the laws of equilibrium for a set of co-planar forces ......................... 16
Investigation of the relationship between period and length for a simple pendulum
and hence calculation of g* ............................................................................................. 18

HEAT
Calibration curve of a thermometer using the laboratory mercury thermometer as a
standard ............................................................................................................................ 20
Measurement of the specific heat capacity of a metal by an electrical method ......... 22
of water by an electrical method ......................... 24
of a metal or water by a mechanical method ...... 26
Measurement of the specific latent heat of fusion of ice ............................................... 28
Measurement of the specific latent heat of vaporisation of water ............................... 30

SOUND
Measurement of the speed of sound in air ..................................................................... 32
Investigation of the variation of fundamental frequency of a stretched string with
length ................................................................................................................................. 35
Investigation of the variation of the fundamental frequency of a stretched string with
tension* ............................................................................................................................. 37

LIGHT
Measurement of the focal length of a concave mirror .................................................. 39
Verification of Snell’s law of refraction ......................................................................... 41
Measurement of the refractive index of a liquid ........................................................... 43
Measurement of the focal length of a converging lens.................................................. 45
Measurement of the wavelength of monochromatic light ............................................ 47
(using the laser) ............... 49

ELECTRICITY
Verification of Joule’s law (as   I 2)......................................................................... 51
To measure the resistivity of the material of a wire ..................................................... 53
To investigate the variation of the resistance of a metallic conductor with
temperature ...................................................................................................................... 55
To investigate the variation of the resistance of a thermistor with temperature ....... 57

2
To investigate the variation of current (I) with p.d. (V) for
(a) metallic conductor .................................................... 58
(b) filament bulb ............................................................. 59
(c) copper sulfate solution with copper electrodes ...... 60
(d) semiconductor diode ................................................. 61

APPENDIX
To estimate the specific heat capacity of water ............................................................. 63
To estimate the specific latent heat of vaporisation of water ....................................... 64
Measurement of the focal length of a concave mirror (approximate method) .......... 65
Measurement of the focal length of a converging lens (approximate method) .......... 65
Demonstration of standing waves ................................................................................... 66
The rota option ................................................................................................................. 68

Experiment at Higher Level only*

3
 MEASUREMENT OF VELOCITY

Apparatus
Ticker timer and tape, suitable low-voltage a.c. power supply, trolley, runway, laboratory
jack or stand.

Ticker tape Ticker timer Trolley

Runway

Procedure
1. Set up the apparatus as in the diagram.
2. Connect the ticker timer to a low-voltage power supply.
3. Give the trolley a small push to start it moving.
4. Adjust the angle of inclination of the runway until the trolley moves with
constant velocity – the spots on the tape are all equidistant.
5. Most ticker timers make 50 spots per second. Therefore the time interval
between two adjacent spots is 0.02 s.
6. Measure the length s of ten adjacent spaces.

. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . s
7. The time t is 10  0.02 = 0.2 s.
s
8. As the trolley was travelling at constant velocity we can say that v  .
t
9. Repeat using pushes of varying strengths.
10. Tabulate results as shown.

s/m t/s v/m s-1

Results

4
Notes
Ignore the initial five or six dots on the tape as this shows the initial acceleration due to
the push.

Ticker timers that use precarbonated tape are recommended because the friction due to
paper drag is reduced.

Ensure that the voltage rating of the timer is not exceeded.

Some timers make one hundred dots in one second.

5
MEASUREMENT OF ACCELERATION

Apparatus
Ticker timer and tape, suitable low-voltage a.c. power supply, dynamics trolley, runway
and laboratory jack or stand.

Ticker tape Ticker timer

Trolley Runway

Procedure
1. Set up the apparatus as in the diagram.
2. Connect the ticker timer to a suitable low-voltage power supply.
3. Allow the trolley to roll down the runway.
4. The trolley is accelerating as the distance between the spots is increasing.

.. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5. The time interval between two adjacent dots is 0.02 s, assuming the ticker timer
marks fifty dots per second.
6. Mark out five adjacent spaces near the beginning of the tape. Measure the length
s1 .
7. The time t1 is 5  0.02 = 0.1 s.
8. We can assume that the trolley was travelling at constant velocity for a small time
interval. Thus
distance s1
Initial velocity   u.
time t1
9. Similarly mark out five adjacent spaces near the end of the tape and find the final
velocity v.
10. Measure the distance s in metres from the centre point of u to the centre point of v.
v2  u2
11. The acceleration is found using the formula a  .
2s
12. By changing the tilt of the runway different values of acceleration are obtained.
Repeat a number of times.
13. Tabulate results as shown.

s1/m t1/s u/m s-1 s2/m t2/s v/m s-1 t/s a/m s-2

6
Results

Notes
Ignore the initial five or six dots on the tape since the trolley may not be moving with
constant acceleration during this time interval.

Ticker timers that use precarbonated tape are recommended because the friction due to
paper drag is reduced.

Ensure that the voltage rating of the timer is not exceeded.

Some timers make one hundred dots in one second.

7
TO SHOW THAT a F

Apparatus
Air-track with one vehicle, pulley and blower, two photogates, two retort stands, dual
timer, metre-stick, black card, set of slotted weights (1 N total).

Dual timer
t1 t2
Photogate

l Pulley
Light beam Card

Slotted
weights

s
Air track

Procedure
1. Set up the apparatus as in the diagram. Make sure the card cuts both light beams
as it passes along the track.
2. Level the air track.
3. Set the weights F at 1 N. With the card at one end of the track start the blower and
release the card from rest.
4. Note the times t1 and t2.
5. Remove one 0.1 N disc from the slotted weight, store this on the vehicle, and
repeat.
6. Continue for values of F from 1.0 N to 0.1 N.
7. Use a metre-stick to measure the length of the card l and the separation of the
photogate beams s.
8. Record results as shown.
9. Draw a graph of a/m s-2 against F/N.

8
Results
l = ………. m.

s = ………. m.

l
Initial velocity u 
t1

l
Final velocity v 
t2

v2  u2
Acceleration a 
2s

F/N t1/s t2 /s u/m s-1 v/m s-1 a/m s-2

1.0
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1

Conclusion
A straight line through the origin shows that, for a constant mass, the acceleration is
proportional to the applied force.

Notes
The total accelerating mass must be kept constant; hence the need to transfer the masses.
Block the ten pairs of air holes nearest the buffer/pulley end of the track with cellotape.
This part of the track will now act as a brake on the vehicle.

Occasionally check the air holes on the linear air-track with a pin, to clear any blockages
due to grit or dust.

This experiment may be performed using a trolley on a friction-compensated ramp.

9
VERIFICATION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF CONSERVATION OF
MOMENTUM

Apparatus
Linear air-track, two vehicles with velcro pads attached, blower, two photogates, two
retort stands, dual timer, metre-stick, black card.

Dual timer
t1 t2
Photogate

Light beam
l Card

Air track

Vehicle 1 Velcro pad Vehicle 2

Procedure
1. Set up apparatus as in the diagram.
2. Connect air-track to blower.
3. Level the air-track.
4. Measure the mass of each vehicle m1 and m2 respectively, including attachments,
using a balance.
5. Measure the length l of the black card in metres.
6. With vehicle 2 stationary, give vehicle 1 a gentle push. After collision the two
vehicles coalesce and move off together.
7. Read the transit times t1and t2 for the card through the two beams.
l
8. Calculate the velocity before the collision, u  .
t1
l
9. Calculate the velocity after the collision, v  .
t2
10. Calculate the momentum before the collision, pbefore = m1u and the momentum
after the collision, pafter = (m1 + m2) v.
11. Repeat several times, with different velocities and different masses.
12. Record results as shown.

10
Results
Mass of vehicle 1, m1 =….… kg.

Mass of vehicle 2, m2 =..…... kg.

s1/m t1/s u/m s-1 pbefore / kg m s-1 s2/m t2/s v/m s-1 pafter / kg m s-1

Notes
To see if the track is level carry out these tests:
a) A vehicle placed on a level track should not drift toward either end.
b) When a vehicle is travelling freely along a level track, the times recorded on both
timers should be equal. This holds for travel in either direction.

Adding small weights, magnets or putty will change the masses of the vehicles.

Block the ten pairs of air holes nearest the buffer end of the track with cellotape. This
part of the track will now act as a brake on the vehicle.

Occasionally check the air holes on the linear air-track with a pin, to clear any blockages
due to grit or dust.

This experiment may be performed using trolleys on a friction-compensated ramp.

11
MEASUREMENT OF g

Apparatus

Millisecond timer, metal ball, trapdoor and electromagnet.

Electromagnet Switch Electronic timer

Ball bearing
h

Trapdoor

Procedure
1. Set up the apparatus. The millisecond timer starts when the ball is released and
stops when the ball hits the trapdoor.
2. Measure the height h as shown, using a metre stick.
3. Release the ball and record the time t from the millisecond timer.
4. Repeat three times for this height h and take the smallest time as the correct value
for t.
5. Repeat for different values of h.
6. Calculate the values for g using the equation h  12 gt 2 . Obtain an average value
for g. Alternatively draw a graph of h against t2 and use the slope to find the value
of g.

12
Results

h/m t1/s t2 /s t3 /s t/s g/m s-2

1.2
1.1

Notes
Place a piece of paper between the ball bearing and the electromagnet to ensure a quick
release.

In some models of this apparatus, a pressure pad is used in place of the trapdoor; a
manually operated spring-release mechanism may also be used in place of the
electromagnet.

13
VERIFICATION OF BOYLE’S LAW

Apparatus
One type of Boyle’s law apparatus (shown here) consists of a thick walled glass tube that
is closed at one end. It contains a volume of air trapped by a column of oil. A pressure
gauge attached to the oil pipe is used in measuring the pressure of this volume of air.

Volume
scale
Tube with volume
of air trapped by
oil
Bicycle
pump

Reservoir of oil
Valve

Pressure
gauge

Procedure
1. Using the pump, increase the pressure on the air in the tube. Make sure not to
exceed the safety limit indicated on the pressure gauge. Close the valve and wait
20 s to allow the temperature of the enclosed air to reach equilibrium. Read the
volume V of the air column from the scale.
2. Take the corresponding pressure reading from the gauge and record the pressure P
of the trapped air.
3. Reduce the pressure by opening the valve slightly – this causes an increase the
volume of the trapped air column. Again let the temperature of the enclosed air
reach equilibrium.
4. Record the corresponding values for the volume V and pressure P .
5. Repeat steps two to five to get at least six pairs of readings.

14
Results

P/Pa V /cm3 1
/cm-3
V

1
Plot a graph of P against .
V
A straight-line graph through the origin will verify that, for a fixed mass of gas at constant
temperature, the pressure is inversely proportional to the volume, i.e. Boyle’s law.

Note
Before starting the experiment, the pressure gauge reading must be checked.
Open the valve fully. If the pressure gauge reads 0, then the value of atmospheric
pressure (1105 Pa) must be added to the pressure reading on the gauge to get the pressure
of the air in the tube.
If the gauge reads atmospheric pressure (1 105 Pa) with the valve opened, then the
pressure of the air in the tube is obtained directly from the gauge.

15
INVESTIGATION OF THE LAWS OF EQUILIBRIUM FOR A SET OF
CO-PLANAR FORCES

Apparatus
Two newton balances (0-50 N), metre stick, weights, paperclips.

Support

Newton balance Newton balance

Paperclips

w2 w4
w1 w3

Procedure
1. Use a balance to find the centre of gravity of the metre stick and its weight.
2. Hang the balances from a support or two retort stands; hang the metre stick
horizontally from the balances.
3. Hang a number of weights from the metre stick and move them around until the
stick is horizontal and in equilibrium.
4. Record the reading on each newton balance.
5. Find the sum of the weights on the metre stick and add the weight of the stick.
6. Record the positions on the metre stick of each weight, each newton balance and
the centre of gravity of the metre stick.
7. Find the moment of each force about the 0 cm mark by multiplying the force, in
newtons, by its distance, in metres, from the 0 cm mark.
8. Find the sum of the clockwise moments about an axis through the 0 cm mark.
9. Find the sum of the anticlockwise moments about an axis through the 0 cm mark.
10. Repeat steps 7, 8 and 9 for at least two other points along the metre stick.
11. Repeat for a different set of weights.

16
Results
For each situation
(1) Forces up = Forces down
i.e. the sum of the readings on the balances should be equal to the sum of the
weights plus the weight of the metre stick.

(2) The sum of the clockwise moments about an axis through any of the chosen points
should be equal to the sum of the anticlockwise moments about the same axis.

Notes
Giant paperclips [50 mm] can be used to support the slotted weights, thereby eliminating
the problem students encounter when thread is used. The paperclips can also be used as
support points for hanging the metre stick from the newton balances.

The paperclips may be treated as part of the weights and so their weight is added to that of
the other weights.

Fixing the paper clips in position with cellotape or bluetack may be an easier alternative
approach. The paperclips may then be treated as part of the metre stick. In this case, find
the centre of gravity and weight of metre stick and paperclips using one of the balances.

Open out the paperclips for ease of use, especially if it’s planned to slide the weights to
different positions.

17
INVESTIGATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERIOD
AND LENGTH FOR A SIMPLE PENDULUM AND HENCE
CALCULATION OF g*

Apparatus
Pendulum bob, split cork, string and timer.

Split cork

l
Timer
Bob

20:30

Procedure
1. Place the thread of the pendulum between two halves of a cork or between two
coins and clamp to a stand.
2. Set the length of the thread at one metre from the bottom of the cork or coins to
the centre of the bob.
3. Set the pendulum swinging through a small angle (<10°). Measure the time t for
thirty complete oscillations.
4. Divide this time t by thirty to get the periodic time T.
5. Repeat for different lengths of the pendulum.
6. Draw a graph of T 2 against length l and use the slope to calculate a value for g.

18
Results

l/m t/s T/s T2/s2

1.00
0.9
0.8

T2

l
T 2  4 2
g
T 2 4 2
   slope
l g
4 2
 g 
(slope)

19
CALIBRATION CURVE OF A THERMOMETER USING THE
LABORATORY MERCURY THERMOMETER AS A STANDARD

Apparatus
Mercury thermometer, thermistor or any other thermometer to be calibrated, boiling tube
containing glycerol, heat source, beaker of water, ohmmeter/multimeter.

Multimeter as ohmmeter
Mercury thermometer


Boiling tube

Water
Glycerol

Thermistor

Heat source

Procedure

1. Set up apparatus as shown in the diagram.

2. Place the mercury thermometer and the thermistor in the boiling tube.
3. Record the temperature , in C, from the mercury thermometer and the
corresponding thermistor resistance R, in ohms, from the ohmmeter.
4. Increase the temperature of the glycerol by about 5 C.
5. Again record the temperature and the corresponding thermistor resistance.
6. Repeat the procedure until at least ten sets of readings have been recorded.
7. Plot a graph of resistance R against temperature  and join the points in a
smooth, continuous curve.

20
Results

 /C R/

Notes
The resistance of the leads has been ignored in the description above, since it is
negligible.

There is very good thermal contact between the glycerol and the thermistor since the
glycerol does not contain dissolved gases.

The boiling tube of glycerol is placed in a water bath to limit the maximum temperature
reached to 100 °C.

The thermistor can now be used to measure temperatures within the range for which it has
been calibrated. Place the thermistor in thermal contact with the body whose temperature
is to be found. Measure the resistance and find the corresponding temperature from the
calibration curve.

21
MEASUREMENT OF THE SPECIFIC HEAT CAPACITY OF A
METAL BY AN ELECTRICAL METHOD

Apparatus
Joulemeter, block of metal, heating coil to match, beaker, lagging, thermometer accurate
to 0.1 °C, glycerol, electronic balance and a low voltage a.c. supply.

Mains Mains
12 V a.c. Joulemeter
Power supply 10°C

350 J

Digital
thermometer

Heating coil

Glycerol Glycerol
Metal block
Lagging

Procedure
1. Find the mass of the metal block m.
2. Set up the apparatus as shown in the diagram.
3. Record the initial temperature θ1 of the metal block.
4. Plug in the joulemeter and switch it on.
5. Zero the joulemeter and allow current to flow until there is a temperature rise of
10 C.
6. Switch off the power supply, allow time for the heat energy to spread throughout
the metal block and record the highest temperature θ2.
7. The rise in temperature  is therefore θ2 – θ1.
8. Record the final joulemeter reading Q.

22
Results

Mass of metal block m =

Initial temperature of the block θ1 =
Final temperature of the block θ2 =
Rise in temperature θ = θ2 – θ1 =
Final joulemeter reading Q =

Calculations
The specific heat capacity of the metal c can be calculated from the following equation:

Energy supplied electrically = energy gained by the metal block

Q = mc θ .

23
MEASUREMENT OF SPECIFIC HEAT CAPACITY OF WATER BY
AN ELECTRICAL METHOD

Apparatus
Joulemeter, calorimeter, heating coil, beaker, lagging, thermometer reading to 0.1 °C,
electronic balance and a low voltage a.c. supply.

Mains Mains 10°C

12 V a.c. Joulemeter
Power supply

Cover Digital
350 J
thermometer

Water
Calorimeter Lagging

Heating coil

Procedure
1. Find the mass of the calorimeter mcal.
2. Find the mass of the calorimeter plus the water m1. Hence the mass of the water
mw is m1 – mcal.
3. Set up the apparatus as shown. Record the initial temperature θ1.
4. Plug in the joulemeter , switch it on and zero it.
5. Switch on the power supply and allow current to flow until a temperature rise of
10 C has been achieved.
6. Switch off the power supply, stir the water well and record the highest temperature
θ2. Hence the rise in temperature θ is θ2 – θ1.
7. Record the final joulemeter reading Q.

24
Results
Mass of the calorimeter mcal =
Mass of the calorimeter plus the water m1 =
Mass of the water mw = m1 – mcal =
Initial temperature of water θ1 =
Final temperature θ2 =
Rise in temperature  = θ2 – θ1 =
Final joulemeter reading Q =

Calculations
Given that the specific heat capacity of the calorimeter ccal is known, the specific heat
capacity of water cw can be calculated from the following equation:

Electrical energy supplied = energy gained by water + energy gained by calorimeter

Q = mwcw θ + mcalccal θ .

Notes
If a polystyrene container is used in place of the copper calorimeter, then the energy
gained by the water is equal to the electrical energy supplied since the heat capacity of the
container is negligible.

The energy equation now reads: Q = mwcw θ .

If a joulemeter is unavailable, electrical energy can be supplied to the heating coil from a
power supply unit connected in series to an ammeter and rheostat. A voltmeter must be
placed in parallel with the heating coil to measure the potential difference and a stopwatch
used to measure the time of current flow.
Switch on the current and the stopwatch simultaneously. Adjust the rheostat to maintain a
constant current. Allow the current to flow until a temperature rise of 10 °C has been
achieved. Record the steady current I and voltage V readings. Switch off the current and
the stopwatch simultaneously. Record the time t in seconds.

If a calorimeter is used the energy equation is: VIt = mwcw θ + mcalccal θ .

If a polystyrene container is used the energy equation is: VIt = mwcw θ .

25
MEASUREMENT OF THE SPECIFIC HEAT CAPACITY OF A
METAL OR WATER BY A MECHANICAL METHOD

Apparatus

Copper calorimeter, copper rivets, beaker, boiling tube, lagging, thermometer accurate to
0.1 °C, heat source and electronic balance.

Cotton wool
Boiling tube 10°C

Water

Copper rivets

Digital
thermometer

Heat source
Water

Lagging

Procedure
1. Place some copper rivets in a boiling tube. Fill a beaker with water and place the
boiling tube in it.
2. Heat the beaker until the water boils. Allow boiling for a further five minutes to
ensure that the copper pieces are 100° C.
3. Find the mass of the copper calorimeter mcal.
4. Fill the calorimeter, one quarter full with cold water. Find the combined mass of
the calorimeter and water m1. Hence the mass of the water mw is m1 – mcal.
5. Record the initial temperature of the calorimeter plus water θ1.
6. Quickly add the hot copper rivets to the calorimeter, without splashing.
7. Stir the water and record the highest temperature θ2. The fall in temperature θ1
of the copper rivets is 100 °C – θ2. The rise in temperature θ 2 of the calorimeter
plus water is θ2 – θ1.
8. Find the mass of the calorimeter plus water plus copper rivets m2 and hence find
the mass of the rivets mco.

26
Results
Mass of the calorimeter mcal =
Mass of the calorimeter plus the water m1 =
Mass of the water mw = m1 – mcal =
Initial temperature of water θ1 =
Initial temperature of rivets 100° C
Initial temperature of calorimeter θ1 =
Final temperature of water θ2 =
Final temperature of rivets θ2 =
Rise in temperature of water θ 2 = θ2 – θ1 =
Rise in temperature of calorimeter θ 2 = θ2 – θ1 =
Fall in temperature of rivets  θ1 = 100° C - θ2
Mass of calorimeter plus water plus rivets m2 =
Mass of rivets mco = m2 – m1

Calculations
Assume that heat losses to the surroundings or heat gains from the surroundings are
negligible.
Given that either the specific heat capacity of water cw or the specific heat capacity of
copper cc is known, the other specific heat capacity can be calculated from the following
equation:

Energy lost by copper rivets = energy gained by copper calorimeter + the energy gained
by the water

mcocc θ1 = mcalcc θ 2 + mwcw θ 2 .

If cw is known, then cc can be calculated or alternatively if cc is known, cw can be found.

Notes
If a polystyrene container is used in place of the copper calorimeter, then the energy
gained by the water is equal to the energy lost by the copper rivets. The energy equation
now reads:
mcocc θ1 = mwcw θ 2 .

27
 MEASUREMENT OF THE SPECIFIC LATENT HEAT OF FUSION
OF ICE

Apparatus
Ice, water, calorimeter, lagging, beakers, kitchen paper, digital thermometer reading
to 0.1 °C and electronic balance.

10°C

Crushed ice
Digital
Wrap ice in cloth to thermometer
crush and dry.
Calorimeter
Water Lagging

Procedure
1. Place some ice cubes in a beaker of water and keep taking the temperature with
the thermometer until the ice-water mixture reaches 0 °C.
2. Find the mass of the calorimeter mcal.
3. Half fill the calorimeter with water warmed to approximately 10 °C above room
temperature. Find the combined mass of the calorimeter and water m2. The mass
of the water mw is m2 – mcal.
4. Record the initial temperature θ1 of the calorimeter plus water.
5. Surround the ice cubes with kitchen paper or a cloth and crush them between
wooden blocks – dry them with the kitchen paper.
6. Add the pieces of dry crushed ice, a little at a time, to the calorimeter. Do this
until the temperature of the water has fallen by about 20 °C.
7. Record the lowest temperature θ2 of the calorimeter plus water plus melted ice.
The rise in temperature of the ice θ1 is θ2 – 0 °C and the fall in temperature of the
calorimeter plus water θ 2 is θ1 – θ2.
8. Find the mass of the calorimeter plus water plus melted ice m3. The mass of the
melted ice mi is m3 – m2.

28
Results
Mass of the calorimeter mcal =
Mass of the calorimeter plus water m2 =
Mass of the water mw = m2 – mcal =
Initial temperature of the calorimeter plus water θ1 =
Final temperature of the calorimeter plus water plus melted θ2 =
ice
Rise in temperature of the ice = θ2 – 0 °C =
 θ1
Fall in temperature of the calorimeter plus water = θ1 – θ2 =
θ 2
Mass of the calorimeter plus water plus melted ice m3 =
Mass of the melted ice mi = m3 – m2 =

Calculations
Assume heat losses cancel heat gains. Given that the specific heat capacity of water cw
and the specific heat capacity of copper cc are already known, the latent heat of fusion of
ice l may be calculated from the following equation:

Energy gained by ice = energy lost by calorimeter + energy lost by the water.

mil + micw θ1 = mcalcc θ 2 + mwcw θ 2

Notes
If a polystyrene container is used in place of the copper calorimeter, the
energy gained by the ice is equal to the energy lost by the water.
The energy equation now reads: mil + micw θ1 = mwcw θ 2 .

To avoid melting the crushed ice, transfer it with a plastic spatula.

29
MEASUREMENT OF THE SPECIFIC LATENT HEAT OF
VAPORISATION OF WATER

Apparatus
Calorimeter, lagging, beaker, conical flask fitted with stopper and delivery tube or steam
generator, steam trap, retort stand, heat source, thermometer accurate to 0.1 °C and
electronic balance.
10°C

Steam trap
TRTRAP
Wet steam Dry steam
Digital
thermometer
Tubing

Lagging
Calorimeter

Water

Heat source

Procedure
1. Half fill the conical flask or steam generator with water and fit with the delivery
tube.
2. Heat until steam issues freely.
3. Find the mass of the calorimeter mcal.
4. Half fill the calorimeter with water cooled to approximately 10 °C below room
temperature.
5. Find the mass m1 of the water plus calorimeter.
6. The mass of the cooled water mw is m1 – mcal.
7. Record the temperature of the calorimeter plus water θ1.
8. Allow dry steam to pass into the water in the calorimeter until the temperature has
risen by about 20 °C.
9. Remove the steam delivery tube from the water, taking care not to remove any
water from the calorimeter in the process.
10. Record the final temperature θ2 of the calorimeter plus water plus condensed
steam. The fall in temperature of the steam θ1 is 100 °C – θ2.
11. The rise in the temperature of the calorimeter plus water θ 2 is θ2 – θ1.
12. Find the mass of the calorimeter plus water plus condensed steam m2. Hence the
mass of the condensed steam ms is m2 – m1.

30
Results
Mass of the calorimeter mcal =
Mass of the water plus calorimeter m1 =
Mass of the cooled water mw = m1 – mcal =
Temperature of the calorimeter plus water θ1 =
Final temperature of the calorimeter plus water plus condensed θ2 =
steam
Fall in temperature of the steam  θ1 = 100 °C – θ2 =
Rise in the temperature of the calorimeter plus water = θ2 – θ1 =
θ 2
Mass of the calorimeter plus water plus condensed steam m2 =
Mass of the condensed steam ms = m2 – m1 =

Calculations
Assume heat losses to the surroundings cancel heat gains from the surroundings. Given
that the specific heat capacity of water cw and the specific heat capacity of copper cc are
already known, the specific latent heat of vaporisation of water l may be calculated from
the following equation:

Energy lost by steam = energy gained by calorimeter + energy gained by the water

msl + mscw θ1 = mcalcc θ 2 + mwcw θ 2 .

Notes
If a polystyrene container is used in place of the copper calorimeter, then the energy
lost by the steam is equal to the energy gained by the water.
The energy equation now reads: msl + mscw θ1 = mwcw θ 2 .

Use a tilted insulated tube as an alternative delivery pipe for dry steam. This does away
with the need to use a steam trap.

If the water in the calorimeter is initially cooled to10 °C below room temperature and then
heated to 10 °C above room temperature the heat gains and heat losses approximately
cancel each other out.

31
MEASUREMENT OF THE SPEED OF SOUND IN AIR

Apparatus
1000 ml graduated cylinder, resonance tube, set of tuning forks in the frequency range
256 Hz to 512 Hz, vernier callipers, metre stick, stand (longest upright type), clamp and
wooden block.

Tuning fork A e
c

l2
e A

A
l1
N N

Graduated cylinder
Tube
Water

Fig.1 Fig. 2

Procedure
1. Clamp the tube so that the water in the graduated cylinder closes its lower end.
The tube should be free to slide vertically through the clamp jaws. Take an
approximate value of 300 m s-1 for the speed of sound to obtain a rough estimate
of the quarter wavelength resonance position.
2. Strike the highest frequency (512 Hz) tuning fork on the wooden block, and hold it
in a horizontal position just above the mouth of the tube (Fig. 1).
3. Slide the tube slowly up/down until the note heard from the tube is at its loudest;
resonance is now occurring.
4. Tighten the clamp in this position and measure the length of the air column (from
the water level to the top of the tube) l1 with a metre stick.
5. Clamp the tube (or its extension) so that the air column is 2 or 3 cm less than 3l1
(Fig. 2).
6. Obtain a second weaker resonance with the same tuning fork by again sliding the
tube until the note heard is at its loudest, at the three-quarters wavelength
resonance position.
7. Clamp the tube in this position and measure with a metre stick, the air column
length l2 at this resonance.

32
 8. Repeat this procedure to obtain the corresponding values of l1 and l2 for all the
tuning forks in order of decreasing frequency.
9. Record the measurements in a table.
10. Calculate the wavelength using   2(l 2  l1 ) in each case.
11. Calculate the speed of sound from c  f , for each of the tuning forks.
12. Find the average value for the speed of sound.

Results

f/Hz l1/m l2/m  /m c/m s-1

The average value of the speed of sound in air =

Notes
The experiment can be done using just one tube. Proceed to obtain resonance as before.
Measure the length l1. The antinode forms above the top of the tube and so an end
correction factor has to be added to the length. From theory, it is found that the correction
factor e = 0.3d , where d is the average internal diameter of the tube (measured using a
vernier callipers).
Hence λ = 4(l1 + 0.3d)
c = f
c = 4f(l1 + 0.3d).
Calculate a value of c for each tuning fork and find an average value for the speed of
sound.

If a resonance tube is not available, use 50 cm lengths of 40 mm and 30 mm plastic pipes.

33
A specially designed apparatus called a resonometer can also be used to obtain the data.

e
l

Tuning fork Amplifier

Beginning with the highest frequency tuning fork and a very short column of air, adjust
the piston until the sound from the vibrating air column is loudest; this is the first
resonance point. Measure the length l of the air column at resonance. Proceed to use the
set of tuning forks to complete the data table as in the previous method (it is difficult to
distinguish resonance for frequencies below 340 Hz).

λ = 4(l +e) where e is the end correction factor

λ = 4(l + 0.3d) where d is the internal diameter of the tube
c = f
c = 4f(l + 0.3d).

It is also possible to cause resonance in the air column using a signal generator and a
loudspeaker; the 8 , 5 cm diameter model of loudspeaker is ideal. Clamp the
loudspeaker in a horizontal position just above the mouth of the tube. Connect the
loudspeaker to the low impedance output of the signal generator. Gradually increase the
signal generator frequency from zero until the air column resonates. Calculate the speed
of sound using the same procedures as before. Repeat the experiment for different lengths
of the air column.

34
 INVESTIGATION OF THE VARIATION OF FUNDAMENTAL
FREQUENCY OF A STRETCHED STRING WITH LENGTH

Apparatus
Signal generator, U-magnet, sonometer with a newton balance or tensionometer (0 to 50
N) and tension key.

Safety note: Wear safety goggles in case the sonometer wire snaps.
Signal generator

Paper
rider
U-shaped
magnet
Tension
l
control Newton
key balance

Sonometer Bridge

Procedure
1. Place the sonometer wire between the poles of the U-magnet, positioned midway
between the bridges.
2. Fix the tension at a constant value (e.g. 20 N), using the tension control key.
3. Place the bridges as far apart as possible and measure the length of the wire l
between the bridges with a metre stick.
4. Slowly increase the applied a.c. frequency from 0 Hz, until the wire vibrates.
5. Note the value of this frequency when the vibration is at its maximum.
6. Reduce the length of the wire, by sliding one bridge towards the other one.
Reposition the magnet midway between the bridge supports and measure the
fundamental frequency for that length.
7. Repeat this procedure for different lengths of wire and measure the corresponding
fundamental frequencies.
8. Record the measurements in a table.
1
9. Plot a graph of frequency f against inverse of length .
l

35
Results
f/Hz l/m 1 -1
/m
l

Conclusion
A straight line through the origin will verify that frequency f is inversely proportional to
the length l .

Notes
If the frequency cannot be read with reasonable accuracy from the signal generator, use a
multimeter with a suitable frequency scale. Connect it across the signal generator.

Use the amplitude control on the signal generator to adjust the current flowing through the
wire, to prevent overheating.

Keep the paper rider as light as possible. Use a small piece of cellotape to hold the paper
in the form of a loop. This allows the rider to sit loosely on the wire without falling off.
The movement of the paper is then easier to see and hence the position of resonance is
easier to identify.

A short length of drinking straw can also be used as a very light rider. Slit the straw
length-wise first; cut off a 0.5 cm piece and slip it onto the string. This rider can be
moved along the string to detect the positions of nodes and antinodes when the string is
vibrating at resonance.

A set of tuning forks may be used as an alternative to the signal generator and magnet.

Use the low impedance output of the signal generator.

A guitar string may be used instead of the sonometer wire.

36
 INVESTIGATION OF THE VARIATION OF THE FUNDAMENTAL
FREQUENCY OF A STRETCHED STRING WITH TENSION*

Apparatus
Signal generator, U-magnet, sonometer with a newton balance or tensionometer (0 to 50
N) and tension key.

Safety note: Wear safety goggles in case the sonometer wire snaps.

Signal generator

U-shaped Paper
magnet rider

Tension
l
control Newton
key balance

Bridge
Sonometer

Procedure
1. Place the sonometer wire between the poles of the U-magnet, positioned midway
between the bridges.
2. Select a wire length l (e.g. 30 cm), by suitable placement of the bridges. Keep this
length fixed throughout the experiment.
3. Set the tension at a low value (e.g. 4 N), so that the stationary waves set up at
resonance have large amplitude and are easily visible.
4. Increase the frequency slowly from zero until resonance occurs.
5. Increase the value of the tension (in steps of 4 N, for example) and again increase
the applied a.c. frequency until resonance occurs.
6. Record the frequency and tension values in a table.
7. Repeat the procedure to obtain at least six readings.
8. Plot a graph of frequency f against the square root of tension T . Draw a straight
line of best fit through the plotted points.

37
Results

f/Hz T/N T /N1/2

Conclusion
A straight line through the origin will verify a proportionality between the frequency f and
the square root of the tension T .

Notes
Ensure that the breaking strain of the wire is greater than 50 N.

Use the low impedance output of the signal generator.

If the frequency cannot be read with reasonable accuracy from the signal generator, use a
multimeter with a suitable frequency scale. Connect it across the signal generator.

Use the amplitude control on the signal generator to adjust the current flowing through the
wire, to prevent overheating.

Keep the paper rider as light as possible. Use a small piece of cellotape to hold the paper
in the form of a loop. This allows the rider to sit loosely on the wire without falling off.
The movement of the paper is then easier to see and hence the position of resonance is
easier to identify.

A short length of drinking straw can also be used as a very light rider. Slit the straw
length-wise first; cut off a 0.5 cm piece and slip it onto the string. This rider can be
moved along the string to detect the positions of nodes and antinodes when the string is
vibrating at resonance.

Students may find the data easier to handle if the tension values 4 N, 9 N, 16 N, etc., are
chosen.

A guitar string may be used instead of the sonometer wire.

A set of tuning forks may be used as an alternative to the signal generator and magnet.

38
MEASUREMENT OF THE FOCAL LENGTH OF A CONCAVE
MIRROR

Apparatus
Concave mirror, screen, lamp-box with crosswire.

Concave Crosswire
mirror

Lamp-box

Screen

Procedure
1. Place the lamp-box well outside the approximate focal length - see notes.
2. Move the screen until a clear inverted image of the crosswire is obtained.
3. Measure the distance u from the crosswire to the mirror, using the metre stick.
4. Measure the distance v from the screen to the mirror.
1 1 1
5. Calculate the focal length of the mirror using   .
f u v
6. Repeat this procedure for different values of u.
7. Calculate f each time and then find an average value.

39
 Results

u/cm 1 v/cm 1 1 f/cm

/cm-1 /cm-1 /cm-1
u v f

Average f =

Notes
The approximate method for finding the focal length is recommended as a starting point
for this experiment. The approximate method is described in the Appendix.

A microscope lamp makes a very suitable strong light source. Cover the glass of the lamp
with a piece of tracing paper. Use ‘peel-and-stick’ letters to create an ‘object’ on the
tracing paper.

40
VERIFICATION OF SNELL’S LAW OF REFRACTION

Apparatus
Glass block, lamp-box, 0-3600 protractor, (photocopied from page 56 of Physics A
Teacher’s Handbook)

Lamp-box

0 - 360° Protractor

i
Glass Block
A

41
Procedure
1. Place a glass block on the 0-3600 protractor in the position shown on the diagram
and mark its outline.
2. Shine a ray of light from a lamp-box at a specified angle to the near side of the
block and note the angle of incidence.
3. Observe the ray of light leaving the glass block and similarly mark the exact point
B where it leaves the glass block.
4. Remove the glass block. Join BA and extend to C.
5. Note the angle of refraction r.
6. Repeat for different values of i.
7. Draw up a table as shown.
8. Plot a graph of sin i against sin r.

Results
i/° r/° sin i sin r sini
sinr

sin i
Average value of =
sin r
A straight line through the origin verifies Snell’s law of refraction i.e. sin i  sin r .

The slope of the line gives a value for the refractive index of glass.

sin i
The refractive index of glass is equal to the average value of .
sin r

Notes
Look directly down through the glass or plastic block to measure the angle of refraction.

Print the 360° protractor directly from page 56 of ‘Physics A Teachers Handbook’ to
obtain the clearest delineation of the marked angles.

A semi-circular glass block can be used instead of the rectangular block.

A commercial model of the 360° protractor is also available. The model has a ‘rotating’
protractor housed in a horizontal rectangular base.

42
MEASUREMENT OF THE REFRACTIVE INDEX OF A LIQUID

Apparatus
Plane mirror, two pins, cork, retort stand, large containers.

Cork

Pin

Apparent
depth
Mirror

Real
depth
Water

Image

Pin

Procedure
1. Fill a container to the top with water.
2. Place the plane mirror to one side on top of the container.
3. Put a pin on the bottom of the container.
4. Adjust the height of the pin in the cork above the mirror until there is no parallax
between its image in the mirror and the image of the pin in the water.
5. Measure the distance from the pin in the cork to the back of the mirror – this is the
apparent depth.
6. Measure the depth of the container – this is the real depth.
real depth
7. Calculate the refractive index, n  .
apparent depth
8. Repeat using different size containers and get an average value for n.

43
Results

real depth/cm apparent depth/cm real depth

n
apparent depth

Average n =

44
 MEASUREMENT OF THE FOCAL LENGTH OF A CONVERGING
LENS

Apparatus
Converging lens, screen, lamp-box with crosswire, metre stick, retort stand.

Lamp-box with crosswire Lens Screen

u v

Procedure
1. Place the lamp-box well outside the approximate focal length – see notes.
2. Move the screen until a clear inverted image of the crosswire is obtained.
3. Measure the distance u from the crosswire to the lens, using the metre stick.
4. Measure the distance v from the screen to the lens.
1 1 1
5. Calculate the focal length of the lens using   .
f u v
6. Repeat this procedure for different values of u.
7. Calculate f each time and then find the average value.

45
Results

u/cm 1 v/cm 1 1 f/cm

/cm-1 /cm-1 /cm-1
u v f

Average f =

Notes
The approximate method for finding the focal length is recommended as a starting point
for this experiment. The approximate method is described in the Appendix.

A microscope lamp makes a very suitable strong light source that can be used in daylight.
Cover the glass of the lamp with a piece of tracing paper. The tracing paper can be
attached with some bluetack. Use ‘peel-and-stick’ letters to create an ‘object’ on the
tracing paper. If the ‘object’ is a simple three-letter word then the inversion of the image
will be obvious.

46
 MEASUREMENT OF THE WAVELENGTH OF MONOCHROMATIC
LIGHT

Apparatus
Sodium lamp, spectrometer and diffraction grating (300 lines per mm).

Angular position

θr
θr n=1
Telescope
Turntable
Sodium
Collimator
lamp

n=0

Diffraction
grating
Angular position
θl θl n=1

Procedure
1. Adjust the eyepiece of the telescope so that the crosswires are sharply focused.
2. Focus the telescope for parallel light using a distant object. There should be no
parallax between the image seen in the telescope and the crosswires seen through
the eyepiece.
3. Place the sodium lamp in front of the collimator.
4. Level the turntable of the spectrometer if necessary.
5. Looking through the telescope, focus the collimator lens and adjust the width of
the slit until a clear narrow image is seen.
6. Place the diffraction grating on the turntable at right angles to the beam.
7. Move the telescope to the right until the cross wires are centred on the first bright
image. Take the reading θ r from the scale on the turntable. (To see the scale more
easily shine a lamp on it and use a magnifying lens).
8. Move the telescope back through the centre and then to the first bright image on
the left.
9. Take the reading θ l from the scale.
θ  θl
10. Calculate θ using θ  r .
2

47
 1
11. Calculate the distance d between the slits using d  where N is the number of
N
lines per metre on the grating.
12. Calculate the wavelength  using n  d sin  .
13. Repeat this for different orders (n) and get an average value for the wavelength.

Results

n θr/  θl/  θ r  θl λ/m

θ  /
2

Average  =

48
MEASUREMENT OF THE WAVELENGTH OF MONOCHROMATIC
LIGHT (using the laser)

Apparatus
Laser, diffraction grating (600 lines per mm), 2 metre sticks.

n=2

Metre stick

n=1

Laser x
θ
n=0

D
Diffraction n=1
grating

n=2

Procedure
1. Clamp a metre stick horizontally in a stand.
2. Allow the laser beam to hit the metre stick normally (at 90 ).
3. Move the metre stick sideways until the spot is on the 50 cm mark.
4. Place the grating between the laser and the metre stick, at right angles to the beam.
5. Observe the interference pattern on the metre stick – a series of bright spots.
6. Calculate the mean distance x between the centre (n=1) bright spot and the first (n
=1) bright spot on both sides of centre.
7. Measure the distance D from the grating to the metre stick.
x
8. Calculate θ using tan   .
D
1
9. Calculate the distance d between the slits, using d  , where N is the number of
N
lines per metre on the grating.
10. Calculate the wavelength λ using nλ = dsinθ.
11. Repeat this procedure for different values of n and get the average value for  .

49
Results

n x/m D/m θ/ ° λ/m

Average  =

50
VERIFICATION OF JOULE’S LAW (As   I 2)

Apparatus
Lagged beaker or calorimeter with a lid, heating coil, battery or low voltage power
supply, rheostat, ammeter or multimeter, thermometer, stopwatch, balance.

10°C
A

Lid
Digital
thermometer
Calorimeter Water

Heating coil Lagging

Procedure

1. Put sufficient water in a calorimeter to cover the heating coil. Set up the circuit as
shown.
2. Note the temperature.
3. Switch on the power and simultaneously start the stopwatch. Allow a current of
0.5 A to flow for five minutes. Make sure the current stays constant throughout;
adjust the rheostat if necessary.
4. Note the current, using the ammeter.
5. Note the time for which the current flowed.
6. Stir and note the highest temperature. Calculate the change in temperature θ .
7. Repeat the above procedure for increasing values of current I, taking care not to
exceed the current rating marked on the rheostat or the power supply. Take at
least six readings.
8. Plot a graph of θ (Y-axis) against I 2 (X-axis).

51
Results

θ1/C θ2/C θ /C I/A I 2/A2

A straight-line graph through the origin verifies that θ  I 2 i.e. Joule’s law.

Notes
Ensure that the rheostat current limit exceeds 3 A.

The heat energy produced is the mass multiplied by specific heat capacity multiplied by
rise in temperature: H = mc θ .
The energy liberated per second in the device is defined as the electrical power. This
energy is P = RI 2.
Therefore RI 2 = mc θ /t
or I 2 = (mc/Rt) θ .
As the mass, specific heat capacity, resistance and time are constant, θ  I 2.
Hence P  I2

52
TO MEASURE THE RESISTIVITY OF THE MATERIAL OF A WIRE

Apparatus
Length of wire (nichrome, manganin), micrometer, ohmmeter, metre stick.

Nichrome
Crocodile clips
wire
Micrometer
l


Metre stick

Bench clamp Stand

Procedure

1. Note the resistance of the leads when the crocodile clips are connected together.
2. Tie a length (2 or 3 metres) of nichrome/manganin between the bars of the two
stands as shown above. Stretch the wire enough to remove any kinks or ‘slack’ in
the wire.
3. Connect the crocodile clips to the wire some distance l apart. Read the resistance
of the leads plus the resistance of wire between the crocodile clips from the
ohmmeter. Subtract the resistance of the leads to get the resistance R of the wire.
4. Measure the length l of the wire between the crocodile clips, with the metre stick
or tape.
5. Increase the distance between the crocodile clips. Measure the new values of R
and l.
6. Make a note of the zero error on the micrometer. Use the micrometer to find the
diameter of the wire at different points, taking the zero error into account. Find
the average value of the diameter d.
R d 2
7. Calculate the resistivity ρ    A, where A = .
l  4
8. Repeat this procedure for a number of different lengths.
9. Calculate the average value for ρ .

53
Results

Micrometer Reading/mm

Resistance of leads =
Micrometer zero error =
Average of micrometer readings =
Diameter of wire =

R/  l/m R ρ / m
/  m-1
l

Average value of ρ =

Notes
Safety glasses should be worn as the wire could snap when stretched.

Use a micrometer with a slip-screw.

If clamps are unavailable, two students may hold the stands to keep the wire stretched
enough to avoid kinks.

Alternatively stretch the wire between two nails, which are positioned one to two metres
apart on a piece of wood.

The resistivity of nichrome is 100 × 10–8  m (at 20 °C).

The resistivity of manganin is 48 × 10–8  m (at 20 °C).

The resistivity values given depends on composition of the alloys used.

54
TO INVESTIGATE THE VARIATION OF THE RESISTANCE OF A
METALLIC CONDUCTOR WITH TEMPERATURE

Apparatus
Coil of wire (see note), glycerol, beaker, heat source, thermometer, ohmmeter, boiling
tube.

10º C
10ºC

Ω
Digital
thermometer

Water Wire wound

on frame
Glycerol

Heat source

Procedure

1. Place the coil of wire in the boiling tube with the glycerol and place it in a beaker
of water.
2. Arrange the beaker over the heat source.
3. Connect the ohmmeter to the coil of wire.
4. Use the thermometer to note the temperature of the glycerol, which is also the
temperature of the coil.
5. Record the resistance of the coil of wire using the ohmmeter.
6. Heat the beaker.
7. For each 10 C rise in temperature record the resistance and temperature using the
ohmmeter and the thermometer.
8. Plot a graph of resistance against temperature.

55
Results
R /
 /C

Notes

The coil is commercially available. It is called the co-efficient of resistance with

temperature apparatus.

56
TO INVESTIGATE THE VARIATION OF THE RESISTANCE OF A
THERMISTOR WITH TEMPERATURE

Apparatus
Thermistor, boiling tube containing glycerol or liquid paraffin, beaker, heat source,
thermometer, ohmmeter.

10°C Digital
thermometer

Water
Thermistor
Glycerol

Heat source

Procedure
1. Set up the apparatus as shown.
2. Connect the ohmmeter to the thermistor.
3. Use the thermometer to note the temperature of the glycerol and thermistor.
4. Record the resistance of the thermistor using the ohmmeter.
5. Heat the beaker.
6. For each 10 C rise in temperature, record the resistance and the temperature using
the ohmmeter and the thermometer.
7. Plot a graph of resistance against temperature and join the points in a smooth,
continuous curve.

Results

R /
 /C

57
TO INVESTIGATE THE VARIATION OF CURRENT (I) WITH P.D.
(V) FOR (a) A METALLIC CONDUCTOR

Apparatus
Low voltage power supply, rheostat, voltmeter, ammeter, length of nichrome wire.

+
6V A
- Nichrome
wire
V

Procedure
1. Set up the circuit as shown and set the voltage supply at 6 V d.c.
2. Adjust the potential divider to obtain different values for the voltage V and hence
for the current I.
3. Obtain at least six values for V and I using the voltmeter and the ammeter.
4. Plot a graph of I against V.

Results

V/V 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5
I/A

Conclusion

A straight line through the origin  I  V.

Notes
A varying voltage can be obtained from a fixed supply voltage by using a potential
divider. It consists of a variable resistor or fixed resistors in series. Move the slider to
change the output voltage. This results in the output voltage from the potential divider
being a fraction of the input voltage.

The value of R may be determined from the reciprocal of the slope of the graph.

1 m of 26 s.w.g. nichrome wire, wound on a plastic comb, may be used in this

experiment. This has a resistance of approximately 7.0 .

58
TO INVESTIGATE THE VARIATION OF CURRENT (I) WITH P.D.
(V) FOR (b) A FILAMENT BULB

Apparatus
Replace the length of nichrome wire in the circuit with a 6 V, 0.06 A filament bulb and
replace the ammeter with a milliammeter.

Procedure
1. Adjust the potential divider to obtain different values for the voltage V and hence
for the current I.
2. Obtain at least ten values for V and I using the voltmeter and the milliammeter.
3. Plot a graph of I against V and join the points in a smooth, continuous curve.

Results

V/V 0.2 0.5 0.8 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5
I/mA

Notes
The resistance of the filament increases with temperature.

The shape of the curve shows that Ohm's law is not obeyed as the temperature of the
filament changed with changing current.

If a multimeter is used as the ammeter, change the lead from the 10 A socket to the mA
socket and select the appropriate current scale.

59
TO INVESTIGATE THE VARIATION OF CURRENT (I) WITH P.D.
(V) FOR (c) COPPER SULFATE SOLUTION WITH COPPER
ELECTRODES

Apparatus
Replace the filament bulb in the circuit with copper electrodes in copper sulfate solution.

Procedure
1. Adjust the potential divider to obtain different values for the voltage V and hence
for the current I.
2. Obtain at least six values for V and I using the voltmeter and the milliammeter.
3. Plot a graph of I against V.

Results

V/V 0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5
I/mA

Conclusion

A straight line through the origin  I  V.

Notes
The copper sulfate solution may be made by adding 15 g of copper sulfate to 100 cm3 of
warm water. Adding 2 cm3 of concentrated sulphuric acid ensures that the solution stays
clear and this will enable it to be reused a number of times.

60
TO INVESTIGATE THE VARIATION OF CURRENT (I) WITH P.D.
(V) FOR (d) SEMICONDUCTOR DIODE

Apparatus

Low voltage power supply, rheostat, voltmeter, milliammeter, 330  resistor, silicon
diode, e.g. 1N4001.

+ 330Ω
9V mA
- V

Procedure- Forward Bias

1. Set up the circuit with the semiconductor diode in forward bias as shown and set
the voltage supply to 9 V.
2. Adjust the potential divider to obtain different values for the voltage V and hence
for the current I.
3. Obtain at least ten values for V and for I using the voltmeter and the milliammeter.
4. Plot a graph of I against V and join the points in a smooth, continuous curve.

Results – Forward Bias

V/V 0.1 0.2 0.4 0.45 0.5 0.55 0.6 0.62 0.64 0.66 0.68 0.70
I/mA

Notes

A protective resistor, e.g. 330 , should always be used in series with a diode in forward
bias.

Almost no current flows until the applied voltage exceeds 0.6 V for a silicon diode but
then the current rises rapidly.

A germanium diode, e.g. OA91, gives very little current between 0 and 0.2 V but the
current then increases above this voltage.

A light emitting diode gives very little current up to 1.6 V but then the current rises
rapidly accompanied by the emission of light.

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Apparatus
Low voltage power supply, rheostat, voltmeter, microammeter, silicon diode, e.g.
1N4001.

+
20 V μA
-
V

Procedure – Reverse Bias

1. Set up the circuit as above and set the voltage supply at 20 V.
2. The microammeter is used in this part of the experiment, as current values will be
very low when a diode is in reverse bias.
3. Adjust the potential divider to obtain different values for the voltage V and hence
for the current I.
4. Obtain at least six values for V (0-20 V) and for I using the voltmeter and the
microammeter. Higher voltage values are required for conduction in reverse bias.
5. Plot a graph of I against V and join the points in a smooth, continuous curve.

Results – Reverse Bias

V/V 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
I/A

Notes
The position of the voltmeter has changed since a reverse biased diode has a very large
resistance that is greater than the resistance of most voltmeters. It is essential that the
microammeter reads only the current flowing through the reverse biased diode as the sum
of the currents flowing through the voltmeter and reverse biased diode may be much
larger.
Since the resistance of the microammeter is negligible compared with the resistance of the
reverse biased diode the potential difference across the microammeter and diode is almost
the same as the potential difference across the diode alone.

When using a silicon diode it is very difficult to detect the current in reverse bias as the
current is so small and changes very little with temperature variations.

For a germanium diode some reverse current can be detected (a few A) at 4 V reverse
bias. This conduction increases rapidly when the diode is heated (by hand).

For information on connecting diodes see the ‘Teacher’s Handbook’: Current Electricity
p.45.

62
APPENDIX

TO ESTIMATE THE SPECIFIC HEAT CAPACITY OF WATER

Apparatus
Timer and plastic electric jug kettle (with power rating marked on it).

Procedure
1. Read the power rating (wattage) P of the kettle.
2. Fill the kettle with cold water to the one litre mark.
3. Take the temperature of the water  1 .
4. Switch on the kettle for 50 s.
5. Read the temperature  2 .

Calculations
Mass of water mw = 1 kg
Rise in temperature of water θ =  2   1 =
The electrical energy produced by the kettle Pt =
If it is assumed that all the electrical energy went into heating the water, then

Pt  mw cθ
Pt
c = Specific heat capacity of water.
m w θ

This gives a reasonable value for c.

Notes
One litre of water has a mass of one kilogram.

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TO ESTIMATE THE SPECIFIC LATENT HEAT OF VAPORISATION
OF WATER

Apparatus
Plastic electric jug kettle with power rating marked on it, electronic balance and timer.

Procedure
1. Read the power rating (wattage) P of the kettle.
2. Half fill the kettle with water and place it on the electronic balance.
3. Switch on the kettle, leaving the lid off. This prevents it from switching off when
it starts to boil.
4. Allow the kettle to boil.
5. When steam is coming freely from it take the reading m1 on the balance and start
the timer.
6. Allow the kettle to boil until the mass has decreased by about 50 g.
7. Read the mass m2.
8. Stop the timer and note the time t taken.

Calculations
Mass of water converted into steam m = m1 – m2 =
Energy required to do this is mlv, where lv is the specific latent heat of vaporisation of
water.
Electrical energy used to produce the steam equals Pt.
If it is assumed that all electrical energy went into producing steam
Pt
mlv = Pt  lv =
m

This gives a value for lv of the correct order of magnitude and helps to make the concept
of specific latent heat of vaporisation more realistic.

Notes
This experiment is best done as a teacher demonstration.

Use a balance with a wide base so that the kettle will not overturn.

64
MEASUREMENT OF THE FOCAL LENGTH OF A CONCAVE
MIRROR (APPROXIMATE METHOD)

1 1 1
For a concave mirror   .
f u v
1 1 1
If u is very much greater than the focal length, then 0    f  v.
u f v

Procedure
Using the concave mirror, focus a distant object, e.g. a tree, on a sheet of paper. The
distance from the mirror to the paper is approximately equal to the focal length of the
mirror.

This method is useful as it gives the student some idea of the answer to expect when the
experiment is done using a more accurate method.

MEASUREMENT OF THE FOCAL LENGTH OF A CONVERGING

LENS (APPROXIMATE METHOD)

1 1 1
For a converging lens   .
f u v
1 1 1
If u is very much greater than the focal length, 0    f = v.
u f v
Procedure
Focus a distant object, e.g. a tree, on a screen. The distance from the lens to the screen is
approximately the focal length of the lens.

This method is useful as it gives the student some idea of the answer to expect when the
experiment is done using a more accurate method.

65
DEMONSTRATION OF STANDING WAVES

Apparatus

Vibration generator
Locking screw
String

Newton balance
(0 – 50 N)

Support
Signal generator
Bench clamp Stand

Procedure
1. Clamp two stands, positioned about 3 m apart, to a bench.
2. Place the vibration generator on a laboratory jack or other suitable support, to
allow the string plenty of room to vibrate up-and-down.
3. Tie the string securely to the hook of a firmly anchored 50 N balance and drape it
over the side arm attached to the RHS vertical bar.
4. Thread the string through the eye of the vibrator bar – do not tighten the locking
screw yet.
5. Tension the string to 10 N by tying it securely to the LHS vertical bar.
6. Slide the vibration generator as far as practicable to the left and tighten the locking
screw.
7. Connect the vibration generator to the low resistance output (4 ) of the signal
generator.
8. Turn on the signal generator and select a frequency of 4 or 5 Hz.
9. Adjust the output control on the signal generator until the oscillations are visible.
10. Slowly increase the frequency until the string vibrates at its fundamental mode.
11. Increase the frequency until the first harmonic is visible.
12. Continue to increase the frequency to see a series of successive harmonics.

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Notes

Clamp a loudspeaker (4  or 8 ) with its diaphragm facing upwards. Build a column of

bluetack taped to the diaphragm as shown.

Bluetack
String

Speaker
To signal
generator

Raise the loudspeaker and bluetack towards the string so that the string is surrounded and
gripped by the bluetack. Connect the signal generator to the loudspeaker. Increase the
frequency and observe the standing waves.

Observe longitudinal standing waves in a vertical spring supported from a ceiling hook
and with its lower end attached to the vibration generator: note the compression maxima
as the applied frequency is increased.

The experiments to investigate the variation of the fundamental frequency of a stretched

string with length and tension could be performed using this apparatus.

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THE ROTA OPTION

A POSSIBLE APPROACH TO EXPERIMENTAL WORK

The problem of how best to organise experimental work in physics is ever present. This
arises mainly, but not exclusively, because of constraints imposed by the lack of
availability of apparatus in many schools. The rota option addresses this problem in a
creative way, with the added advantages of excellent educational and organisational
outcomes.
A major difficulty against a rota system is a perceived problem in selecting a set of
six/seven suitable listed experiments (the rota need not, of course, only consist of listed
experiments) at the beginning of senior cycle physics. Many teachers feel that it is
necessary to fully cover the background theory before any experimental work is
undertaken. Certainly, some background theory is necessary, but a judicious selection of
experiments can keep this to a minimum.
If we apply ‘some contact and understanding at Junior Certificate level’ as a selection
criterion, the following initial list might be acceptable, with very little additional
background required:
 Measurement of velocity and acceleration
 Verification of Boyle’s Law
 To investigate the relationship between period and length of a simple pendulum.
 Calibration curve of a thermometer using the laboratory mercury thermometer as a
standard
 Measurement of the speed of sound in air
 Measurement of the focal length of a concave mirror
 Verification of Snell’s law of refraction
 To investigate the variation of resistance of a thermistor with temperature

A clear set of instructions for each experiment is essential.

Ideally the specific equipment required for each experiment should be in its own
container. Initially it will be necessary to use some class time to select groups, draw up a
rota calendar and explain the contents of each container. A wheel-in trolley makes an
ideal storage and retrieval system.

It is much better from the point of view of student understanding to make contact with a
concept in physics as often as possible. Each group of students becomes responsible for a
specific experiment – the one that they carried out in week one of the rota. Each week
they check the apparatus for that experiment and sort out any difficulties that a group may
be having with it. This frees the teacher to deal with bigger issues and gives much more
time for her/him to move among the groups during experimental work. This allows the
teacher to get to know the students as individuals and to recognise the strengths and
weaknesses in their developing knowledge of physics. From the calendar each group
knows their upcoming experiment and is obliged (as homework) to familiarise themselves
with it in the preceding days using the instruction sheet. Once the initial effort is made to
get all of the experiments running in this fashion, things are effectively organised for long
periods of time. Essentially the students run the practical class.

68