ABS VIDHYA MANDHIR – THIRUVALLUR

PHYSICS LAB MANUAL

ACADEMIC YEAR- 2022-2023
INDEX
S. No Date Name of the Experiment Date of submission

1 Ohm’s Law
2 Meter Bridge – Unknown Resistance
3 Meter Bridge – Series Combination
4 Figure of Merit
5 Convex Lens
6 Concave Lens
7 Concave Mirror
8 Glass Prism

Activities
1 Assembling the Given Circuit
2 Correcting the Wrong Circuit
3 House-hold Circuit
4 Glass Slab
5 Image formed by Convex lens and
Concave Mirror
6 Identification of Electrical
components

OHM’S LAW
EXP. NO: 1 DATE:
AIM:
To determine resistivity of given two wires by plotting graph between
potential difference and current.
APPARATUS REQUIRED:
Battery eliminator, Ammeter, Voltmeter, Rheostat, Unknown resistance
(coil), connecting wires.
FORMULA:
2
Rπ D
Resistivity (ρ) = 4L
(Ωm)
Where
R → resistance (in Ohms)
L→ Length of the wire (in cm) =100cm=1m

D → Diameter of the given wire (in 10-3m)

CIRCUIT DIAGRAM:

B → Battery, Rh → Rheostat, A → ammeter,

V → Voltmeter, R →Unknown resistance coil

PROCEDURE:
 1. Make neat clean and tight connections according to the circuit diagram in

having resistance coil (R1).

2. Adjust the sliding contact of the rheostat such that a measurable current

passes through the resistance coil or the resistance wire.

3. Note down the value of potential difference V from voltmeter and current

I from ammeter.
4. Shift the rheostat slightly so that both ammeter and voltmeter show full

divisions reading and not in fractions.

5. Record the readings of the voltmeter and ammeter

6. Repeat the same procedure by connecting another resistance coil (R 2) in

the given circuit.

TABULAR COLUMN:

Resistance coil 1:
S. No Voltmeter reading(V) Ammeter reading(A)
1
2
3
4
5

Resistance coil 2:
S. No Voltmeter reading(V) Ammeter reading(A)
1
2
3
4
5

MODEL GRAPH:
 In
∆I
∆ ABC , tanθ=
∆V
∆V
Cotθ= ∆ I = R = _____ Ω

The graph between V and I is a straight line.

SAMPLE CALCULATIONS:
COIL: 1
Resistance of the coil (R1) using graph for tabulation 1 =____________Ω
Where D1= 0.55mm, L1=1m
2
R 1 π D1
Resistivity (ρ1) = 4 L1
=¿ ¿(Ωm )

COIL: 2
Resistance of the coil (R2) using graph for tabulation 2 =____________Ω
Where D2= 0.6mm, L2=1m
2
R 2 π D2
Resistivity (ρ2) = 4 L2
=¿ ¿(Ωm )

RESULT:
 1. Resistivity (ρ1) of first unknown resistance coil¿ (Ωm ) ¿

2. Resistivity (ρ2) of second unknown resistance coil¿ (Ωm) ¿

PRECAUTIONS:
1. Voltmeter and ammeter should be of proper range.
2. A low resistance rheostat must be used.
SOURCES OF ERROR:
1. The instrument screws may be loose.
2. Thick connecting wires may not be available.

METER BRIDGE
EXP. NO: 2 DATE:
AIM:
To find the resistance of a given wire using meter bridge.
APPARATUS REQUIRED:
 Meter Bridge, Leclanche cell, Galvanometer, Resistance box, Unknown
resistance, Jockey and Connecting wires.
FORMULA:
lR
X = 100−l ( ¿ ohms )

Where
X= unknown resistance (in ohms)
l=balancing length (in x 10-2m)
R=known resistance (in ohms)
CIRCUIT DIAGRAM:

E → leclanche cell (or) daniel cell, J → Jockey,

G → Galvanometer,
R → Known resistor, X → unknown resistor, K → key,

PROCEDURE:
1. Include some resistance in the resistance box.
2. Make the connections as shown in the circuit diagram. Press the jockey at
the ends of the meter bridge. If the deflections are in the opposite
direction, then the connections are correct.
 3. Move the jockey from the left end and observe the point of zero
deflection in the galvanometer.
4. Measure the balancing length as ‘l’ using the meter scale attached with
the apparatus.
5. Repeat the experiment by including different resistances in the known
resistance box and measure the balancing length in each case.
TABULAR COLUMN:
For calculation of unknown resistance:
Unknown
Resistance in Balancing length Balancing length resistance
S. No
the box(Ω ¿ lx10-2m (100-l)x 10-2m lR
X= 100−l ( ohms )
1
2
3

X Mean= _________Ω

SAMPLE CALCULATIONS:
For 1st reading R= ___________ Ω
l= __________x10-2m
100-l = __________x10-2m
lR
X= 100−l ( ohms )=¿ = _________(Ω )

For 2nd reading R= ___________ Ω

l= __________x10-2m
100-l = __________x10-2m
lR
X= 100−l ( ohms )=¿ = _________(Ω )
For 3rd reading R= ___________ Ω
l= __________x10-2m
100-l = __________x10-2m
lR
X= 100−l ( ohms )=¿ = _________(Ω )

+ +¿
X Mean = 3 ¿ = __________ (Ω )

RESULT:
The unknown resistance of the given coil is __________ ohms.
PRECAUTIONS:
1. The connections should be neat, clean and tight.
2. Null point should be brought between 45cm and 55cm.
SOURCES OF ERROR:
1. The instrument screws may be loose.
2. The wire may not have uniform thickness.

METER BRIDGE
LAW OF COMBINATION(SERIES)
EXP. NO: 3 DATE:
AIM:
To verify the laws of combination of resistances using a meter bridge.
APPARATUS REQUIRED:
Meter bridge, Leclanche cell, Galvanometer, Resistance box, Jockey,
Two Resistance coils, Connecting wires.
FORMULA:
lR
r = (100−l) (in Ω)

Req= ( r 1 +r 2) (in Ω)
Where
R → known resistance in ohms
l→ balancing length in x 10-2m
r1,r2→ unknown resistance in ohms
CIRCUIT DIAGRAM:

E → leclanche cell (or) daniel cell, J → Jockey, G → Galvnometer,

R → Known resistor, r 1∧r 2→ unknown resistor, K → key

PROCEDURE:
1. Mark the two resistance coils a s r 1and r 2.
 2. To find r 1 , include some resistance in the resistance box.
3. Make the connections as shown in the circuit diagram. Press the jockey at
the ends of the meter bridge. If the deflections are in the opposite
direction, then the connections are correct.
4. Move the jockey from the left end and observe the point of zero
deflection in the galvanometer.
5. Measure the balancing length as ‘l’ using the meter scale attached with
the apparatus.
6. Using formula calculate r1.
7. Repeat the experiment by including another resistance in the known
resistance box and measure the balancing length.
8. Take mean of above two result and record it as r1 mean.
9. To find r 2 ,repeat steps 3,4,5,6,7.
10.Take mean of above two result and record it as r2 mean.
11.Calculate theoretical value by adding r1 mean and r2 mean.
12.Connect the two coils r 1andr 2 in series in the left gap.
13.To find the resistance of this combination Repeat steps 3,4,5,6,7.
14.Take mean of above two results and record it as experimental value.
TABULATION:
Resistance Balancing lR
Balancing r = ( 100−l )
Resistance S. from the length Mean
length (Ω)
coil No resistance (100-l) resistance(Ω)
l(x10-2m)
box(Ω) x 10-2m
r 1 only 1
2
1
r 2 only
2

r 1∧r 2 1
in series 2
SAMPLE CALCULATION:
For r1:
1st reading:
R= __________________ Ω
l= ________________ x10-2m
lR
r = (100−l) =____________ Ω

2nd reading:
R= __________________ Ω
l= ________________ x10-2m
lR
r = (100−l) = _________ Ω

+¿ ¿
r1 mean = 2 = _________ Ω

For r2:
1st reading:
R= __________________ Ω
l= ________________ x10-2m
lR
r = (100−l) =____________ Ω

2nd reading:
R= __________________ Ω
l= ________________ x10-2m
lR
r = (100−l) = _________ Ω

+¿ ¿
r2mean = 2 = _________ Ω
 For rs (Experimental value):
1st reading:
R= __________________ Ω
l= ________________ x10-2m
lR
r = (100−l) =____________ Ω

2nd reading:
R= __________________ Ω
l= ________________ x10-2m
lR
r = (100−l) = _________ Ω

+¿ ¿
rs mean = 2 = _________ Ω

CALCULATION FOR VERIFICATION OF LAWS:

Experimental value of rs mean = ___________Ω
Theoretical value of rs mean = r1 mean + r2 mean= ___________Ω
Difference (if any) between Experimental value of rs mean and
Theoretical value of rs mean is found as = ___________Ω
RESULT:
Within limits of experimental error, experimental and theoretical values
of rs mean are same; hence the law of resistances in series is verified.
PRECAUTIONS:
1. The connections should be neat clean and tight.
2. Move the jockey gently over the bridge wire and do not rub it.
SOURCES OF ERROR:
1. The instrument screws may be loose.
 2. The wire may not have uniform thickness.

FIGURE OF MERIT
EXP. NO: 4 DATE:
AIM:
 To determine resistance of a galvanometer by half-deflection method and
to find its figure of merit.
APPARATUS REQUIRED:
A galvanometer, Leclanche cell or Daniel cell, two resistance boxes, Plug
key, connecting wires.
FORMULA:
RS
Resistance of the given galvanometer= G = R−S ( ¿ ohms )

E
Figure of merit of the given galvanometer=K= ( R+G)θ ( ¿ A /¿ )

Where
R → Resistance connected in series in ohms.
S → shunt resistance in ohms
θ → deflection in the galvanometer in division.
E → emf of the cell in volt.
CIRCUIT DIAGRAM:

R → Resistance connected in series. S → shunt resistance.

E → emf of the cell. G → Galvanometer. K → One way key.

PROCEDURE:
1. Make the connections as shown in circuit diagram.
 2. Include the high resistance (say 2000 Ω) from the resistance box R.
3. Adjust the value of R so that deflection is maximum, even in number
and within the scale.
4. Note the deflection. Let it be θ.
5. Insert the key and without changing the value of R, adjust the value of
S, such that deflection in the galvanometer reduces to exactly half the
value obtained in step 4 i.e., θ/2.
6. Note the value of shunt resistance S.
7. Repeat steps 4 to 7 by taking out four different values of R and
adjusting S every time.
8. Tabulate G and K values using the formula.
TABULARCOLUMN:
S. Resistance Deflection Shunt Half
No R (Ω) (θ) (div) resistance deflection RS E
G= (Ω) K= (R+G)θ
(S) ( Ω ) (θ/2) (div) R−S
( A/¿ )
1

G Mean = _______ (Ω ); K Mean = ______(A/div)

SAMPLE CALCULATIONS:
For 1st reading:
R= _______ Ω
S= _______ Ω
θ = _______ div

E= ________V                              
 RS
G= =¿
R−S ¿
E
K= ( R+G)θ = =________( A/ ¿ )   
For 2nd reading:
R= _______ Ω
S= _______ Ω
θ = _______ div

E = ________V                              
RS
G= =¿
R−S ¿
E
K= ( R+G)θ = =________( A/ ¿ )                     
For 3rd reading:
R= _______ Ω
S= _______ Ω
θ = _______ div

E = ________V                              
RS
G= =¿
R−S ¿
E
K= ( R+G)θ = = ________( A/ ¿ )     

+ +¿ ¿
G Mean = 3 = ______ (Ω );

+ +¿ ¿
K Mean = 3 = ________(A/div)

                                                                                    
RESULT:
1. Resistance of given galvanometer (G) = _________ Ω.
2. Figure of merit of given galvanometer (K) =_______________ A/div.
PRECAUTIONS:
1. All the connections should be neat, clean and tight.
2. The e.m.f. of cell or battery should be constant.
SOURCES OF ERROR
1. The screws of the instruments may be loose.
2. The e.m.f. of battery may not be constant.
.

CONVEX LENS
EXP. NO: 5 DATE:
AIM:
To find the focal length of a given convex lens by plotting graph between
v and u.
APPARATUS REQUIRED:
 Convex lens, lens stand, illuminated wire gauge-(light box), white screen,
metre scale.
FORMULA:
uv
f= (in 10-2 m)
u+v
Where
f =focal length of given convex lens (in 10-2m)
u= object distance (in 10-2m)
v=image distance (in 10-2m)
PROCEDURE:
1. Find the rough focal length of given convex lens using distant object
method in focusing a distant object by keeping the screen behind the lens.
The distance between the screen and the lens with stand gives rough focal
length say ‘f’ x10-2m.
2. Mount the lens on the stand and keep it between light box and screen.
3. Find the clear image on the screen by adjusting u (distance between light
box & lens) values as 2f-4,2f-2, 2f, 2f+2,2f+4.
4. Record v values (distance between lens & screen) for the same.
5. Substitute u and v values in ‘f’ formula to get focal length in each case.
6. Take mean value for the focal lengths to get final result.

RAY DIAGRAM:
TABULAR COLUMN:
S. Object distance(u)(10- Image distance(v)(10- Focal length of
No 2
m) 2
m) convex lens
uv
f=
u+v
in 10-2 m
1

fmean = _______ x10-2m

MODEL GRAPH:

SAMPLE CALCULATIONS:
For u=___________ in 10-2 m

v=___________ in 10-2 m

uv ( )()
f= u+v = ()+() =¿_______________x10-2m
 fmean=(f1+f2+f3+f4+f5)/5= _________x10-2m
RESULT:
The focal length of given convex lens is calculated as
i. From tabulation _____________ x10-2m.
ii. From u,v graph method __________________ x10-2m.
SOURCES OF ERROR:
1. The uprights may not be vertically placed (lens).
2. Parallax removal may not be perfect.
PRECAUTIONS:
1. The lens must be clean and must be vertical.
2. Avoid parallax.

CONCAVE LENS (OUT OF CONTACT)

EXP. NO: 6 DATE:
AIM:
To find the focal length of a given concave lens using convex lens.
APPARATUS REQUIRED:
Convex lens, concave lens, lens stand-2, light box, white screen, and
metre scale.
FORMULA:
uv
f=
u−v
(in 10-2 m)

Where
f =focal length of given concave lens (in 10-2m)
u= object distance(in 10-2m)
v=image distance(in 10-2m)
PROCEDURE:
1. Image cannot be formed on the screen due to concave lens in regular
method so we follow indirect method in using convex lens to bring image
on the screen.
2. Find the proper image using convex lens on the screen.
3. Introduce concave lens in between convex lens and screen (prefer closer
to the screen),record distance between concave lens and screen as ‘u’.
4. Move screen away from the concave lens to get proper image on the
screen, now record distance as ‘v’.
5. Substitute u and v in ‘f’ formula.
6. Repeat the same for different ‘u’ values with 0.5cm difference.
7. Take mean value for the focal lengths to get final result.

RAY DIAGRAM:
TABULAR COLUMN:
S. Object distance Image distance Focal length of concave lens
No (u)(10-2m) (v)(10-2m) uv
f=
u−v
(in 10-2 m)

fmean = _______ x 10-2m

SAMPLE CALCULATIONS:
For u=___________ x10-2m
v=___________x10-2m
uv ()( )
f= u−v = ()−( ) =¿_______________x10-2m

fmean= (f1+f2+f3+f4+f5)/5= _________x10-2m

RESULT:
The focal length of given concave lens is calculated using convex lens is found
to be _________x10-2m.
PRECAUTIONS:
1. Focal length of convex lens must be less than the focal length of
concave lens.
2. The lens must be clean.
SOURCES OF ERROR:
1. Parallax error is involved.
2. Lens may not be placed vertical.

CONCAVE MIRROR
EXP. NO: 7 DATE:
AIM:
To find the focal length of a given Concave mirror.
APPARATUS REQUIRED:
 Concave mirror, light box, screen , mirror stand, metre scale.
FORMULA:
uv
f=
u+v
(in 10-2 m)
Where
f =focal length of given concave mirror (in 10-2m)
v= object distance (in 10-2m)
v=image distance (in 10-2m)
PROCEDURE:
1. Find the rough focal length of given concave mirror using distant object
method in focusing a distant object on the screen by placing the mirror
towards the object. The distance between the screen and mirror with stand
gives rough focal length say
‘f’ x10-2m.
2. Mount the mirror on the stand and place it towards light box and screen
need to be kept on the same side of light box.
3. Find the clear image on the screen by adjusting u(distance between light
box &mirror) values as 2f-4,2f-2, 2f, 2f+2,2f+4.
4. Record v values (distance between mirror & screen) for the same.
5. Substitute u and v values in ‘f’ formula to get focal length in each case.
6. Take mean value for the focal lengths to get final result.
RAY DIAGRAM:

TABULAR COLUMN:
S. Object distance Image distance Focal length of the concave
 No (u)(10-2m) (v)(10-2m) mirror
uv
f=
u+v
in 10-2 m
1

fmean = _______ x
10-2m
SAMPLE CALCULATIONS:
For u=___________ x 10-2m
v=___________ x 10-2m
uv ( )()
f= u+v = ()+() =¿_______________x10-2m

fmean= (f1+f2+f3+f4+f5)/5= _________x10-2m

RESULT:
The focal length of given concave mirror is found to be____________
X10-2m.
PRECAUTIONS:
1. Mirror must be placed vertically.
2. ‘v’ must be noted when we get clear well defined image on the screen.
SOURCES OF ERROR:
1. Involvement of parallax error.
2. Mirror may not be placed vertically.
 GLASS PRISM
EXP. NO: 8 DATE:
AIM:
To determine the angle of minimum deviation for a given glass prism by
plotting a graph between the angle of incidence and the angle of deviation.
APPARATUS REQUIRED:
Drawing board, white papers, office pins, glass prism, and geometry box.
PROCEDURE:
1. Place white paper on the drawing board using office pins.
 2. Trace the outline of a given glass prism into 5 samples.
3. Mark the angle of incidence on the sample as 35○, 40○, 45○, 50○, 55○
separately.
4. Place on two office pins on the incidence ray and place prism on the
sample.
5. Find the emergent ray by placing 2 office pins on the other side.
6. Find the angle between the extension of incidence ray to the emergent ray
as deviation for every sample.
7. Draw the graph taking ∠ i on x-axis and ∠δ on y-axis and mark δ m.
RAY DIAGRAM:

MODEL GRAPH:
TABULAR COLUMN:
S. No Angle of incidence (∠ i) Angle of deviation(∠ δ )
1

RESULT:
1. Graph indicates ∠ iincreases ,∠δ decreases attains a δ mand then starts
increasing for further increase in ∠ i.
2. Angle of minimum deviation, δ m =__________.
PRECAUTIONS:
1. ∠ i must be between 30○to 60○.
2. The pins must be fixed vertical.
SOURCE OF ERROR:
1. Parallax in measuring the angles.
2. Pins may not be vertical.
ACTIVITIES
 ASSEMBLING THE GIVEN CIRCUIT
ACTIVITY NO: 01 DATE:
AIM:
To assemble the components of a given electrical circuit.
APPARATUS AND MATERIAL REQUIRED:
Resistor, ammeter, (0-1.5A) voltmeter (0-5V), battery, one way key,
rheostat, sand paper, connecting wires.
CIRCUIT DIAGRAM:
PROCEDURE:
1. Connect the components as shown in Fig.
2. After closing the key K, check that the voltmeter and ammeter show
deflections on the right hand side.
3. Check the continuity of the assembled circuit using a Multimeter.
RESULT:
The components of the electrical circuit were assembled.

CORRECTING THE WRONG CIRCUIT

ACTIVITY NO: 02 DATE:
AIM:
To draw the diagram of given open circuit comprising at least a battery,
resistor/rheostat, key, ammeter and voltmeter. Mark the components that are not
connected in proper order and correct the circuit diagram.
APPARATUS AND MATERIAL REQUIRED:
A given open circuit comprising atleast a cell or a battery, plug key,
resistor, rheostat, ammeter, voltmeter, connecting wires and sand paper.
CIRCUIT DIAGRAM:
WRONG CIRCUIT:
CORRECTED CIRCUIT:

PROCEDURE:
1. Draw the circuit diagrams.
2. Consider the various components which have not been connected in
proper order.
3. Draw the correct circuit diagram.
4. Connect the electrical components according to corrected circuit diagram.
5. Close the key in the circuit to verify if the corrected circuit is functional.
OBSERVATIONS:
S. No. Circuit Component Correct Component Incorrect Component
1 Battery/cell 

2 Resistor 
 3 Rheostat 

4 Ammeter 

5 Voltmeter 

RESULT:
The electrical circuit assembled as per the corrected circuit diagram is
functional.

ACTIVITY NO: 03 DATE:

 GLASS SLAB
ACTIVITY NO: 04 DATE:
AIM:
To observe refraction and lateral deviation of a beam of light incident
obliquely on a glass slab.
APPARATUS AND MATERIAL REQUIRED:
Drawing board, rectangular glass slab, white sheet of paper, adhesive tape
(cello-tape), drawing pins, a metre scale, protractor, sharp pencil and eraser.
RAY DIAGRAM:
PROCEDURE
1. Fix a white sheet of paper on the drawing board with the help of drawing
pins.
2. Place the glass slab lengthwise symmetrically mark its boundary on the
paper sheet with a sharp pencil.
3. Using the ray diagram, draw the incident ray and the corresponding
emergent ray.
4. Calculate the lateral displacement from the ray diagram.
RESULT: The ray of light emerging from a glass slab is parallel to the incident
ray direction, but is laterally deviated.
IMAGE FORMED BY CONVEX LENS AND CONCAVE
MIRROR
ACTIVITY NO: 05 DATE:
AIM:
To study the nature and size of the image formed by (i) a convex lens (ii)
a concave mirror on a screen (for different distances of the light source from the
lens/mirror).
APPARATUS AND MATERIAL REQUIRED:
Light source, convex lens, Concave mirror, lens/mirror holder, screen,
meter scale.
PROCEDURE:
1. Find the rough focal length of given convex lens/concave mirror using
distant object method.
2. Using ray diagrams check the nature and size of the image.
CONVEX LENS:
 OBSERVATION (CONVEX LENS):
S. Position of the Image
No object Position Nature Size
1. At infinity At F Real and Inverted Point size
2. Beyond 2F Between F & 2F Real and Inverted Diminished
3. At 2F At 2F Real and Inverted Same
4. Between F & 2F Beyond 2F Real and Inverted Enlarged
5. At F At infinity Real and Inverted Extremely enlarged
6. ¿ F Beyond 2F Virtual and Erect Magnified
CONCAVE MIRROR:
 OBSERVATION (CONCAVE MIRROR):
S. Position of the Image
No object Position Nature Size
1. At infinity At F Real and Inverted Point size

2. Beyond C Between F & C Real and Inverted Diminished

3. At C At C Real and Inverted Same

4. Between F & C Beyond C Real and Inverted Enlarged

5. At F At infinity Real and Inverted Extremely enlarged

6. Between F & P Behind the mirror Virtual and Erect Highly Magnified
RESULT:
The nature and size of the image using convex lens and concave mirror
were studied and tabulated.

IDENTIFICATION OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS

ACTIVITY NO: 06 DATE:

AIM:

To identify a diode, a LED, a transistor, an IC, a resistor and a capacitor

from a mixed collection of such items.

APPARATUS AND MATERIAL REQUIRED:

Multimeter, a collection of diode, LED, transistor, IC, resistor and

capacitor.
PROCEDURE:

1. Check the physical appearance of the component.

2. If the component is

A diode is a two terminal device. It conducts when forward

biased and does not conduct when reverse biased. It does not emit light while

conducting.

An LED (light emitting diode) is also a two terminal device. It

conducts when forward biased and does not conduct when reverse biased. It

emits light while conducting.

A transistor is a three terminal device. The terminals represent

emitter (E), base (B) and collector (C).

An IC (integrated circuit) is a multi-terminal device in the form of a

chip. But some may have only three terminals, e.g. 7805, 7806, 7809, 7912.

A resistor is a two terminal device. It conducts equally in both

directions.

A capacitor is a two terminal device. It does not conduct but stores

some charge when dc voltage is applied.

OBSERVATION:

S. No Physical Appearance Name of the Component

DIODE
1
 LED
2

TRANSISTOR
3

IC
4

RESISTOR
5
 CAPACITOR
6

RESULT:
A diode, a LED, a transistor, an IC, a resistor and a capacitor are
identified respectively from a mixed collection.

LOGARITHMS AND ANTI- LOGARITHMS