ELITE STUDENTS’
PHYSICS PRACTICAL
WORK BOOK
COMPILED BY S.M KARIUKI & M.M WACHIRA
JANUARY 1, 2023
THE ELITE
EMBU KENYA
,ELITE PHYSICS PRACTICAL WORKBOOK.
EXPECTATIONS FOR A STUDENT
- Correctly assemble the setup as shown in a practical diagram
- Make the correct readings in their proper accuracy depending on the measuring instrument.
-Tabulate the data collected properly
-Take maximum precaution for a high level of accuracy e.g. Avoid loose joints during
connections
- Use the data collected to accurately plot the required graph.
- Make the correct deductions from the graph drawn e.g. properly extraction of co-ordinates for
gradient estimation.
COMMON LABORATORY APPARATUS
1. Metre rule/Half metre rule/ Students ruler/ Tape measure
- Measures length in centimeters and millimeters
- It’s accuracy is 1 dp of a centimeter
e.g A height of 15cm is recorded as 15.0cm
2. . Vernier Callipers
- Measures length in centimeters
- It’s accuracy is 2 dp of a centimeter
e.g A thickness of 2cm is recorded as 2.00cm
2. Micrometer screwgauge
- Measures length in milliimeters
- It’s accuracy is 2 dp of a milliimeter
e.g A diameter of 1mm is recorded as 1.00mm
4. Ammeter
-Measures current flowing in a circuit in amperes (A)
-Connected in series with other electrical devices
- it’s accuracy is to 2.d.p
e.g A current of 2A is recorded as 2.00A
5. Milliammeter.
-Measures small current flowing in a circuit in milliamperes (1A =10 -3 mA)
-Connected in series with other electrical devices
- Its accuracy is to 1. d.p
e.g A current of 3mA is recorded as 3.0mA
6. Voltmeter
- Measures voltage across an electrical device e.g. cell, resistors and others
- Connected in parallel with other electrical devices
1|Page
The development of physics, like the development of any science, is a
continuous one.
, - Its accuracy is either 1. d.p or 2 d.p depending on the scale used
e.g A Voltage of 3V is recorded as 3.0 V when using a scale of 0-3 V and 3.00 V when
using a scale of 0-5 V
7. Centre zero galvanometer
- Mainly used to find the balance point
- Detects the flow of current in a circuit
- Has two terminals. Positive and negative
- Positive terminal is connected to the positive of the battery while the negative to the
negative terminal of the battery.
8. Stop watch
- Measures time
- Reading taken to exact two decimal places. E.g reading of 0.0523 is recorded as 5.23S.
9. Thermometer
- Measures temperature
- Reading written correct to whole numbers. No decimals e.g 56 0C
10. Beam balance
- Measures mass
- Reading written to two decimal places eg 70g written as 70.00g
11. Spring balance
- Measures weight in Newton
- Readings recorded to 1dp e.g 12N written as 12.0N
12. Measuring cylinders /Beakers
- Measures volume
- Accuracy depends on it’s size
13. Protractor
-Measures angles
-Reading written to whole numbers. No decimals. E.g an angle of 20 is written as 200
NB. When taking a reading using a measuring instrument:
- Place your eyes perpendicular to the scale
- Ensure the instrument does not have a zero error
- Study the instrument carefully to ascertain the accuracy.
GRAPHS IN PHYSICS
All graphs are either:
- Linear with a positive or negative gradient
- Smooth curves
Key notes when plotting graphs
Plot a graph;
Most experimental data in physics is analysed using graphs. It is therefore important that as a
physics student one is good at drawing and interpreting graphs. Graphs are common in both
practical physics and theory work. When drawing the graphs;
o Axes must be drawn by use of straight lines and clearly labelled. The correct quantity and
units must be shown on both axes.
o Have an appropriate scale.
2|Page
The development of physics, like the development of any science, is a
continuous one.
, 2
o The graph should occupy at least of the graph page.
3
o The scale must be in multiples of 2 or 5 for simplicity
o The scale must be uniform; equal intervals representing the same change in value
along one axis.
o Plot the points accurately and clearly mark them using crosses (x) or circled dot
o Draw the line of best fit or a smooth curve. This is guided by;
o Distribution of the points on the page
o The terms used after the graph especially on gradient. If asked for the gradient or
slope of the graph, it suggests that the graph is a straight line. Else if one is asked
to determine the gradient at a particular point, minimum or maximum points this
suggests that the graph is a smooth curve.
o For straight lines ,the equation should relate with the general equation of a straight
line i.e y = mx + c
o A line of best fit MUST pass through at least three correctly plotted points. It need
not pass through all the points.
o At this level the curves are smooth with either one point of inflection or one
turning point.
o The marks are distributed as follows;
Labelling axis (quantity and units); 1 mark
Correct scale; 1 mark
(simple ,uniform and accomodative)
Plotting of points; 1st four correct; 1 mark, 5 or
more correct; 2 marks
Smooth curve or line of best fit; 1 mark
Use the graph to determine;
In the use of the graph one needs to
o Extract the values correctly
o Substitute the values correctly in the formula
o Relate the formula and the values calculated or extracted to some formula or
physical constants or properties in physics.
o When substituting values do not round them off or truncate them. Substitute the
values as they appear in the previous section.
o NB: The marks for the gradient are awarded only if the mark for the line has been
awarded. These marks are distributed as follows;
o Correct extraction from the graph; 1 mark
o Correct substitution into the equation; 1 mark
o Correct calculated value including accuracy and units 1
mark
o For a curve draw the tangent at the point where the gradient
is required
ASSESSMENT OF PRACTICAL SKILLS
Follow the steps outlined below:
i. Follow the instructions in the question paper step by step. Read the instructions carefully
to ensure that you do understand them well.
3|Page
The development of physics, like the development of any science, is a
continuous one.
PHYSICS PRACTICAL
WORK BOOK
COMPILED BY S.M KARIUKI & M.M WACHIRA
JANUARY 1, 2023
THE ELITE
EMBU KENYA
,ELITE PHYSICS PRACTICAL WORKBOOK.
EXPECTATIONS FOR A STUDENT
- Correctly assemble the setup as shown in a practical diagram
- Make the correct readings in their proper accuracy depending on the measuring instrument.
-Tabulate the data collected properly
-Take maximum precaution for a high level of accuracy e.g. Avoid loose joints during
connections
- Use the data collected to accurately plot the required graph.
- Make the correct deductions from the graph drawn e.g. properly extraction of co-ordinates for
gradient estimation.
COMMON LABORATORY APPARATUS
1. Metre rule/Half metre rule/ Students ruler/ Tape measure
- Measures length in centimeters and millimeters
- It’s accuracy is 1 dp of a centimeter
e.g A height of 15cm is recorded as 15.0cm
2. . Vernier Callipers
- Measures length in centimeters
- It’s accuracy is 2 dp of a centimeter
e.g A thickness of 2cm is recorded as 2.00cm
2. Micrometer screwgauge
- Measures length in milliimeters
- It’s accuracy is 2 dp of a milliimeter
e.g A diameter of 1mm is recorded as 1.00mm
4. Ammeter
-Measures current flowing in a circuit in amperes (A)
-Connected in series with other electrical devices
- it’s accuracy is to 2.d.p
e.g A current of 2A is recorded as 2.00A
5. Milliammeter.
-Measures small current flowing in a circuit in milliamperes (1A =10 -3 mA)
-Connected in series with other electrical devices
- Its accuracy is to 1. d.p
e.g A current of 3mA is recorded as 3.0mA
6. Voltmeter
- Measures voltage across an electrical device e.g. cell, resistors and others
- Connected in parallel with other electrical devices
1|Page
The development of physics, like the development of any science, is a
continuous one.
, - Its accuracy is either 1. d.p or 2 d.p depending on the scale used
e.g A Voltage of 3V is recorded as 3.0 V when using a scale of 0-3 V and 3.00 V when
using a scale of 0-5 V
7. Centre zero galvanometer
- Mainly used to find the balance point
- Detects the flow of current in a circuit
- Has two terminals. Positive and negative
- Positive terminal is connected to the positive of the battery while the negative to the
negative terminal of the battery.
8. Stop watch
- Measures time
- Reading taken to exact two decimal places. E.g reading of 0.0523 is recorded as 5.23S.
9. Thermometer
- Measures temperature
- Reading written correct to whole numbers. No decimals e.g 56 0C
10. Beam balance
- Measures mass
- Reading written to two decimal places eg 70g written as 70.00g
11. Spring balance
- Measures weight in Newton
- Readings recorded to 1dp e.g 12N written as 12.0N
12. Measuring cylinders /Beakers
- Measures volume
- Accuracy depends on it’s size
13. Protractor
-Measures angles
-Reading written to whole numbers. No decimals. E.g an angle of 20 is written as 200
NB. When taking a reading using a measuring instrument:
- Place your eyes perpendicular to the scale
- Ensure the instrument does not have a zero error
- Study the instrument carefully to ascertain the accuracy.
GRAPHS IN PHYSICS
All graphs are either:
- Linear with a positive or negative gradient
- Smooth curves
Key notes when plotting graphs
Plot a graph;
Most experimental data in physics is analysed using graphs. It is therefore important that as a
physics student one is good at drawing and interpreting graphs. Graphs are common in both
practical physics and theory work. When drawing the graphs;
o Axes must be drawn by use of straight lines and clearly labelled. The correct quantity and
units must be shown on both axes.
o Have an appropriate scale.
2|Page
The development of physics, like the development of any science, is a
continuous one.
, 2
o The graph should occupy at least of the graph page.
3
o The scale must be in multiples of 2 or 5 for simplicity
o The scale must be uniform; equal intervals representing the same change in value
along one axis.
o Plot the points accurately and clearly mark them using crosses (x) or circled dot
o Draw the line of best fit or a smooth curve. This is guided by;
o Distribution of the points on the page
o The terms used after the graph especially on gradient. If asked for the gradient or
slope of the graph, it suggests that the graph is a straight line. Else if one is asked
to determine the gradient at a particular point, minimum or maximum points this
suggests that the graph is a smooth curve.
o For straight lines ,the equation should relate with the general equation of a straight
line i.e y = mx + c
o A line of best fit MUST pass through at least three correctly plotted points. It need
not pass through all the points.
o At this level the curves are smooth with either one point of inflection or one
turning point.
o The marks are distributed as follows;
Labelling axis (quantity and units); 1 mark
Correct scale; 1 mark
(simple ,uniform and accomodative)
Plotting of points; 1st four correct; 1 mark, 5 or
more correct; 2 marks
Smooth curve or line of best fit; 1 mark
Use the graph to determine;
In the use of the graph one needs to
o Extract the values correctly
o Substitute the values correctly in the formula
o Relate the formula and the values calculated or extracted to some formula or
physical constants or properties in physics.
o When substituting values do not round them off or truncate them. Substitute the
values as they appear in the previous section.
o NB: The marks for the gradient are awarded only if the mark for the line has been
awarded. These marks are distributed as follows;
o Correct extraction from the graph; 1 mark
o Correct substitution into the equation; 1 mark
o Correct calculated value including accuracy and units 1
mark
o For a curve draw the tangent at the point where the gradient
is required
ASSESSMENT OF PRACTICAL SKILLS
Follow the steps outlined below:
i. Follow the instructions in the question paper step by step. Read the instructions carefully
to ensure that you do understand them well.
3|Page
The development of physics, like the development of any science, is a
continuous one.
