NORTH GEORGETOWN SECONDARY SCHOOL

FORM 5 SCIENCE & 5 GENERAL

SUBJECT: PHYSICS

TEACHER: SIR PAUL NEWTON

Experiment: #1

Title: Simple Pendulum

Aim: To determine how the period of swing varies with the length of
a pendulum.

Apparatus/Materials:

Metre rule, stop watch, Stand and clamp, brass bob, scissors, string

Diagram:

Procedure:

1. Set up a simple pendulum with the use of a stand, clamp and a

string.
2. Adjust the string in the clamp to make the pendulum length
100 cm.
3. Leave the bob to swing freely side to side for 20 complete
oscillations.
4. Calculate the time for one complete swing.
5. Decrease the length of the string each time by 10 cm, count
and record the time for 20 complete swings.
6. Repeat steps 2 to 5 one more time.
7. Record your results in the table provided.
8. Plot graphs of T against L and T2 against L. Calculate the
gradient of the graph T2 against L.
9. Calculate the acceleration due to gravity using the formula
g=4π2÷T2/l.
Note: Procedure must be written in past tense at all times in lab
report.

Results:

Length of Time for 20 T= X÷20/s T2/s2

pendulum/cm complete
oscillations/s
1 2 Averag
e
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10

Calculations:

Note: Must show calculations for average, T, T2, gradient,

Acceleration due to gravity(g)

Discussions:

Note:

- Define what is a simple pendulum.

- Briefly explain the relationship between T2 and increase in
length of pendulum.
- State what is the theoretical value for the acceleration due to
gravity and compare it with the experimental value.
- Briefly explain if the value of acceleration due to gravity is
affected by location.
- State one source of error or limitation.
- State one way of improving the experiment.

Conclusion:

Note: Conclusion must answer the Aim of the experiment.

Note: The skills assessed for in this experiment is ORR/AI

Experiment #2

Title: Moments/ Turning forces

Aim: To determine the mass of an object using the law of

moments.

Apparatus/ Materials:
Metre rule, Retort stand and clamp, two known masses (1000 g
and 500 g), any object of unknown mass, thread, sticky label.

Diagram:

Procedure:

1. Fix the clamp firmly on the retort stand with its rod horizontal.
Fix a sticky label along the top of the rod and draw a line down
this parallel to the rod.
2. Tie threads to the three objects with loops that will easily go
around the metre rule.
3. Hang the heavy known mass with the thread loop on the 10.0
cm mark on the metre rule and the unknown mass at the 90.0
cm mark.
4. Rest the rule, with its unmarked flat side down, on the rod of
the clamp. Move the ruler along the rod until it balances.
5. Read the mark on the rule directly above the line you have
drawn on the sticky label on the rod of the clamp, to the
nearest millimeter.
6. Add the smaller known mass on the same side of the rule as the
larger one at about the 30 cm mark.
7. Rebalance the rule, but this time do so by finding a position of
balance such that the drawn line is exactly on a millimeter line.
You do this by finding an approximate balance point, setting the
rule on the nearest millimeter marking and adjusting the small
known mass until you get an exact balance.
8. Repeat the experiment twice.

Note: Procedure must be written in past tense at all times in lab

report.

Results:
 Balance Known masses (1000 g and 500 g) Unknown mass
point /mm Reading on Distance of Reading on rule Distance of Reading on rule Distance of
rule for larger larger known for smaller smaller known for unknown unknown mass
known mass from known mass from mass/mm from balance
mass/mm balance mass/mm balance point/mm
point/mm point/mm

100 300 900

100 300 900

Calculation:

Discussion:

Note:

- Define the term moment of a force

- State the principle of moments
- State the experimental value for the mass of the unknown
object. By how much does the experimental value differ from
the true value. Give two reasons why this is so.
- State one source of error or limitation.
- State one way of improving the experiment.

Conclusion:

Note: Conclusion must answer the Aim of the experiment.

Note: The skill assessed for in this experiment is ORR

Experiment #3

Title: Centre of gravity

Aim: To determine the center of gravity of an object (lamina) with

a regular and an irregular shape.

Apparatus/ Materials:

Clamp and stand, brass bob, pin, scissors, pencil, ruler, sheet of
cardboard.

Diagram:
Procedure:

1. With the use of a scissors cut a piece of cardboard into a

regular and an irregular shape(lamina). Make three small holes
near the edges of the lamina.
2. Place a pin through one of the holes and clamp it to the stand
ensuring that the lamina can swing freely.
3. Attached a plumb line to the pin.
4. When the plumb line and the lamina stop swinging, draw a
cross on plumb line with a pencil.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 for the other two holes.
6. Remove the lamina from the pin and draw straight lines with a
ruler from each hole to the opposite cross.

Note: Procedure must be written in past tense at all times in lab

report.

Results:

Discussion:

Note:

- Define the term Centre of gravity.

- State how the Centre of gravity was found for each object.
- Give two reasons why Centre of gravity is important in
engineering.

Conclusion:

Note: Conclusion must answer the Aim of the experiment.

Note: The skill assessed for in this experiment is MM

Experiment #4

Title: Hooke’s law

Aim: To determine the spring constant of a spring using the

gradient of a graph.

Apparatus/ Materials:

Retort stand and clamp, metre rule, spring, 10 masses of 10g.

Diagram:

Procedure:
1. Arrange a stand to hold a millimeter scale close to a hanging spiral
spring.
2. Attach a pointer to the end of the spring and take a scale reading
of the pointer for an unstretched, unloaded spring. Hang a slotted
mass hanger on the end of the spring and take a series of scale
readings as slotted masses are added to the hanger, increasing
force or load.
3. Record your readings in a table.

5. Calculate the stretching force using F=mg, where g=10NKg -1

6. Calculate the increase in length or extension of the spring by

subtracting the initial length or scale reading for the unloaded spring
from all the loaded readings.

7. Calculate for all the readings the value of the ratio: stretching
force/extension.
8. Plot a graph of extension against stretching force.

Note: Procedure must be written in past tense at all times in lab

report.

Results:

Mass on Stretching Scale Extension Force

Extension
hanger, force/N reading/mm of
m/kg spring/mm
0.01
0.02
0.03
0.04
0.05
0.06
0.07
0.08
0.09
0.1
0.11
o.12

Calculation:

Discussion:

Note:

- State Robert Hooke’s law.

- Briefly explain the relationship of the graph. Does the spring
obey Hooke’s law?
- State two important uses of Hooke’s law in the field of
engineering.
- State one source of error or limitation.

Conclusion:

Note: Conclusion must answer the Aim of the experiment.

Note: The skill assessed for in this experiment is ORR.

Experiment #5

Title: Isaac Newton laws of motion

Aim: To understand how dynamic systems(rocket) works by

studying Newton’s laws of motion.

Apparatus/ Materials:

Scissors, straw, string, scotch tape, balloons.

Diagram:

Procedure:

1. Blow up a balloon and scotch tape it unto a straw which could

slide along a string.
2. Release the air from the balloon and observe how it moves
along the string.
3. Discussed your observations in relations to Newton’s three laws
of motion.

Note: Procedure must be written in past tense at all times in lab

report.
Observation:

Discussion:

Note:

-Define what is a rocket.

- State Newton’s three laws of motion.

- Relate the movement of the rocket to the three laws.

- Briefly state two uses of Newton’s law in the field of

engineering.

- State one source of error or limitation.

- State one way of improving the experiment.

Conclusion:

Note: Conclusion must answer the Aim of the experiment.

Note: The skill assessed for in this experiment is AI.

Experiment #6

Title: Momentum in collision

Aim: To observe and describe the transfer of momentum between

two objects in collision.

Apparatus/ Materials:

Plastic/metal rulers with centre track, flat table, three text books,
two marble of similar size, one large marble, pencil.

Diagram:

Procedure:

1. Make a low ramp by placing one end of a ruler on a text book.

2. Place another ruler on a flat table so that one end touches the
end of the ramp.
3. Place one of the small marble at the half way point of the flat
ruler. Place a book at the end of the flat ruler to prevent the
marbles from rolling off.
4. Place another small marble 2 cm from the top of the ramp and
record your observations before and after collision.
5. Repeat steps 3 to 5 using a large marble on the ramp in place of
the small one.
6. Repeat steps 3 to 5 using a large marble on the flat ruler and
release the small marble from the top of the ramp.
7. Record your observations.

Note: Procedure must be written in past tense at all times in lab

report.

Observations:

Objects Before Collision After collision

Small + Small
marbles
Small + Large
marbles
Large + Small
marbles

Discussion:

Note:

- Define the term momentum.

- State the law of conservation of momentum.
- Explain how momentum was transferred between the
marbles in each scenario. State whether the collisions were
elastic or inelastic.
- Briefly state two uses of law of conservation of momentum in
the field of engineering.
- State one source of error or limitation.
- State one way of improving the experiment.

Conclusion:

Note: Conclusion must answer the Aim of the experiment.

Note: The skill assessed for in this experiment is AI.

Experiment #7

Title: Potential Energy

Aim: To determine the energy lost when stretching an elastic cord.

Apparatus/ Materials:

Length of rubber cord or a thick rubber band that will support a

mass of about 1 kg, newton-meter reading to 10 N (x 0.5 N) or
spring balance calibrated in kg or lbs., metre rule, large stout
paper clip, string.

Diagram:

Procedure:

1. Measure the unstretched length of the cord or band on the

metre rule when it is just not in tension. Record the length, L.
2. With the apparatus arranged as shown in the diagram, apply
forces of between 0.5 N and 10 N (in steps of 0.5 N) by pulling
on the newton-metre. For each force applied, note and record
the stretched length, L’. Record your results in a table like the
one shown below. Take care that the force applied increases
steadily up to maximum of 10 N, and try to keep the time
interval between measurements roughly the same throughout.
3. Now reduce the pulling force in steps of 0.5 N, again ensuring
that there is a steady reduction down to zero. Try to keep the
time interval between measurements the same as in step 2.
Record all readings of force and stretched lengths in your table
in the appropriate columns.
4. Plot a graph of pulling force against extension, using scales that
will produce a large graph.
5. Determine the number of centimeter squares below the force
increasing graph, and determine the number below the ‘force
decreasing’ graph. Find the difference between these two. Use
this value in step 7.
6. Calculate the value of 1 cm squared of graph paper from the
scale used. For example, if your scales were 1 cm to represent
10 mm of extension (along the x axis) and 1 cm to represent 1
N (along the F axis), then 1 cm squared would represent 1 N x
10 mm of work or 10 N mm of work, or 10 N x 10-3 m, 10 x 10-3
N m, that is 10-2 J of work, since 1 N x 1 m = 1 joule. Use the
value that you calculate in the next step
7. Multiply the number of centimeter squares (step 2) by the
value obtained for 1 cm squared in joules (step 3) to find the
energy lost in stretching the rubber cord and returning it to its
former condition of no tension.

Note: Procedure must be written in past tense at all times in lab

report.

Results:

Original length, L/mm =

Pulling force, F/N Stretched length, Extension, (L’-L)/mm
L’/mm
increasing decreasing increasing decreasing increasing decreasing
Calculation:

Discussion:

Note:

- Define the term potential energy.

- State the different forms of potential energy.
- Explain what happen to the energy lost when stretching the
cord.
- State two important use of potential energy in the field of
engineering.
- Car tires are made from rubber. Why is the hysteresis effect
important in tire design?
- State one source of error or limitation.

Conclusion:

Note: Conclusion must answer the Aim of the experiment.

Note: The skill assessed in this experiment is ORR.

Experiment #8

Title: Law of conservation of energy.

Aim: To study the law of conservation of energy using a simple

pendulum.

Apparatus/ Materials:

Metre rule, brass bob, scissors, string.

Diagram:

Procedure:

1. Set up a simple pendulum with a length of 100 cm.

2. Fix a pointer opposite to the position of the bob when it is hung
at rest.
3. Displaced the simple pendulum 10 degrees to one side and
allow it to swing side to side.
4. Stand in front of the pendulum so that your eyes are leveled
with the bob at right angle to the swing.
5. Explain your observations.

Note: Procedure must be written in past tense at all times in lab

report.

Observations:

Discussion:
Note:

- State the law of conservation of energy.

- Explain your observations in relation to the law of
conservation of energy.
- State two important use of law of conservation of energy in
the field of engineering.
- State one limitation or source of error.

Conclusion:

Note: Conclusion must answer the Aim of the experiment.

Note: The skill assessed in this experiment is AI.

Experiment #9

Title: Power

Aim: To determine the amount of power a human being can exert

when running up a flight of stairs.

Apparatus/ Materials:

Metre rule, stop watch, scale, Five volunteers(students).

Diagram:

Procedure:

1. Measure the height of one step using the metre rule.

2. Count the total number of steps that make the stair.
3. Multiply the number of steps by the height of each step to
determine the total distance of the stairs.
4. Measure and record the mass of each runner using a scale.
5. Allow a volunteer to run up the flight of stairs and record the
time taken.
6. Repeat step 5 one more time.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 using the other four volunteers.
8. Calculate the power exerted by each runner using the formula,
Power = work done ÷ time.

Note: Procedure must be written in past tense at all times in lab

report.
Results:
Time/s Height of Height of
step: /cm stairs:
/cm
Name of 1 2 Average Mass/kg Power/ W
Volunteers
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Calculation:

Discussion:

Note:

- Define the term power.

- State the SI unit for power.
- Discuss the factors that affected the power output of the five
volunteers.
- State two important uses of power in the field of engineering.
- State one source of error or limitation.

Conclusion:

Note: Conclusion must answer the Aim of the experiment.

Note: The skills assessed in this experiment are MM / AI.

Experiment #10

Title: Hydrostatic

Aim: To investigate the factors that cause the increase in pressure

within a liquid.

Apparatus/ Materials:

500 ml and 100 ml Beakers, 1 or 2 plastic bottle, 2-inch nail, water.

Diagram:

Procedure:

1. Obtain an empty 1-liter plastic bottle.

2. Make three holes of equal spacing on the bottle using a 2-inch
nail, starting from the base and seal them with plasticine.
3. Place the bottle on a level table.
4. Place three beakers of similar size away from the bottle to
capture the water as it leaves the bottle.
5. Pour water into the bottle using the 500 ml beaker until it
reaches the top.
6. Remove the plasticine from the three holes of the bottle
starting from the top and record your observations.

Note: Procedure must be written in past tense at all times in lab

report.

Observations:

Discussion:
Note:

- Define the term pressure.

- State the formula that is associated with pressure in liquids
and state the meaning of each parameter.
- Explain briefly the parameters that affect the pressure within
a liquid.
- State two important uses of pressure in a liquid in the field of
engineering or medicine.
- State one source of error or limitation.

Conclusion:

Note: Conclusion must answer the Aim of the experiment.

Note: The skill assessed in this experiment is AI.

Experiment #11
Title: Archimedes principle

Aim: To investigate the principle by which a submarine works.

Apparatus/ Materials:

Empty 1- gallon plastic bottle, straw, 2- inch nail, three 100g

masses, scotch tape, wash tub.

Diagram:

Procedure:

1. Obtain an empty 1- gallon plastic bottle.

2. Make three holes of equal spacing along the sides of the bottle,
using a 2-inch nail.
3. Make a hole into the cork of the bottle using a 2-inch nail.
4. Place a long straw into the cork of the bottle, seal it properly
with plasticine and screw the cork back unto the bottle.
5. Attached the three 100 g masses to the bottom of the bottle
using a scotch tape.
6. Fill the wash tub with water.
7. Place the empty bottle with holes into the wash tub and allow
it to sink to the bottom of the tub.
8. Blow air into the bottle and observe what happens.
9. Record your observations.

Note: Procedure must be written in past tense at all times in lab

report.

Observations:

Discussion:
Note:

- State Archimedes principle.

- Briefly explain how a submarine immerses and submerges in
water. Relate your explanations to what you observe in the
experiment.
- State two important uses of Archimedes principle in the field
of engineering.

Conclusion:

Note: Conclusion must answer the Aim of the experiment.

Note: The skill assessed in this experiment is AI.

Experiment #12
Title: Specific heat capacity

Aim: To determine the specific heat capacity of a liquid (pure

mineral oil) by the method of mixtures.

Apparatus/ Materials:

Thermometer, 500 ml beaker, measuring cylinder, conical flask,

glass stirrer, copper rod, hot plate (electric stove), Styrofoam
cup(calorimeter), thread, Pure mineral oil (Johnson baby oil),
water.

Diagram:

Procedure:

1. Weigh a piece of solid metal (e.g. a copper cylinder or an iron

bolt).
2. Tie the metal with a thread and place the metal in water that is
boiling. Measure the temperature of the boiling water.
3. Weigh the inner metal calorimeter (C) and its metal stirrer
separately.
4. Pour approximately 200 cm3 of baby oil at room temperature
into the inner calorimeter (enough to cover the metal cylinder
or bolt). Weigh the calorimeter + baby oil to determine the
mass of the oil being used.
5. Place a thermometer and stirrer in the calorimeter and take the
initial temperature of the baby oil, after stirring gently.
6. Quickly transfer the solid metal into the oil contained in C using
the thread. Place the lid (not shown) over the calorimeter. Stir
the oil gently and take its final temperature.

Note: Procedure must be written in past tense at all times in lab

report.
Results:

Calculation:

Discussion:

Note:

- Define the term specific heat capacity.

- State the formula that relates specific heat capacity by the
method of mixture.
- State the theoretical value for the specific heat capacity of
baby oil (pure mineral oil) and compare it to the experimental
value.
- State two important uses of specific heat capacity in the field
of engineering.
- State one source of error or limitation.

Conclusion:

Note: Conclusion must answer the Aim of the experiment.

Note: The skill assessed in this experiment is ORR/AI.

Experiment #13

Title: Specific latent heat of fusion

 Aim: To determine the freezing point of naphthalene by the
cooling curve method.

Apparatus/ Materials:

Test tube, test tube rack, hot plate (electric stove), test tube
holder, thermometer, stop watch, beaker, naphthalene, water

Diagram:

Procedure:

1. Heat about quarter of a test tube of naphthalene in a water bath.

2. When all the naphthalene has changed to liquid, remove the test
tube from the water bath and allow the liquid naphthalene to cool
in the test tube.
3. While the naphthalene is cooling, take its temperature every
minute until all the naphthalene has solidified. Continue taking
the temperature of the solidified naphthalene every minute for
about 10 minutes.
4. Note: You must also observe the temperature at which solid
naphthalene first appears and that at which liquid naphthalene
disappears.
5. Record your data in the table provided.
6. Plot a graph of temperature (y - axis) against time (x - axis).
7. From the graph you obtained, determine the freezing point of the
naphthalene sample.

Note: Procedure must be written in past tense at all times in lab

report.

Results:

Time/s Temperature/°c
 60
120
180
240
300
360
420
480
540
600

Discussion:

Note:

- Define the term specific latent heat.

- Define the term specific latent heat of fusion.
- State the theoretical value for the specific latent heat of
fusion of naphthalene.
- Read off from the graph the experimental value for specific
latent heat of fusion of naphthalene.
- Explain using the kinetic theory the different phase change
that occurred from the melting to the solidification of the
naphthalene crystals.
- State two important uses of specific latent heat of fusion in
the field of engineering.
- State the one source of error or limitation.

Conclusion:

- Note: Conclusion must answer the Aim of the experiment.

- Note: The skill assessed in this experiment is MM/AI.
Experiment #14

Title: Transfer of thermal energy

Aim: To determine the factors on which absorption and emission

of radiation depends.

Apparatus/ Materials:

Thermometer, baking pans, aluminum foil, plastics of different

colors, water.

Diagram:

Procedure:
1. Place one of the color plastic at the bottom of the baking pan,
add water until pan is full, and measure the initial temperature
of the water.
2. Place the baking pan into the sun for 5 minutes and measure
the temperature after minutes.
3. Record both the initial and final temperature in the table
provided.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 using the other different color plastics. Include
the aluminum foil in the investigation.

Note: Procedure must be written in past tense at all times in lab

report.

Results:

Baking pan# Color of Initial Final

plastics temperature/°c temperature/°c
1 Brown
2 Yellow
3 Blue
4 Black
5 Green
6 Orange
7 White
8 Cream
9 Peach
10 Aluminum

Discussion:

Note:

- Define what is heat.

- State the three modes of heat transfer.
- State the factors on which the absorption and emission of
radiation depends.
- State which of the plastics absorb more heat energy and brief
explain why.
- State one limitation or source of error.

Conclusion:

- Note: Conclusion must answer the Aim of the experiment.

- Note: The skill assessed in this experiment is MM.

Experiment #15

Title: Speed of sound waves

Aim: To determine the speed at which sound travels.

Apparatus/ Materials:

Tape measure of 100 m, stop watch, volunteer.

Diagram:

Procedure:

1. Measure at right angle to a large wall a distance of 20 m.

2. Make sharp clapping sound by hitting your hands together.
Repeat the clapping sound at regular time intervals to coincide
exactly with the echoes.
3. Start the stop watch at zero. Record the time taken to make ten
claps.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 two more times.
5. Determine the speed at which sound travels using the formula:
 Distancetravelled 2d
Speed of sound = Time taken , v = t

Note: Procedure must be written in past tense at all times in lab

report.

Results:

Number of trials Time taken for Time taken for one

ten(10) claps/s (1) clap/s
1
2
3
Average

Calculation:

Discussion:

Note:

- Define the term speed.

- Define the term longitudinal waves.
- Explain briefly how sound waves are transmitted through air.
- State the theoretical value at which sound travels and
compare this value with the experimental value.
- State two factors that can affect the speed at which sound
travels through air and relate this to the experiment.
- State one source of error or limitation.

Conclusion:

- Note: Conclusion must answer the Aim of the experiment.

- Note: The skill assessed in this experiment is MM.
Experiment #16

Title: Refraction

Aim: To determine the refractive index of a rectangular glass

block.

Apparatus/ Materials:

Rectangular glass block, protractor, ruler(transparent), 4 optical

pins, drawing board, cardboard.

Diagram:

Procedure:

1) Fixed the paper on the board and place the glass block on it.
2) Draw the outline of the glass block on the paper.
3) Draw a normal and incident ray of 30° with a protractor.
4) Fix the optical pins on the incident ray.
5) Place the rectangular glass block on the outline drawn in step 2.
6) Look through the glass block with one eye squinted and
position two optical pins in line with the two pins on the other
side of the glass block.
7) Remove the glass block, mark the position of the two optical
pins using a pencil and draw a straight line through them.
8) Draw arrow heads on the direction in which the light ray travels
through the block.
9) Draw the on the same side of the glass block an incident ray of
35°, 40°,45°,50°, and 55°.
10) Repeat steps 4 to 8 using the angles given in step 9.
11) Calculate the sine of the angle of incidence and the angle
of refraction.
12) Plot a graph of the sine values for the angles of incidence
against that for the angle of refraction.
13) Calculate the gradient of the graph and hence determine
the refractive index for the glass block.

Note: Procedure must be written in past tense at all times in lab

report.

Results:

Angle of Angle of Sine of the Sine of the

incidence/° refraction/° angle of angle of
incidence refraction
30
35
40
45
50
55

Calculation:

Discussion:

Note:

- Define the term refraction.

- State the laws of refraction.
- State the theoretical value for the refractive index of glass.
Compare this value with that of the experimental value.
- Explain briefly what happen to the light ray when it entered
the glass block and then exited.
- State one source of error or limitation.

Conclusion:

- Note: Conclusion must answer the Aim of the experiment.

- Note: The skill assessed in this experiment is ORR.
Experiment #17

Title: Critical angle and total Internal reflection

Aim: To observe how light can undergo total internal reflection

through a periscope.

Apparatus/ Materials:

A pair of scissors, tow mirrors (6 cm x 6 cm), a square, a ruler,

sticky (adhesive tape), a spoon, a piece of cardboard (6 cm square)
a piece of strong cardboard (32 cm x 50 cm), a pencil

Diagram:

Procedure:

1. Using the ruler, divide (do not cut) the cardboard (32 cm x 50
cm) into four (4) equal parts, each 8 cm wide. Draw a 6 cm
square twice as shown in picture. Cut these squares out.
2. Cut the 6 cm square in half diagonally to make a right angle
triangle.
3. Place a right angle triangle on the top strip of the cardboard as
shown in the figure (2). Draw a diagonal line using a pencil then
cut along this line to make a notch as shown in figure 2. Repeat
this in the three other places as shown in figure 1.
4. Fold the cardboard into shape and join the sides with sticky
tape to look like figure 3.
5. Place the two mirrors through the notches as shown in figure 2
so that the reflective surfaces face each other.
6. Get behind a wall or window sill so that the top of the
periscope is sticking above your head. Look at the mirror
through the square in the bottom of the periscope in (figure 4).
7. Record your observations.

Note: Procedure must be written in past tense at all times in lab

report.

Observation:

Discussion:

Note:

- Define the terms critical angle and total internal reflection.

- Describe briefly what you observe in the bottom mirror inside
the periscope.
- Give an explanation (using illustrations, or diagrams) for your
observations.
- Give one example of the benefits of this technology to
humans.

Conclusion:

- Note: Conclusion must answer the Aim of the experiment.

- Note: The skill assessed in this experiment is AI.
Experiment #18

Title: Series and Parallel Circuits

Aim: 1. To make a series and parallel circuit.

2. To determine the current, voltage and resistance in the

bulbs of a series and parallel circuits.

Apparatus/ Materials:

Ohmmeter, voltmeter, ammeter, bulbs, batteries, wires,

nails/paper clips, ply board.

Diagram:

Procedure:

1. Set up a series circuit using the components listed in the

apparatus and materials.
2. Predict the brightness of the bulbs on the circuit before the
switch is closed.
3. Record your observations.
4. Measure the current, potential difference, and resistance in
each bulb in the circuit. Record these measurements.
5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 by making a parallel circuit.

Note: Procedure must be written in past tense at all times in lab

report.

Observation:
Discussion:

Note:

- Define the term series circuit.

- Define the term parallel circuit.
- State what is the difference in the voltage, resistance and flow
in current in a series and parallel circuit.
- State how a voltmeter and an ammeter should be set up
when measuring the potential difference and current in a
series and parallel circuit.
- State which type of circuit (series or parallel) is preferable in
wiring a house and briefly explain why.

Conclusion:

- Note: Conclusion must answer the Aim of the experiment.

- Note: The skill assessed in this experiment is MM.
Experiment #19

Title: Current and voltage relationship

Aim: To determine whether copper sulphate solution obey Ohm’s

law.

Apparatus/ Materials:

Ammeter, voltmeter, beaker, 9 - volt battery, copper electrodes,

rheostat, switch, wires, aqueous or dilute copper sulphate
solution.

Diagram:

Procedure:

1. Connect up the circuit as shown in the diagram, but without

making any connection to the power source.
2. Show your wired circuit to your teacher.
3. After your teacher has approved your wiring, connect the
power source, under the teacher’s supervision.
4. Vary the resistance of the rheostat so as to obtain a variety of
current readings on the ammeter and corresponding voltage
readings on the voltmeter.
5. Arrange your data in the table provided.
6. Plot a graph of voltage (V) on y-axis against current (I) on x-axis
for the copper sulphate solution used in the experiment.
Note: Procedure must be written in past tense at all times in lab
report.

Results:

Voltage/V Current/A

Discussion:

Note:

- State ohm’s law

- Define what is an ohmic conductor.
- Does the copper sulphate solution obey ohm’s law? Explain
your answer.
- State one way in which electrical conduction in the copper
sulphate solution differs from conduction in a copper wire.

Conclusion:

- Note: Conclusion must answer the Aim of the experiment.

- Note: The skill assessed in this experiment is ORR.
Experiment #20

Title: Electromagnetism

Aim: To investigate the principle by which an electromagnet

works.

Apparatus/ Materials:

One 4.5- volt cell/two- 1.5 volt cells / one 9 -volt cell, one square
piece of wood approximately 5 cm W x 5 cm L x 1 cm H, one metal
paper clip for each switch, two push pins/ thumb tacks, thin
insulated copper wire (approximately 75 cm), one large nail (2”-
3”), 10 metal pins/ small nails (tack nails) / small paper clips, one
pair of scissors, one sheet paper.

Diagram:

Procedure:

1. Push the two pins (thumbs tacks) into the wood, 2 cm apart
and attach one end of the paper clip to one of the push pins.
2. Make a switch using the paper clips shown in the diagram.
3. Cut a piece of thin insulated copper wire 15 cm long. Attach
one end to the battery contact and the other end to the push
pin attached to the paper clip as shown in the diagram.
4. Cut another piece of wire 60-70 cm long. Wind the insulated
copper wire 25 times around the nail. Attach one end of the
same wire to the other battery contact and the other end of
the wire to the second push pin as shown in diagram.
5. Use the paper clip to make a connection between the two push
pins as shown in the diagram. Serves as the switch in the
circuit.
6. Place 10 metal pins/ small nails/tack nails/ small paper clips on
a sheet of paper.
7. Bring the point of the nail near to the pins on the paper. Record
your observations.
8. Disconnect the switch and increase the number of turns of the
insulated copper wire on the nail by 10.
9. Turn on switch and try to attract pins with the point of the nail.
Record your observations.
10. Turn off the switch by moving the paper clip. Record your
observation.

Note: Procedure must be written in past tense at all times in lab

report.

Observation:

Discussion:

Note:

- Define what is electromagnetism.

- State what happened when the point of the nail was brought
near to the pins at step 7?
- Explain what happened when the point of the nail was
brought near to the pins at step 9.
- State what happened when the switch was turned off at step
10?
- Explain briefly your observations at steps 9 and 10.
- State two uses of electromagnets.

Conclusion:
- Note: Conclusion must answer the Aim of the experiment.
- Note: The skill assessed in this experiment is AI.

Experiment #21

Title: Radioactivity

Aim: To determine the half - life of a simulated radioactive decay

process using marked match sticks.

Apparatus/ Materials:

Match sticks, marker (black), black plastic bag, flat counter or

table.

Diagram:

Procedure:

1. Count a number of marked matchsticks (e.g. 50) and place

them in suitable container (e.g. a plastic bag, can or box).
Record this initial count of ‘un-decayed nuclei’, and designate
this throw as throw number zero (0)
2. After shaking the matchsticks in the container thoroughly, pour
the matchsticks over a wide area on a table top. Remove all the
‘decayed nuclei’ (matchsticks that landed with their mark
uppermost). Count and record the number of ‘un- decayed
nuclei’ present at the end of the throw, as well as the throw
number.
3. Put the ‘decayed nuclei’ to one side. Replace the ‘undecayed
nuclei’ in the container.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for about 15 throws.
5. Plot a graph of number of ‘undecayed nuclei’ against time
(number of throws).
6. Using the graph in the previous step, determine the half-life of
the matchsticks decay process by considering:
(i) 50 as the initial number of ‘undecayed nuclei’.
(ii) 40 as the initial number of ‘undecayed nuclei’.

Note: Procedure must be written in past tense at all times in lab

report.

Results:

Number of throws Number of undecayed nuclei

0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15

Discussion:

Note:

- Define the term radioactivity.

- Define the term half-life.
- Briefly explain how an atom undergoes radioactive decay.
- State the name of three of the particles that are release
during a radioactive decay.
- Which of the three particles is the most dangerous.
- State the name of the instrument used to detect these
radioactive particles.

Conclusion:

- Note: Conclusion must answer the Aim of the experiment.

- Note: The skill assessed in this experiment is ORR.