INDIAN LEARNER’S OWN ACADEMY

KUWAIT

CLASS XII
PHYSICS PRACTICAL
ROUGH RECORD OF OBSERVATIONS
2018-19

NAME OF THE STUDENT:___________________________

CLASS : XII A
1
 General Instructions for Physics Practical

 You will perform 15 experiments (7 from Section A and 8 from Section B)

during this academic year.
 Always be in the group assigned to you.
 You must bring your observation book while entering the lab.
 Come prepared for performing the practical. Know the aim, apparatus
required, procedure and theory of the practical which you are going to
perform in the class.
 Prepare your practical record with all entries [Aim, Materials required,
Theory , Procedure, Result, Precautions and Sources of error(on the RHS)
and Circuit Diagram/ Ray Diagram, Observations, Tabular Columns and
Expected shape of the graph, if any (on the LHS)], before the experiment is
conducted.
 Follow the verbal and written instructions strictly while performing the
experiment. Do not perform anything which is not a part of the standard
procedure. When in doubt, ASK, do not assume things.
 Tabulate your observations only in your observation note book and not on
loose or rough sheets.
 Calculations should be neatly done in the space provided in the observation
book and all values must be written in ink.
 Get the result of your experiment signed in your observation book on the
same day of the experiment or latest by the next working day.
 Once the experiment is signed in your observation book, you may complete
your record for that experiment. Do not enter the values in your record
until it has been checked by the teacher in your observation book.
 You must bring the completed record for correction when you come for
the next practical.
 Follow the lab safety rules strictly.
 Leave the lab neater than you found while entering.

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 General Instruction for Physics Investigatory Project

 It is mandatory for all the students to do any one investigatory project based
on class XII physics curriculum.
 You may do it individually or form groups of maximum two students from
your class.
 Topic for the project must be finalized and the hard copy of the first
draft of the project shall be submitted to the teacher by the first week of
April 2019.
 You shall not change your project once it is approved.
 For projects done in group, a group need to submit only a single copy of the
draft. However they have to submit individual final report at the end of the
project.
 Students have to make their own arrangement for apparatus and equipment
for their project.
 All have to work on your project before/ during the summer vacation
and shall complete the investigatory part by August 2019.
 A soft copy of the project report must be given to the teacher, for any
necessary corrections, before taking the final print.
 The final report of the project work with the working model must be
ready by the last week of August 2019.

3
 INDEX

SL.NO DATE BRIEF AIM REMARK SIGNATURE

SECTION A

To determine resistance per cm of a given wire by

1
plotting a graph for potential difference versus current.

To find resistance of a given wire using metre bridge

2 and hence determine the resistivity (specific resistance)
of its material.

To verify the laws of combination (series) of resistances

3
using a metre bridge.

To verify the laws of combination (parallel) of

4
resistances using a metre bridge.

To compare the EMF of two given primary cells using

5
potentiometer.

To determine resistance of a galvanometer by half-

6
deflection method and to find its figure of merit.

To convert the given galvanometer (of known

7 resistance and figure of merit) into a voltmeter of
desired range and to verify the same.

4
 Experiment – 1
Ohm’s Law
Date of experiment:--------------------------
Aim: To determine resistance per cm of a given wire by plotting a graph for potential difference
versus current.
Apparatus Required: A resistance wire, a voltmeter (0-3) V and an ammeter (0-3) A of
appropriate range, a battery eliminator, a rheostat, a metre scale, one way key and connecting
wires.

Theory:

According to the Ohm’s law the current flowing through a conductor is directly proportional to
the potential difference across its ends provided the physical conditions of the conductor remains
the same. If I be the current flowing through a conductor and V be the potential difference across
its ends, then according to, Ohm’s Law,
VαI
V = IR
where the constant of proportionality R is the resistance of the conductor. The slope of V-I graph
gives R.

Procedure:

1. Make neat, clean and tight connections according to the circuit diagram.
2. Determine the least count of voltmeter and ammeter, and also note the zero error, if any.
3. Insert the key K and the readings in the voltmeter and ammeter.
4. Repeat the observations five times for different positions of the rheostat.
5. Taking current on X-axis and voltage on Y-axis and suitable scale, plot the straight line
graph passing through the origin.
6. The slope of the graph gives the resistance of the wire.
7. Measure the length of the wire using a metre scale.
8. Calculate the resistance per unit length of the wire.

Result: Resistance per cm of the wire is ____________ Ω/cm.

Sources of error:

1. The instrument screws may be loose.

2. Thick connecting wires may not be available.
3. Rheostat may have high resistance.

5
Precautions:

1. The connections should be neat, clean and tight.

2. Thick copper wires should be used for the connections after removing the insulations
near their ends by rubbing with sand paper.
3. Voltmeter and ammeter should be of proper range.
4. A low resistance rheostat should be used.
5. The key should be inserted only while taking observations to avoid heating of resistance

Circuit Diagram

Expected Shape of Graph :

6
Observation:

Least count of the Ammeter:________

Least count of the voltmeter:________
Length of the wire:___________

Observation Table:

Sl.no Ammeter Reading I (in A) Voltmeter Reading V (in V)

1

Calculations:

R from graph =slope = ________Ω

Resistance per cm =___________Ω/cm

Teacher’s Signature: …………………………….

7
 Experiment No: 2

MeterBridge I

Date of Experiment ………………….

Aim: To find resistance of a given wire using metre bridge and hence determine the resistivity
(specific resistance) of its material.

Apparatus: Metre bridge, Battery eliminator, Galvanometer, Resistance box, Jockey, One way key, A
resistance wire, Screw gauge, Metre scale and Connecting wires

Theory :

If the length AB is , then the length BC is ( 100-l ).

Then, according to Wheatstone’s principle;

Now, the unknown resistance can be calculated as,

The specific resistance or resistivity of the material of the wire can be then calculated by using the relation,

Where L be the length of the wire and r be its radius.

Procedure:

1. Make the connections as per the connections diagram.

2. Connect the resistance wire in the left gap and resistance box in the right gap.
3. Introduce some resistance in the circuit by taking out some resistance from the resistance box.
4. Plug the key. Bring the jockey in contact with the end A first, and then with C. Note the deflection on
the galvanometer.
5. If the galvanometer deflects in the opposite direction, the connections are right and the null point is in
between A and C.

8
 6. Now, slide the jockey slowly over the wire starting from one end till the balancing point is reached.
Note the balancing length ‘l’
7. Repeat the process for different values of R. The balancing length is measured each time.
8. We can calculate the unknown resistance of the resistance wire by using the relation,

9. Measure the diameter of the given resistance wire using a screw gauge. Hence, its
radius(r) can be found.
10. Also measure the length (L) of the wire using a metre scale.
11. From the measured values, the specific resistance (resistivity) of the given resistance wire
can be calculated

Result : The resistance of the wire = __________Ω

The resistivity of the material = _________ Ωm

Sources of error:

1. The wire may not be of uniform cross section

2. The end resistances may not have been considered
3. The screw guage may have backlash error

Precautions:

1. The plugs in the resistance box should be tight

2. The balance point or null point should preferably be between 40 cm and 60 cm.
3. The jockey should not be pressed on the wire.
4. The plug in the key should be inserted only when you record observation, to avoid
heating of the bridge wire.

9
Circuit Diagram:

Observations:

a) To find unknown resistance X

R (from the resistance Balancing length (l) (100-l)

Sl.No
box)Ω cm cm

Mean X = ____________ Ω

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b) To find the diameter of the wire using screw guage
Least count = __________mm
Zero error = ____________

Observed diameter
Sl. No L.S.R H.S.R Corrected diameter
(LSR+HSR x LC) mm
1

Mean d= ________ mm

Radius = _________ mm = __________ m

Length of the wire = ________cm = ________m

= __________ Ωm

Teacher’s signature ………………………….

11
 Experiment No. 3

Meter Bridge –II

Date of the experiment : ________________

Aim :- To verify the laws of combination (series) of resistances using a metre bridge.

Apparatus :- Metre bridge, Battery eliminator, Galvanometer, Resistance box, Jockey, One way key,
two resistance wire, and Connecting wires

Theory:-

If the length AB is , then the length BC is ( 100-l ).

Then, according to Wheatstone’s principle;

Now, the unknown resistance can be calculated as,

Where R is the resistance taken out from the resistance box.

Equivalent resistance of two resistors connected in series, Rs = R1 + R2

Procedure:-

1. Make connections as shown in the circuit diagram, connecting a resistance box in one
gap and the first unknown resistance R1 in the other.
2. Introduce some resistance in the circuit by taking out some resistance from the resistance
box.
3. Plug the key. Bring the jockey in contact with the end A first, and then with C. Note the
deflection on the galvanometer.
4. If the galvanometer deflects in the opposite direction, the connections are right and the
null point is in between A and C.
5. Now, slide the jockey slowly over the wire starting from one end till the balancing point
is reached. Note the balancing length ‘l’
6. Calculate the unknown resistance using the formula.
7. Repeat the experiment with R2 in place of R1, then with series combination of R1 and R2.
8. Calculate the equivalent resistance in series using the measured values of R1 and R2 and
compare the measured values of the series combinations.

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Result:-
Resistance R1 = _________Ω
Resistance R2 = __________Ω
Value of Rs using the formula = __________Ω
Value of Rs from the experiment = __________Ω
% Error = ___________
Within the experimental limits the measured values of Rs are the same as the theoretical
value, hence proving the laws of combination of resistances in series.
Sources of error:
1. The wire may not be of uniform cross section
2. The end resistances may not have been considered

Precautions:

1. The plugs in the resistance box should be tight

2. The balance point or null point should preferably be between 40 cm and 60 cm.
3. The jockey should not be pressed on the wire.
4. The plug in the key should be inserted only when you record observation, to avoid
heating of the bridge wire.

Circuit Diagram :

series :

13
 Observations

R (from the
Balancing
Sl.No resistance (100-l) cm
length (l) cm
box)Ω
1

Mean Value of R1=

1

Mean Value of R2=

1

Mean Value of Rs=

Value of Rsfrom the formula Rs=R1+R2= ___________ Ω
Value of Rsfrom the experiment = __________Ω
% erro = __________

Teacher’s Signature …………………………

14
 Experiment No. 4

Meter Bridge –III

Date of the experiment : ________________

Aim :- To verify the laws of combination (parallel) of resistances using a metre bridge.

Apparatus :- Metre bridge, Battery eliminator, Galvanometer, Resistance box, Jockey, One way key,
two resistance wire, and Connecting wires

Theory:-

If the length AB is , then the length BC is ( 100-l ).

Then, according to Wheatstone’s principle;

Now, the unknown resistance can be calculated as,

Where R is the resistance taken out from the resistance box.

Equivalent resistance of two resistors connected in parallel, = +

Procedure:-

1. Make connections as shown in the circuit diagram, connecting a resistance box in one
gap and the first unknown resistance R1 in the other.
2. Introduce some resistance in the circuit by taking out some resistance from the resistance
box.
3. Plug the key. Bring the jockey in contact with the end A first, and then with C. Note the
deflection on the galvanometer.
4. If the galvanometer deflects in the opposite direction, the connections are right and the
null point is in between A and C.
5. Now, slide the jockey slowly over the wire starting from one end till the balancing point
is reached. Note the balancing length ‘l’
6. Calculate the unknown resistance using the formula.
7. Repeat the experiment with R2 in place of R1, then with parallel combination of R1 and
R2 .

15
8. Calculate the equivalent resistance in parallel using the measured values of R1 and R2 and
compare the measured values of the parallel combinations.
Result:-
Resistance R1 = _________Ω
Resistance R2 = __________Ω
Value of Rp using the formula = __________Ω
Value of Rp from the experiment = __________Ω
% Error = ___________
Within the experimental limits the measured values of Rp are the same as the theoretical
value, hence proving the laws of combination of resistances in parallel.
Sources of error:
1. The wire may not be of uniform cross section
2. The end resistances may not have been considered

Precautions:

1. The plugs in the resistance box should be tight

2. The balance point or null point should preferably be between 40 cm and 60 cm.
3. The jockey should not be pressed on the wire.
4. The plug in the key should be inserted only when you record observation, to avoid
heating of the bridge wire.

Circuit Diagram :

parallel :

16
 Observations

R (from the
Balancing
Sl.No resistance (100-l) cm
length (l) cm
box)Ω
1

Mean Value of R1=

1

Mean Value of R2=

1

Mean Value of Rp=

Value of Rpfrom the formula = ___________ Ω
Value of Rpfrom the experiment = __________Ω
% erro = __________

Teacher’s Signature …………………………

17
 Experiment No-5

Potentiometer

Date of the experiment:…………………….

Aim :- To compare the EMF of two given primary cells using potentiometer.

Apparatus :- Potentiometer, Daniel cell, Leclanche cell, Jockey, Battery eliminator, Resistance box,
Galvanometer, One way key, Two way key, Rheostat and Connecting wires

Theory:- The potentiometer works on the principle that when a constant current flows through a wire of
uniform cross sectional area, potential difference between its two points is directly proportional to the
length of the wire between the two points.

or, ; where k is the potential gradient along the wire.

Thus it is possible to compare the emf’s of two given cells by measuring the respective balancing lengths
l1 and l2

and

Or,
Procedure :-

1. Arrange the required materials on a table and make the connections as per the connection
diagram.
2. To test the connection, insert plug in the one way key k1 and also in between the terminals a and
c of the two way key. Introduce a sufficiently high resistance on the resistance box (R.B). Place
the jockey at the two end points of the wire. Press the jockey at both end of the potentiometer
wire and note the deflection in galvanometer. If the galvanometer shows opposite deflection, the
connections are correct.
3. Now, gently slide the jockey along the potentiometer wire and stop when null point is obtained.
4. Measure the length l1 between this point and the end P of the potentiometer. It is the balancing
length for the cell E1.
5. Disconnect the cell E1 by removing the plug from the gap ac of the two way key and connect the
cell E2 by inserting plug into the gap bc of the two way key.
6. Again slide the jockey along the potentiometer wire to obtain the null point. Measure the new
balancing length l2 for the cell E2 based on this point.
7. Repeat the experiment adjusting the rheostat and record the observations.
8. Each time, the ratio between the emf’s of the given cells can be calculated using the relation,

18
Result :- The ratio ________

Sources of error:

1. There may be some contact resistance at the ends of the wire.

2. The heating of the potentiometer wire may cause some error
3. Potentiometer wire may not be of uniform cross section
4. Error in detecting null deflection in the galvanometer

Precautions:

1. The jockey should not be pressed along the potentiometer wire.

2. The emf of the auxiliary battery in the potentiometer circuit should be greater than the emf of the
primary cells.
3. The current should be adjusted to obtain a considerably large balancing length.

Circuit Diagram

19
Observations

Sl.No Balancing Length

Leclanche Cell Daniel Cell
l1 cm l2 cm
1

Mean ratio of emfs = ______________

Teacher’s Signature …………………………

20
 Experiment No-6

Galvanometer-Figure of merit

Date of the experiment:…………………………..

Aim: To determine resistance of a galvanometer by half-deflection method and to find its figure of merit.

Apparatus:- A weston type galvanometer, A battery or battery eliminator, Two resistance boxes, Two
one-way keys and Connecting wires.

Theory:-

The figure of merit of a galvanometer is the current required to produce a deflection of one division in the
galvanometer scale. It is represented by the letter k, and is given as,

If the deflection in the galvanometer is θ when the resistance R is connected in series to the galvanometer
and θ/2 when the shunt resistance S is also connected, then the resistance of the galvanometer,

Procedure:-

a) Resistance of galvanometer by half deflection method :

1. Arrange the components on a table and connect them as per the circuit diagram.
2. Take out a high resistance from the resistance box 1 and insert the key k1.
3. Adjust the resistance from this resistance box to get maximum galvanometer deflection.
4. Note the deflection and record it as θ in the tubular column.
5. Insert the key k2 also, without changing the value on the resistance box.
6. Now, adjust the resistance from the low resistance box such that galvanometer shows deflection
which is exactly half of the previous reading.
7. Record the value of low resistance box.
8. We can repeat the experiment by changing the value of high resistance R and adjusting low
resistance S.
9. The resistance of the given galvanometer can be calculated each time by using the relation
G=RS/(R-S).

21
b) Figure of merit of the galvanometer :

1. Release key k2 from the connection. Insert key k1.

2. Adjust the value of R such that the galvanometer shows a certain deflection.
3. Record the observations in a tabular column.
4. Repeat the experiment by changing the value of R and note the galvanometer deflection each
time.
5. We can find the figure of merit of the galvanometer by using the equation, k= E/(R+G)θ.

Result:- 1. The resistance of the given galvanometer is ………..Ω

2. The figure of merit of the galvanometer is ………… A/div

Sources of error:-

1. The plugs of the resistance box may not be tight

2. The divisions on the galvanometer may not be evenly graduated.

Precautions:-

1. All the connections should be neat, clean and tight

2. The deflection in the galvanometer before connecting the shunt should be even number of
readings.
3. The value of R should be large to keep the deflection within the scale.

Circuit Diagram

22
Observations:

Emf of the battery eliminator = ………. V

Sl. Resistance Deflection Shunt Half

No R θ Resistance S deflection θ/2

Mean Value of G =---------------------- Ω

Mean Value of K = -----------------------A/div

Teacher’s Signature …………………………

23
 Experiment -7

Galvanometer – Voltmeter

Date of experiment:………………………

Aim : - To convert the given galvanometer (of known resistance and figure of merit) into a voltmeter of
desired range and to verify the same.

Apparatus :- A Weston type galvanometer of known resistance and figure of merit, a battery, a rheostat,
one-way key, A resistance box of the range 0 to 10,000 ohm, a voltmeter of 0-3 volt range, connecting
wires

Theory

A galvanometer can be converted into a voltmeter of desired range by connecting a suitable high
resistance R in series with the galvanometer. Let G is the resistance of the galvanometer which gives full
scale deflection when Ig current flows through it. Let V is the range of the voltmeter, the series resistance
R required for the conversion is given by,

Procedure:-

1. Note down the given value of galvanometer resistance G and its figure of merit K. Also note the
total number of divisions n on either side of the zero of the galvanometer. Complete the value of
Ig with the help of the relation, Ig = Nk. Calculate the value of required series resistance R to be
connected in series with the galvanometer for the conversion of the given galvanometer into
voltmeter of the given range
2. Connect the resistance box of range 0 to 10,000 ohm in series with the galvanometer and take out
the plugs of resistance R from it. Now galvanometer with this resistance in series is converted
into voltmeter of the given range V volt.
3. For verification of the converted voltmeter, make the connections shown in the circuit diagram.
4. Take out the plugs of calculated resistance R from the resistance box of the range 0 to 10,000
ohm and insert the key K and adjust the rheostat so that the deflection in galvanometer becomes
maximum.
5. Note the readings of standard voltmeter and galvanometer.
6. Convert the galvanometer reading into volt and find the difference between them, if any. This
difference gives the error.
7. Take the four observations more by changing the resistance with the help of the rheostat over the
whole range of the voltmeter. Record all the observations in the table.

24
Result:-

The value of required high resistance = ________Ω

The value of the current for full scale deflection, Ig = ________A

Hence, conversion of the given galvanometer into voltmeter of the given range is verified.

Precautions:-

1. All the connections should be neat, clean and tight.

2. All the plugs in both of the resistance boxes should be tight.
3. First the high resistance R from the resistance box should be introduced, then the battery key K1
plug should be inserted to avoid any damage to the galvanometer.
4. The e.m.f. of the battery should be constant.
5. The value of R should be large as compared to G.

Circuit Diagram

25
Observations:-

Given resistance of the galvanometer, G = _______Ω

Given value of the figure of merit of the galvanometer, K = ________amp/division

Total number of divisions on either side of the zero of the galvanometer, n = ________divisions

Current for full scale deflection, Ig = nK = ________A.

Range of conversion of the converted voltmeter, V = _______V

Value of the required series resistance, R = __________Ω

Least count of the converted voltmeter = 𝑉 𝑛 = _______V

Least count of the standard voltmeter = _________ V

Observation Table:

Reading of Converted Voltmeter

Sl.No Standard Voltmeter Reading V2 (Volts) Error (V2- V1)
Deflection θ PD V1 = θ x LC
1

Mean Error = ____________

Teacher’s Signature ………………………………………

26