CAPE Unit 2

Physics
Lab manual

Center number: 100005 Academic year: …………………..

Candidate’s name: ………………………………………………………..

Teacher’s name:

……………………………………………………….... Examination

year: ……………………………………

Experiment #: 1
Name: ………………………………………………………..
Date: …………………………………..

Mode of execution: ………………….

Topic: Electricity
Title: Electrostatics
Problem Statement:
Manifa tell her students that it’s possible to stick identical balloons to each other without
using adhesives. Plan and design an experiment to investigate how two identical balloons can be
stuck together without using adhesive.

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Aim: ………………………………………………………………………………………………
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Apparatus: ………………………………………………………………………………………
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Diagram:

Method:

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Variables:
Manipulated: …………………………………………………………………………..

Responding: …………………………………………………………………………..

Controlled: ……………………………………………………………………………

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Expected Results:

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Limitations:……………………………………………………………………………….………
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Sources of error:
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Precautions:
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Date: …………………………………..

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P&D (CAPE) (12)

Electrostatics

Hypothesis (2)
Relevant and clear (2)

Method (5)
Responding Variable (1)
Controlled Variable (1)
Manipulative (1)
Use of material clear (1)
Tense (1)

Diagram (1)
Labeled (1)

Expected results (3)

Stated and logical (1)
In line with method and hypothesis (1)
Outlines the treatment of the results

Limitations/precautions (1)
Reasonable and stated clearly (1)

Total

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Name: ………………………………………………………..
Date: …………………………………..

Experiment #: 2
Mode of execution: ………………….
Topic: Electricity
Title: Thermistors, Resistance and Temperature
Aim: To investigate the relationship between temperature and resistance for a thermistor
Apparatus: battery, ammeter, voltmeter, thermometer, thermistor, hot water bath
Circuit Diagram:

Method:
1. Set up the circuit as shown
2. Place the thermistor into the water bath. Ensure the wires and metals are close to the open
flame
3. For every increase in the temperature by 5℃, document the corresponding voltage
and current.
4. Take six (6) readings
5. Calculate the resistance for each temperature
6. Plot a graph of resistance versus temperature

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Name: ………………………………………………………..
Date: …………………………………..

Observations/Results:

Sources of error:

Precautions:

Conclusion:

ORR (CAPE) (12)

Thermistor
Table (2)
Headings with units (1)
Consistent d.p (1)

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Graph (6)
Appropriate scale (1)
Axes correctly labeled w/ units (1)
All pts correctly plotted (2)
Curve of best fit (1)
Neat: fine point/line, (1)

Language (1)
Appropriate tense (1)
Presentation
Overall lab write up, neat (1)

Diagram (2)
Appropriately labeled (1)
Title

Total

M&M (12)
Thermistor
Follow instructions (2)
Identify the apparatus
Appropriate scale both (1)
Accuracy (2)

Range (2)
Values increase by the same amount (1)

Manipulation (5)
Read the thermometer
Read the voltmeter
Read the ammeter
Creating an heat source
Disconnects wires
Number of reading (1)
At least 5 data values collected
Total

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Name: ………………………………………………………..
Date: …………………………………..

Experiment #: 3
Mode of execution: ………………….
Topic: Electricity
Title: Capacitors and Capacitance
Aim: To determine the capacitance of a capacitor across a resistor
Apparatus: stopwatch, capacitor, resistors, millimetre, wires, source
(battery) Diagram:

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Method:
1. Use the millimetre to measure the resistance of the resistor
2. Record the magnitude of the resistor
3. Set up the apparatus as shown in the charging circuit diagram
4. Charge the capacitor by connecting it to the source (battery)
5. Ensure the millimetre is across the capacitor
6. Remove the source and start the stop watch simultaneously
7. Record the voltage drop seen on the millimetre which is across the capacitor using 60
seconds intervals until there are six readings (you may use 30 seconds interval if the
discharge is quicker)
8. Plot a graph of voltage against time
9. Plot a graph lnV against time
10. Use the lnV against time graph to determine the capacitance of the capacitor.

Observations/Results: Resistance of the resistor: …………………………….

Calculations:

Discussion:

Sources of error:

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Name: ………………………………………………………..
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Precautions:

Conclusion:

ORR (CAPE) (12)

Capacitance
Table (2)
Headings with units (1)
Consistent d.p (1)
Graph (6)
Appropriate scale (1)
Axes correctly labeled w/ units (1)
All pts correctly plotted (2)
Curve of best fit (1)
Neat: fine point/line, (1)
Language (1)
Appropriate tense (1)
Presentation (1)
Overall lab write up, neat (1)
Diagram (2)
Appropriately labeled
(1) Title

Total

A&I (12)
Capacitance

Gradient (6)
Gradient formula (1)
Large triangle (1)
Point chosen: (2)
Substitution in formula (1)
Answer w/ unit (1)

Substitution (3)
Rearranging of formula(1)
Substitute gradient into m (1)
Answer w/ unit: F(1)
Time constant (1)

Limitation/SOE/ precaution (1)

Conclusion (1)
States the calculated spring constant

Total

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Name: ………………………………………………………..
Date: …………………………………..

Experiment #: 4
Mode of execution: …………………………….
Topic: Electricity
Title: Magnetism
Aim: To determine the magnetic field strength between two magnets
Apparatus: copper wires, magnet, top pan balance, wires, source (battery), clamp and stand and
ruler.
Diagram:

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DIAGRAM SHOWING A SET UP OF THE EXPERIMENT

Method:
1. Set up the experiment as shown in the diagram. Make sure the wire is completely
perpendicular between the magnets
2. Measure the length of the magnet using the ruler. This will be the length of the wire in
the magnetic field
3. Before adding the battery/closing the circuit, zero the balance.
4. Use Fleming’s left hand rule to ensure the force is acting downwards.
5. Close the circuit and document the mass on the balance.
6. Repeat the process by increasing the current (number of batteries)
7. Ensure you collect at least 5 readings.
8. Repeat the experiment
9. Plot a suitable graph of Force against current
10. Determine the magnetic field strength

Observations/Results: Length of wire: …………………………….

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Name: ………………………………………………………..
Date: …………………………………..

A&I (12)
Magnetic field Strength

Gradient (6)
Gradient formula (1)
ORR (CAPE) (12) Large triangle (1)
Magnetic field strength Point chosen: (2)
Substitution in formula (1)
Table (3) Answer w/ unit (1)
Headings with units (1)
Consistent d.p (1)
Title Substitution (3)
Rearranging of formula(1)
Graph (6) Substitute gradient into m (1)
Appropriate scale (1)
Answer w/ unit (1)
Axes correctly labeled w/ units (1)
All points correctly plotted (2)
Line of best fit (1) Limitation/SOE/Precaution (2)
Neat: fine point/line, (1)
Language (1) Conclusion (1)
Appropriate tense (1) States the calculated magnetic field strength
Diagram (2)
Appropriately labeled Total
(1) Title

Total

Experiment #: 5
Topic: A.C.
Circuits
Title: Electromagnetic Induction

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Name: ………………………………………………………..
Date: …………………………………..

An investigation into the relationship among the coil, current, distance and mass of a load
supported by an aluminium ring.
Problem Statement:
Efforts are being made to increase efficiency of railway networks. One way of doing his
is to reduce the resistance expended by trains. This can be achieved by levitating action using
very large electric currents which pass though super conductive material to produce a strong
magnetic field. It is important that the train remains at a fixed distance above the rail. At a first
stage investigation of this effect, an alternating current (I), is passed through a coil placed at the
base of a vertically mounted iron rod. An aluminium ring is placed over this rod. When the coil
is energized, the ring rises to a stationery position above the coil. Design an experiment to
investigate how the coil current needed to raise the load to a fixed distance above the coil varies
with the mass of the load where the load is supported by the aluminium ring.

P&D (CAPE)
Electromagnetic Induction (AC circuit) (12)

Hypothesis
Relevant and clear (2)

Method
Responding Variable (1)
Controlled Variable (1)
Manipulative (1)
Method has all necessary parts to finding resistivity using gradient(1)
Use of material clear (1)
Tense (1)

Diagram
Labeled (1)

Expected results
Stated and logical (1)
In line with method and hypothesis (1)

Limitations/precautions
Reasonable and stated clearly (1)

Total

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Name: ………………………………………………………..
Date: …………………………………..

Experiment #: 4
Mode of execution: ………………….
Topic: Electromagnetism
Title: Electromagnetic induction in a coil
Aim: To investigate the factors that affect the magnitude and direction of an induced emf
Apparatus: galvanometer (coil), magnets bars, galvanometer, wires
Method:
Using two turns on the coil and a specific pole,

1. Push the magnet into the middle of the coil and keep it stationary, document

the observation and an inference (rationale) for the observation

2. Push the magnet in the middle of the coil and withdraw it slowly; maintaining the

same speed. Repeat and note the estimated magnitude of the deflection. document

you observation

3. Push the magnet in the middle of the coil and withdraw it quickly; maintaining the

same speed. Repeat and note the estimated magnitude of the deflection. document

you observation

4. Repeat steps 1-4 for 20 and 50 turns using the same pole of the magnet.

5. Using the 30 turn, push two magnets with the same poles then use two magnets

with opposite poles.

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6. Using a table document the observation and an inference (rationale) for the

observations.

7. Repeat using an opposite pole, state your observation.

Observations/Results:
Observation Inference

Observation Inference

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Observation Inference

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AI (CAPE)
Electromagnetic Induction in a (12)
coil

Inferences for 2 turns (3)

Inferences for 20 turns (3)

Inferences for 50 turns (5)

Observation re other pole (1)

Total

Experiment #: 2
Mode of execution: ………………….
Experiment #: 5
Topic: Electricity and Magnetism
Title: Resistance of a resistor
Aim: To determine the magnitude of an unknown resistor
Apparatus: power supply, wires, resistor1, resistor x, ammeter, voltmeter
Diagram:

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Name: ………………………………………………………..
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Method:
1. The apparatus was set up as shown in the diagram above

2. The power supply was turned on and it was ensured that the needle was on the first

increment

3. The corresponding voltage across the resistor as well as the total current in the circuit was

recorded

4. Step 3 was repeated by increasing the increment of the power supply and the corresponding

voltages and current for six (6) readings were recording

5. A graph of voltage against current was plotted and a gradient was calculated

6. The value of the unknown resistor was determined

Observations/Results:

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Name: ………………………………………………………..
Date: …………………………………..

Experiment #: 2
Mode of execution: ………………….
Experiment #: 6
Topic: ……………………
Title: ………………………………………..
Problem Statement:
Given two unmarked capacitors of 200MF and 20MF. Plan and design an experiment to

determine the magnitude of each capacitor.

or

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Name: ………………………………………………………..
Date: …………………………………..

A student suggests that copper has a higher resistivity than steel. Plan and design an experiment

to verify it this is so.

Experiment #: 7
Mode of execution: ………………….
Topic: Operational Amplifiers
Title: Inverting Amplifiers
Aim:
To determine the effect of negative feedback on the gain and bandwidth of an Operational
Amplifier.
Apparatus:
Dual voltage power supply (±12V), 741 Operational Amplifier, Cathode Ray
Oscilloscope, Resistors (1kΩ, 10kΩ, 100kΩ) and function generator (0-1 MHz)
Method:
1. Two resistors were chosen Rf = 10kΩ and Ri = 1kΩ, such that the gain of
the amplifier was 10 and the circuit was connected as shown in the diagram.
2. The signal generator was set to produce a sinusoidal and the voltage amplitude was
set to any value between 0.5V and 1.0V.
3. The frequency of the signal generator was adjusted to 100Hz.
4. The output voltage of the Operational Amplifier was measured using the Cathode Ray
Oscilloscope.
5. Steps 3 and 4 were repeated at frequencies of 1kHz, 10kHz, 100kHz and 1MHz.
6. The results were tabulated
7. A graph of Gain vs. Log of Frequency was plotted.
8. The Gain-Bandwidth product was determined and the maximum bandwidth of the
LM741 Operational Amplifier.
9. Steps one to six were repeated but Rf was set to 100kΩ and Ri was set to 1kΩ to
produce voltage gains of 100
10. A graph of Log of Gain vs. Log of Frequency was plotted on the same graph created
in step 7.
11. The Gain-Bandwidth product and the maximum bandwidth of the Operational
Amplifier was determined.

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Name: ………………………………………………………..
Date: …………………………………..

Experiment #: 2

Mode of execution: ………………….

Experiment #: 8
Topic: Operational
Amplifiers Title: Inverting
Amplifiers Aim:
To use a PSPICE simulator to determine the effect of negative feedback on the gain and
bandwidth of an Operational Amplifier
Apparatus: Computer with student version of PSpice loaded
Method:
1. “START” was clicked and “ALL PROGRAMS” was selected then

“PSPICE STUDENT”, and then Semantics was selected.

2. The circuit inside the SPICE was already drawn so, next the resistors were set to a value.

3. The Vdc was set to 12V and the Vsin was double clicked on to open a window and the

values were set to: DC = 0, AC = 0.1, Voff = 0, Vampl = 0.1 ad Freq=100.

4. Vin and Vout labels were inserted by double clicking on the input and output wires.

5. To start the simulations, “Analysis” was clicked n then “Setup” and the “Transient”

box was selected, and values were entered into the transient window.

6. The ‘Analysis Setup’ window was closed

7. Analysis was clicked and “Simulate” was selected to start simulations.

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8. The input and output waveforms were displayed, and the relevant measurements were

taken.

9. The data was recorded in the table below.

10. A plot of Gain vs. Log of Frequency was made, and the Gain-Bandwidth product and

maximum bandwidth of the circuit was determined.

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Experiment #: 2
Mode of execution: ………………….
Experiment #: 9
Topic: Radioactive
Decay Title: Half Life
Aim: To verify some of the principles of radioactivity using coins as simulated atoms
Apparatus: 100 coins, container, meter rulers, Styrofoam cup
Method:
1. 100 coins were counted and placed in a container.

2. Meter rulers were used to make a barrier.

3. The coins were shaken in the Styrofoam cup and tossed on the table within the barrier.

4. The coins that landed on tails were removed from the enclosed area and counted.

5. The remaining coins were placed in the container.

6. Steps 3-5 were repeated until all the coins landed on tails.

7. Steps 1-6 were repeated and the results for both trials were recorded in a table.

8. The average number of undecayed coins (heads) was calculated.

9. A graph of the average number of undecayed coins (heads) was plotted against the

number of throws and the half-life was determined.

Observations/Results:

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Sources of error:

Precautions:

Conclusion:

Investigative project proposal

Topic: ………………………………………………………………

Title: …………………………………………………………………..

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Problem statement: ……………………………………………………………………………….

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Hypothesis: ……………………………………………………………………………………….
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Aim: ………………………………………………………………………………………………
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Apparatus: ………………………………………………………………………………………
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Diagram:

Method:
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Variables:
Manipulated: …………………………………………………………………………..

Responding: …………………………………………………………………………..

Controlled: ……………………………………………………………………………

Expected Results:

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Limitations:

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Assumptions:

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Sources of error:

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Precautions:

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Investigative project Implementation

Diagram:

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Method:
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Results:

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Discussion:

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Limitations:
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Source of Error:
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Precautions:
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Reflection

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Conclusion:
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