Physgen Lab Experiment No.2

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page no.
Table of contents 1
Preparation for the laboratory session 2
Experiment no. 1: Measurements 4
Experiment no. 2: Vectors: Graphical and Analytical 9
Experiment no. 3: Velocity and Acceleration on Linear Air Track 15
Experiment no. 4: Newton’s Second Law of Motion 21
Experiment no. 5: Static and Kinetic Friction 24
Experiment no. 6: Specific Heat of Solids 28
Experiment no. 7: Electrostatic Charges: Van De Graaff Generator Parameters 32
Experiment no. 8: Ohm’s Law 35
Experiment no. 9: Internal Resistance of a Dry Cell 44
General Physics Laboratory Manual

Effective: 1st semester, SY 2019-2020 / Revision: 00
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PREPARATION FOR THE LABORATORY SESSION
I. General Instruction to Students
1. Read carefully and understand the description of the experiment in this laboratory manual.
2. At the beginning of the class, if the faculty or the instructor finds that a student is not adequately
prepared, they will be marked as absent and not be allowed to perform the experiment.
3. Bring necessary materials needed (this manual, calculator, graphing paper, etc.) to perform the
required analysis of the experiment.
4. Students are encouraged to read the experiment/activity procedure before coming to laboratory
room and to participate actively in performing experiment. Do not hesitate to ask question to your
instructor.
5. Students must follow the proper dress code inside laboratory room. It is suggested to wear a lab
gown to protect clothing from dirt doing the experiment.
6. Borrow laboratory materials to the laboratory technician following the standard procedure.
7. Proceed carefully in performing the experiment. Avoid any water spill especially on electric circuits
and wires.
8. Maintain silence, order and discipline inside the laboratory room. Avoid the use of cellphones and
other gadgets inside the room.
9. Report immediately to the instructor any injury that may occur.
II. After the Laboratory session
1. Clean up the work area.
2. Return all borrowed materials to laboratory technician before leaving the room.
3. Make sure that the student understands any further announcement made by the instructor
especially the submission date of the experiment/report.
III. Make-ups and late work
Students must perform experiment as scheduled. In case of absence, the student must obtain
permission from the instructor which may be granted with justifiable circumstances only. Once
approved, the student must make formal arrangements with the instructor for a make-up laboratory
depending on the availability of the needed laboratory room and materials.
Any late submission of experiment will be marked less.

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IV. Laboratory policies
1. Food and beverages are not allowed in the laboratory premises at all times.
2. Do not sit or place anything on laboratory table during experiment session. Place your bags on
designated place.
3. Do not borrow materials from other groups without asking permission from the instructor.

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Experiment no.
1
MEASUREMENT
Name: Year/Course: Rating:
Group no. Date Performed: Date Submitted:
I. OBJECTIVES:
After performing this experiment, the student must be able to:

1. Acquire skills in using a ruler and Vernier caliper; and
2. Calculate density of regular-shaped solids.
II. MATERIALS:
Ruler, Vernier caliper, regular solids (rectangular bar, cube, cylinder and sphere), and triple
beam balance
III. METHOD:
The dimensions of various objects are determined with using a ruler and a Vernier caliper to
determine the volume of each object. The mass of each object is obtained and the density are
computed and compared from these readings.
IV. PROCEDURE:
1. Using a ruler, measure the dimensions of the labeled solid object.

2. Determine the mass of each solid using a platform balance.
3. Enter data on Table 1.1 below.
4. Complete the table by computing the required data.
Table 1.1 Measured quantities using a ruler

Length Width Height Diameter Mass Volume
Objects
(cm) (cm) (cm) (cm) (g) (cc)
5. Measure the dimensions of the same objects using a Vernier caliper.

6. Fill and complete Table 1.2 below.

5
Table 1.2. Measured quantities using a Vernier Caliper

Length Width Height Diameter Mass Volume
Objects
(cm) (cm) (cm) (cm) (g) (cc)
7. From the mass and volume of each solid, compute the mass density. Complete Table 1.3.
Table 1.3. Experimental Densities of the Solid Objects

Computed Densities
Objects (g/cc)
Ruler Vernier Caliper
8. For each solid, compare the experimental density with the true density by determining the
percentage error. Complete Table 1.4.
Table 1.4. Percent Error

True Value Mass % Error Using a Vernier
Objects % Error Using a Ruler
Density Caliper

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V. DATA ANALYSIS:
1. What probably caused the percent error between the three methods of measuring the mass density
of the objects?
2. Why must subsequent measurements of the same objects be made parallel to each other?
3. Why must the edge of the ruler, rather than the broader side be adjacent to the table?

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VI. APPLICATIONS:
1. A thin circular sheet of iron has a radius of 16 cm. (a) Find its area. (b) If a square meter of the
material has a mass of 0.35 kg, find the mass of the sheet.
Given:
 R = 16 cm
 M per m^2 of sheet = 0.35
Solution:
A.
2 2 2
π r =π 16 =804.1477 cm
2
804.1477 cm 2
2
=0.08042 m
10000 m
B.
2
0.08042 m × 0.35 kg=0.0281 kg
2. A car’s gasoline tank has the shape of a right rectangular box with a square base whose sides
measure 62 cm. Its capacity is 52 L. If the tank has only 1.5 L remaining, how deep is the gasoline in
the tank, assuming the car is parked on level ground.
GIVEN:
HEIGHT = 62 CM
V = 52 L – 1.5 L = 50.5 L
SOLUTION:
3
1000 cm 3 4 3
50.5 L× =50,500 cm ∨5.05 cm
1L
2
v=lwh=h( s )
5.054 cm3 =h ( 622 )
4 3
5.05 cm
h= 2
=13.14 cm
(62)

8

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3. A block of metal measures 5 3/4 cm by 2 1/2 cm by 1/4 cm and has a density of 8 g/cc. Find the
volume and the mass of the metal.
GIVEN:
LENGTH = 5.75 cm
WIDTH = 2.5 cm
HEIGHT = 0.25 cm
DENSITY = 8 g/cc
SOLUTION:
3
V =5.75 cm×2.5 cm×0.25 cm=3.59 cm
3 g
M =3.59 cm ×8 =28.75 g
cc
4. The Concorde is the fastest airliner used for commercial service. It cruises at 1450 miles per hour
(about twice the speed of sound or Mach 2). Express the cruise speed of the Concorde in (a) km/hr;
(b) m/s; (c) ft/s

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GIVEN:
1450 MPH
A.
mi
1450 ×1.609344=2333.5488 km/hr
hr
B.
mi 1
1450 × =648.208 m/s
hr 44704
C.
mi
1450 ×1.467=2126.667 ft /s
hr
Experiment no. 2
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VECTORS: GRAPHICAL AND ANALYTICAL METHOD
I. OBJECTIVES:
To determine the resultant and equilibrant of any number of forces using the force table.
II. METHOD:
Each group is assigned a number of forces. The resultant and equilibrant are determined
experimentally using a force table. The results are compared with those obtained by graphical and
analytical methods.
III. MATERIALS:
Force table and its accessories, meterstick, triple beam balance, weight pan, bench pulleys, set
of weights.
IV. PROCEDURE:
1. Mount the plane surface of the force table such that it is equidistant from the working table by
using a meterstick and if necessary, adjust the set screws of the force table.
2. Place a bench pulley on the 0 mark of the force table. Pass a string over this pulley and hang a
mass of your choice at its end. Call this as your F1. Then mount the second bench pulley on the
120 mark and hang another mass of your choice which passes over the second pulley. Call this as
your F2. Get the included angle between the two forces.
3. Using the two forces, determine the resultant graphically, by parallelogram method. Determine
also the resultant by using the Cosine law. Use provided labeled boxes below for your drawing and
solution.
4. Tabulate data and results in table 2.1
5. Mount the third pulley on the force table. Pass the string over the pulley and hang another mass of
your choice. Adjust the position of the bench pulley by moving it left or right until the three forces
are in equilibrium. They will be in equilibrium if by removing the pin at the center of the force
table, the circular ring will stay in the position.
6. Determine the angle that the force makes with the two forces by reading the position of the third
pulley in the force table. The third force is the equilibrant of the first two forces.
7. Using three forces, construct the vector polygon to determine the resultant for the three forces.
Determine this resultant analytically by using component method. Use provided labeled boxes
below for your drawing and solution.
8. Tabulate data and results in table 2.1

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Resultant of F1 and F2 using parallelogram method

100 g = 0.1 kg F RV θ=60 °
150 g = 0.15 kg F2 =100 g - 120 °
α
0.1 ×9.8=0.98 N
0.15 × 9.8=1.47 N
F1150 g -
0°
FR= √ F 22 + F 12−2 ( F 2 )( F 1 ) cosθ
FR= √ 0.98 2+1.47 2−2 ( 0.98 ) ( 1.47 ) cos 60
FR=1.3 N
sinα sinθ
=
F 2 FR α
sinα sin 60
=
0.98 N 1.3
sin 60
sinα= 0.98 N
1.3
sinα=0.65
−1
α =sin 0.65
α =41°
Resultant of F1 and F2 using cosine law FR V
100 g = 0.1 kg
F2=100 g -
150 g = 0.15 kg 120 °
θ=120°
0.1 ×9.8=0.98 N
0.15 × 9.8=1.47 N
F1=150 g - 0 °
FR= √ F 22 + F 12 +2 ( F 2 ) ( F 1 ) cosθ
FR= √ 0.98 2+1.47 2+ 2 ( 0.98 )( 1.47 ) cos 120=1.3 N
sinα sinθ F1=150 g - 0 °
=
F 2 FR
θ=60 °
sinα sin 60
=
0.98 N 1.3
α
sin 60 F2=100 g - FRV =1.3 n
sinα= 0.98 N
1.3 120 °
sinα=0.65
−1
α =sin 0.65
α =41°

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Resultant of F1, F2 and F2 using polygon method

RV
100 g -
120 °
120 °
132 g−221 °
150 g -
0°
132 g−221 °
RV =0
100 g -
120 ° 150 g -
0°
Resultant of F1, F2 and F2 using component method

0.1 ×9.8=0.98 N
0.15 × 9.8=1.47 N
0.132 ×9.8=1.3 N
FOR X
1.47 cos 0=1.47 N
0.98 cos 120=−0.49 N
1.32 cos 221=−1 N
1.47 N−0.49 N −1 N =−0.02 N
FOR Y
1.47 sin 0=0 N
0.98 sin 120=0.85 N
1.32 sin 221=−0.86 N
0.85 N−0.86 N =−0.01 N
R=√ (−0.02 N ) + (−0.01 N ) =0.02 N
2 2
−1 0.01
θ=tan =26.56 °
0.02

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Table 2.1
Force/ Result Magnitude Angle (or direction)

1.47 N 0°
F1
0.98 N 120 °
F2
Resultant of F1 and F2 using 1.3 N 41 °

parallelogram
Resultant of F1 and F2 using 1.3 N 41 °
cosine law
1.3 N 221 °
F3 (equilibrant force)
Resultant of F1, F2, and F3 using 0N 0°

polygon method
Resultant of F1, F2, and F3 using 0.02 N 26.56 °
component method
V. DATA ANALYSIS:
1. Compare the resultant of the two forces (F1 and F2) obtained using graphical solution (parallelogram
method) and analytical solution (Cosine law). Explain the discrepancy.
2. Compare the resultant of the three forces (F1, F2, and F3) obtained using graphical solution (Vector
polygon) and analytical solution (component method). Compare the results and state the
discrepancy.

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VI. APPLICATIONS:
1. Indicate whether each of the following is a scalar or a vector quantity.

Speed SCALAR Work SCALAR
mass SCALAR weight VECTOR
torque VECTOR temperature SCALAR
velocity VECTOR displacement VECTOR
2. If the weight pans used in the force table were of the same weight, may they be neglected? Explain.
3. If smaller weights were used in the force table, would there be more or less error? Why?

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4. A girl delivering newspapers covers her route by traveling 3.00 blocks west, 4.00 blocks north,
and then 6.00 blocks east. (a) What is her resultant displacement? (b) What is the total distance
she travels.
GIVEN:
6 blocks east
d⃗
4 blocks north
b=4 blocks
3 blocks west a=¿ 3

blocks
SOLUTION
⃗ √ a2 + b2
d= d=3+4 +6
⃗ √ 3 2 + 42
d= d=13 blocks
⃗ √ 3 2 + 42
d=
⃗ √ 25
d=
⃗
d=5 blocks
5. A cross-country skier skis 4.00 km in the direction 45° west of south, then 7.50 km in the direction
30° north of east, and finally 3.40 km in the direction of 22° south of west. How far is the skier
from the starting point and in what direction?

X1 18
Y1
X2
Y2
X3
Y3
RX
RY
ϕ = 34.4 DEGREES SOUTH OF WEST

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Experiment no. 3
VELOCITY AND ACCELERATION ON LINEAR AIR TRACK
I. OBJECTIVES:
After performing this experiment, the student must be able to:

1. Measure the acceleration of a glider on the linear air track; and
2. Construct and analyze graphs related to uniformly accelerated motion.
II. MATERIALS:
Linear air track and its accessories (blower and hose), gliders, timer and meterstick.
III. METHOD:
An air track is elevated at different positions and the glider is drove down the inclined track.
Length of the track, inclinations and time are measured. From these, experimental and theoretical
values of acceleration are determined and compared.
IV. PROCEDURE:
1. Examine the air track and its accessories. Robert Rodriguez

2. Elevate one end of the air track, then measure the height H, of2022-11-06
inclination and the length L of the
19:08:22
track. Record the measurements in table 3.1. --------------------------------------------
This needs to be specified especially where
3. Release the first glider (glider I) from five successively elevatedinpositions
the steps ondo the track the
we need andhose
measure
and the
the time required to hit the bumper at the lower end of the track. blower. Perform five (5) trials for each
position. Record data in table 3.2.
4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 using glider II. Record data in table 3.3.
Table 3.1. Height of inclination and length of track
Height of inclination, H (cm)
Length of track, L (cm)

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Table 3.2. Glider I

½ time
Position Time Interval (s) Ave. Time (s) Ave. Speed (cm/s)
(s)
20 cm
40 cm
60 cm
80 cm
100 cm
Table 3.3. Glider II

½ time
Position Time Interval (s) Ave. Time (s) Ave. Speed (cm/s)
(s)
20 cm
40 cm
60 cm
80 cm
100 cm
V. DATA ANALYSIS:
1. Calculate the average speed for each measured elevation. Record the calculated values in table 3.4.
2. Plot average speed against 1/2 time for each glider using graph 3.1Robert
andRodriguez
graph 3.2, respectively.
2022-11-06 18:56:55
3. Calculate the slope of the graph. This represents the experimental value ae of the glider’s
--------------------------------------------
acceleration. Calculate  from H and L. misplaced sentence. Should be in item 3
Robert Rodriguez
4. Calculate the theoretical value ath of the acceleration using the equation
2022-11-06 19:00:25
--------------------------------------------
ath = g sin. Misplaced sentence. This should be in item
4 as a prerequisite for the computation of
the experimental value.
5. Compare ae and ath, calculate the percentage difference using the formula
𝑎 𝑡ℎ − 𝑎 𝑒
%𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓 = | | 𝑥 100
𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑑
𝑎𝑒

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Graph 3.1. Ave. speed vs. ½ time for glider 1

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Graph 3.1. Ave. speed vs. ½ time for glider 2

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Table 3.4. Data Analysis

Glider 1 Glider 2
Angle of inclination, 
Experimental acceleration, ae
Theoretical acceleration, ath
Percent Difference, % diff.
VI. APPLICATIONS:
1. Does the mass of the glider affect its acceleration on a frictionless track?
2. In the same time interval, a car accelerates from 15 m/s to 20 m/s while a truck accelerates from 36
m/s to 40 m/s. Which vehicle has the greater average acceleration? Explain.

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3. A car accelerates from rest at 0.5 m/s2 for 45 seconds, continues at constant speed for 3 minutes
and then comes to a stop in 22 seconds. What distance did it cover?

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Experiment no. 4
NEWTON’S SECOND LAW OF MOTION
I. OBJECTIVES:
After performing this experiment, the student must be able to describe Newton’s Second
Law of Motion and its applications.
II. MATERIALS:
Smooth running pulley, set of weights, weight pan, meterstick, string, stopwatch, triple beam
balance, iron stand and clamp.
III. METHOD:
Two different masses are hung by means of a light flexible cord (or string) passing over a light
frictionless pulley. The time and distance of descend and the actual moving forces are noted. From
these data, acceleration is computed and compared using Second Law of Uniformly Accelerated
Motion and Newton’s Second Law of Motion.
IV. PROCEDURE:
1. Place the iron stand with clamp with its base closer and parallel to the edge of the table.
2. Fix a good running pulley about 1.5 meters from the floor.
3. Pass the piece of string around the pulley, and at both ends attach the weight. Place 100-gram in each
pan.
4. Add an extra 20-gram to the left pan so that the actual moving force is 20 grams.
5. Consider the heavier body (going down) as m1 and lighter body (going up) as m2. Record these masses
in table 4.1.
6. Measure and record the initial height s of the heavier weighted pan, that is the distance between the
bottom of the pan and the floor.
7. Find the t in seconds for the weighted pan to descend from the starting position until the pan touches
the floor.
8. Repeat this process five times and take the average to find the value of t. Record data in table 4.1.
9. Repeat steps 5-7 by using 25-gram weight as the actual moving force and 30 grams weight for the
second and third trials, respectively.

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Table 4.1 Average time of descend of heavier weighted pan (m1)

Heavier Lighter Time interval, t (s)
Initial Ave.
weighted weighted
Trial height, s Time,
pan, m1 pan, m2 1 2 3 4 5
(cm) tave (s)
(g) (g)
1
2
3
V. DATA ANALYSIS:
1. Compute for experimental acceleration of the system using the formula
𝑎𝑒 = 2𝑆
𝑡
2
𝑎𝑣𝑒
2. Using the mass of heavier body as m1 and mass of the lighter body as m2, calculate the theoretical
acceleration from the formula
𝑎𝑡 ℎ = 𝑔(𝑚1−𝑚2)
; g = 980 cm/s2
(𝑚1+𝑚2)
3. Compute for the % difference.
%𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓 = | 𝑎𝑡ℎ − 𝑎𝑒 | 𝑥 100

𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑒
4. Tabulate results in table 4.2.
Table 4.2 Data Analysis

Trial 1 2 3
Experimental acceleration, ae (cm/s2)
Theoretical acceleration, ath (cm/s2)
Percent Difference, % diff.

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VI. APPLICATIONS:
1. A 12 kg block A, which hangs from a string that passes over a pulley and is connected at its other
end to a 40 kg block B, which rest on a frictionless table. Find the acceleration of the two blocks
under the assumption that the string is massless and the pulley is massless and frictionless. What
is the tension in the string?
2. A 5 kg block resting on a horizontal surface is attached to a 5 kg block that hangs freely by a

string passing over a pulley. If there is no friction between the first block and the surface, what is
the block’s acceleration?
3. A light frictionless pulley caries a light cord to which is attached at one end a 1-kg weight and at
the other end a 2-kg weight. The weights are suddenly released. Find the acceleration and the
tension in the cord.

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Experiment no. 5
STATIC AND KINETIC FRICTION
I. OBJECTIVES:
After performing this experiment, the student must be able to measure frictional force,
coefficients of static and kinetic friction.
II. MATERIALS:
Wooden block, wooden plane with pulley, set of weights, weight pan, triple beam balance, string
and protractor.
III. METHOD:
The force needed to start the body moving is measured and also the force needed to maintain
the motion at constant speed. The normal force is measured in each case and coefficient of friction
calculated. Normal force, contact area and condition of surface are varied, to study their influence on
friction.
IV. PROCEDURE:
IV.1. Coefficient of Kinetic Friction
1. Measure the weight of block B and the weight of pan P. Record the values in table 5.1.
2. Place the wooden block on a smooth level plane and attach to it a string with a pan at the other
end. Place 100 grams on the top of the block. Record, in table 5.1, the normal force on the block
by adding the weight of the block B and 100-gram weight (B + Wt.).
3. Pass the string over the pulley and put weights on the pan so that when the plane is slightly
tapped, the wooden block will move with uniform velocity. The weight of the pan plus the weight
on it is the frictional force (Pan + Wt.). Record this value in table 5.1.
4. Repeat steps 1 to 3, adding 100 grams each time until the load on the block is 500 grams.
5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 by considering another edge of the block. Record data in table 5.1.

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Table 5.1 Normal force and Kinetic Friction
Mass of block B (g) =
Mass of pan P (g) =
Face Edge
Normal force, Friction, Normal force, Friction,
Trial
(B + Wt.) (P + Wt.) (B + Wt.) (P + Wt.)
(gf) (gf) (gf) (gf)
1
2
3
4
5
IV.2. Coefficient of Static Friction
1. Place the block on the plane. Tilt and slightly tap the plane until the block just about to slide
down the plane.
2. Measure the angle of inclination of the plane using a protractor. This angle is called the angle of
static friction. Record this value in table 5.2.
3. Repeat steps 1 to 2 for second and third trials.
4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 by considering another edge of the block.
Table 5.2 Angle of static friction

Face Edge
Trial
Angle of static friction, s Angle of static friction, s
1
2
3
V. DATA ANALYSIS:
1. Using data in table 5.1, compute the coefficient of kinetic friction in each trial of each side (face
and edge) by getting the ratio of frictional force and normal force. Compute also the average value
of the coefficient. Record the data in table 5.3.
2. Compute the percentage difference between the two computed average coefficients.

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Table 5.3 Coefficient of kinetic friction

Trial Face Edge
1
2
3
4
5
Average
% difference
3. Using data in table 5.2., compute the coefficient of static friction by getting the value of tangent of
angle of static friction (tan θ s) for each trial. Compute also the average value of the coefficient
Record the data in table 4.4.
4. Compute the percentage difference between the two computed average coefficients.
Table 5.4 Coefficient of static friction

Trial Face Edge
1
2
3
Average
% difference
VI. APPLICATIONS:
1. A block weighing 50 N rests on a plane surface. The coefficient of friction is 0.275. What is the least
applied force, which will cause the block to move if the force acts (a) horizontally? and (b) at an
angle of 45 degrees with the horizontal?

31
2. A horizontal force of 25 N can just keep a mass of 35 kg in uniform motion along a horizontal surface.
What is the coefficient of friction between the surface and the mass? At what angle must the plane
be titled for mass to slide uniformly?
3. The coefficient of sliding friction between a rubber tire and a concrete road is 0.7. What is the
distance in which a car will skid to a stop on such road if its brakes are locked when it is moving at 80
km/h?
4. A wooden block whose initial speed is 1.5 m/s slides on a smooth floor for 4 m before it comes to a
stop. a) Find the coefficient of friction. b) If the block weighs 25 N, how much force would be needed
to keep it moving at constant speed across the same floor?

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Experiment no. 6
SPECIFIC HEAT OF SOLIDS
I. OBJECTIVES:
To determine the specific heat of solid specimen using the method of mixtures.
II. MATERIALS:
Solid specimen, water bath, thermometers, string, electric heater, calorimeter and triple beam
balance.
III. PROCEDURE:
1. Weigh the inner vessel of the calorimeter with the stirrer on the platform balance and record the
mass.
2. Pour tap water into it until it is about one-third full.
3. Weigh the inner vessel with the water and stirrer and record the mass.
4. Place the inner vessel with the water and the stirrer in the calorimeter with the ring separating
them. Cover in a way that the handle of the stirrer comes out through the hole provided. Insert the
thermometer through the holed-cork at the center of the cover making sure that the bulb is
immersed in the water but does not touch the bottom of the inner vessel.
5. Weigh the solid specimen on the platform balance and record its mass.
6. Heat up the solid specimen in a water bath by suspending it on a string. From time to time, get the
temperature of the water bath.
7. When the solid is at the desired temperature, which means that the water bath is 97 °C, read its
temperature and record as the initial temperature of the solid.
8. Read the temperature of the water in the calorimeter and record this as the initial temperature of
the water.
9. Quickly place the heated solid specimen into the water. Cover and stir gently while observing the
temperature.
10. Once the temperature becomes steady, read the thermometer and record this as the equilibrium
temperature of the mixture.
11. Tabulate data in table 6.1

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Table 6.1
Solid Specimen
Mass of inner vessel with stirrer (g)
Mass of vessel with stirrer & water (g)
Mass of solid specimen (g)
Initial temperature of solid (oC)
Initial temperature of vessel and stirrer & water (oC)
Equilibrium temperature of mixture (oC)
IV. DATA ANALYSIS:
1. Subtract the mass of the inner vessel with the stirrer from the mass of the inner vessel with the
stirrer and tap water to get the mass of the water.
2. Get the absolute values of the change in temperature of the solid specimen, the water and the
inner vessel with the stirrer.
3. Equate heat lost by the solid resulting to a decrease in its temperature to the heat gained by
the water, vessel and the stirrer resulting to an increase in their temperature and compute for
the specific heat of the solid specimen.
Cwater = 1 cal/g-C°
Ccalorimeter = 0.22 cal/g-C°
4. Compare the computed values with the true values for the specimen given in the table of specific
heat and compute for the percentage error.
5. Tabulate results as in table 6.2.
Table 6.2
Solid specimen
Mass of water (g)
Temperature change of solid (Co)
Temperature change of vessel & water (Co)
Specific heat of solid (experimental) (cal/g-Co)
Specific heat of solid (true value) (cal/g-Co)
Percentage error (%)

34
V. APPLICATIONS:
1. Define heat.
2. Define temperature.
3. What is the relationship between heat and temperature?
4. A 200 g of Cu specimen at 200 °C is immersed into 300 g of water at 20 °C contained in 150 g

Al calorimeter. What equilibrium temperature will the mixture attain?

35
5. When 200 g of Al at 100 °C is dropped into an aluminum calorimeter of mass 120 g and contains
150 g of kerosene at 15 °C, the mixture reaches a temperature at 50 °C. What is the specific heat of
kerosene?
6. A solid of mass 25 g at a temperature of 90 °C is dropped into 100 g of water contained in a

copper vessel of 12 g mass, both the water and container being originally at 30 °C. If the final
common temperature is 37.5 °C, find the specific heat of solid.

36
Experiment no. 7
ELECTROSTATIC CHARGES: VAN DE GRAAFF GENERATOR PARAMETERS
I. OBJECTIVES:
To determine the electrical parameters of a Van De Graaf Generator.
II. MATERIALS:
Van de Graaff Generator, grounded discharge sphere, string, timer, and insulating stand
III. PROCEDURE:
1. Using a string measure the circumference of the Van de Graaff sphere dome and calculate
its radius from the measured circumference
2. Hold the grounded sphere (the one attached to the Van de Graaff Generator base by a wire) by its
insulating handle, and bring it into contact with the metal dome of the Generator. Turn on the
machine with your other hand, and draw the grounded sphere away until sparks are jumping to it
from the Generator dome.
3. Devise a way to measure the maximum spark length to the discharge ball. Record at least three
trials.
4. In each trial, hold the discharge sphere at the maximum distance for continuous sparking, and
estimate the spark frequency. (That is, how many sparks are emitted per second? Use a timer, or a
video recorder to make a time estimate.)
5. Record all data in table 7.1.
Table 7.1
Dimension of Van de Graaff sphere dome (in meter)
Circumference
Radius, R
1 2 3
Maximum spark length L (m)
Spark frequency f (1/s or Hz)

37
IV. DATA ANALYSIS:
1. From table 7.1 calculate the average maximum spark length and spark frequency.
2. The “breakdown” electric field E is 3 x 106 V/m for dry air. This is the field necessary to make a
park jump through air—for example, between two metal plates with an electric field in the air gap.
Using this field and your measured radius of the sphere dome R, calculate the potential V of the
sphere using the formula:
𝑽 = 𝑬𝑹
3. Compare this value to the advertised value of the generator (typically around 400,000 V) by
computing the percentage.
4. Calculate the potential difference necessary to make a spark jump over the spark length using the
formula:
𝑽 = 𝑬𝑳
5. Using the calculated potential of the sphere dome V calculate the stored charge Q on the sphere
from the formula:
𝑽𝑹
𝑸=
𝒌
Where k is 9 x 109 Vm/C
6. Assume the sphere discharges completely with each spark, and use your measured spark
frequency to calculate the average discharge current I while sparking.
𝑰 = 𝑸𝒇
Table 7.2 Van De Graaff Generator Parameters

Parameters Value
Average maximum spark length L (m)
Average spark frequency f (Hz)
Potential of sphere dome V (volts)
Advertised voltage value of the generator (volts)
Percentage difference %
Potential difference needed for spark jump Vjump (volts)
Stored charge on the sphere Q (C)
Average discharge current I (A)

38
VI. APPLICATIONS:
1. An insulating rod has a positive charge at one end and a negative charge at the other. Both charges
have the same magnitude. How will the rod move when it is placed in a uniform electric fields
:
a. whose direction is parallel to the rod;
b. whose direction is perpendicular to the rod?
2. Two electric charges originally 8 cm apart are brought closer together until the force between
them is greater by a factor of 16. How far apart are they now?
3. A billion of electrons are added to a pithball. What is the magnitude of its charge?
4. A point charge of + 1 x 10 – 9 C is placed 5 cm from another point charge of +3 x 10^-9 C. Find the
force between them.

39
Experiment no.
8 OHM’S LAW
I. OBJECTIVES:
After performing this experiment, the student must be able to describe and determine the relationship
between:
1. voltage and current at constant resistance;
2. voltage and resistance at constant current; and
3. current and resistance at constant voltage.
II. MATERIALS:
Ohm's Law Demonstration apparatus, lead wires, DC power supply (6 V), DC voltmeter (0-10 V), and
DC ammeter (0 - 300 mA).
III. PROCEDURE:
III.1. Relationship between voltage and current at constant resistance
Figure 8.1.
1. Set the apparatus as shown in figure 8.1, choosing a suitable fixed resistance. Record the value of
the constant resistance in table 8.1.
2. Turn the variable resistor knob clockwise so as to get the maximum resistance.
3. Close switches K1 and K2.
4. Turn the variable resistor knob to vary the voltage across the load and record the current as
indicated in the ammeter at every 0.5-V (or 0.3-V).
5. Divide voltage by current to obtain the corresponding resistance value for each pair of voltage V
and current I.
6. Get the average of the calculated R-values.
7. Compare this with the recorded fixed resistance and compute the percent difference.
8. Tabulate results in table 8.1.
9. Construct a voltage V vs. current I graph (graph 8.1).
40
Table 8.1
V Volts
I x 10 -3 A
R Ohms
Constant R = Average Computed R =

% Difference =
Graph 8.1.
Voltage V vs. Current I

41
III.2. Relationship between voltage and resistance at constant current.
Figure 8.2.
1. Set the apparatus as shown in figure 8.2. Use resistance of 10 ohms first.
4. Turn the variable resistor knob so as to get the ammeter to indicate a suitable fixed current.
Record this I and corresponding V in table 8.2.
5. Vary the resistance by moving the connecting plug through the rest of the R-values until 100 ohms.
For every change in R, record the corresponding voltage.
6. Divide the voltage by the resistance to get the corresponding current value, for each pair V and R.
7. Get the average of the calculated I-values.
8. Compare this with the recorded fixed current and compare the percent difference.
9. Tabulate the data and result in table 8.2.
10. Construct a V vs. R graph (graph 8.2)
Table 8.2
R 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Ohms
V Volts
I x 10 -3 A
Constant I = Average Computed I =

% Difference =

42
Graph 8.2.
Voltage V vs. Resistance R graph

43
III.3. Relationship between current and resistance at constant voltage.
1. Set the apparatus as shown in figure 8.2. Use resistance of 10 ohms first.
4. Turn the variable resistor knob so as to get the voltmeter reading a suitable fixed voltage. Record
this voltage in table 8.3.
5. Vary the resistance by moving the connecting plug through the rest of the R-values until 100 ohms.
For every change in R, adjust the knob of the variable resistor to maintain the constant voltage.
Record the corresponding current.
6. Multiply current by resistance to get the corresponding voltage value for each pair of R and I. Get
the reciprocal of R.
7. Get the average of the calculated V-values.
8. Compare this with the recorded fixed value and compute the percent difference.
9. Tabulate the data and results in table 8.3.
10. Construct I vs. 1/R graph (graph 8.3).
Table 8.3.
R 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Ohms
I x 10 -3 A
V Volts
1/R
Constant V = Average Computed V =

% Difference =

44
Graph 8.3.
Current I vs. Reciprocal of resistance 1/R graph

45
IV. DATA ANALYSIS:
1. Interpret the significance of the shape and the intercepts of the curve formed in the V vs. I graph.
What is the significance of this curve? Calculate the slope, using the origin and a point near the
upper part of the curve. Note the percentage difference between the observed slope and the
marked or recorded constant resistance.
2. Interpret the significance of the shape and the intercepts of the curve formed in the V vs. R graph.
Calculate the slope of this curve, using the origin and another point near the extreme end of the
curve. Since the current was kept constant, what would one expect the slope of this curve to
represent? Note the difference between the value of the slope and the observed current.
3. Interpret the significance of the shape and intercepts of the I vs. 1/R graph. Calculate the slope of
this curve, using the origin and another point near the extreme end of the curve. Note the
percentage difference between the value of the slope and the voltage observed from the voltmeter.

46
V. GENERALIZATIONS:
What is the relationship between:
1. voltage and current at constant resistance;
2. voltage and resistance at constant current;
3. current and resistance at constant voltage.
VI. APPLICATIONS:
1. Why is it sometimes fatal to touch the wires in an electric power line and not so dangerous to come
in contact with an electrostatic machine that is developing a much higher voltage? Why are birds not
injured by sitting upon a high potential power line?

47
2. A cell of emf 3.0-V and internal resistance 0.10-ohm is connected through an ammeter of 0.05-Ω
resistance to a 5.0-Ω resistor by means of wires having a total resistance of 0.85-Ω. What percent
error would one make if he neglected all resistance except that of the resistor when he calculated
the current?
3. A dry cell when short-circuited will furnish about 30-A for a brief time. If its emf is 1.5-V, what must
be its internal resistance?
4. An ordinary household electric lamp takes about 1-A current. Would it be practical and safe to
connect such lamp directly to the dry cell? Why?

48
Experiment no. 9
INTERNAL RESISTANCE OF A DRY
CELL
I. OBJECTIVES:
To study and to measure the internal resistance of a dry cell.
II. MATERIALS:
Dry cell, lead wires, DC ammeter (O - 0.15-A), DC voltmeter (0 - 1.5-V), and rheostat
III. PROCEDURE:
1. Connect the voltmeter across the terminals of the cell and read the instrument. This reading is the
potential difference of the cell when it is not delivering any appreciable current, i.e., the emf of
the dry cell, e.
2. Set up the circuit as shown in figure 9.1 the diagram and read quickly the current that flows through
the ammeter.
Figure 9.1.
3. Connect the voltmeter to the points X and Y and record the potential difference V between these
points. Assuming that the resistance of the ammeter is negligibly small, this is the value of the
internal resistance of the dry cell.
4. Make three trials using different value of resistance in the rheostat each time.
5. Calculate the internal resistance (r) of the dry cell from the equation:
𝜀−𝑉
𝑟=
𝐼
6. Record the data and results in table 9.1.

49
Table 9.1.
TRIAL 1 2 3
Emf of the dry cell, ε
Current, I
Potential difference between X & Y, V
Internal resistance, r
Average r =
IV. OBSERVATIONS:
What can you say about the computed internal resistance in each trial of the experiment?
V. GENERALIZATION:
What can you say about the internal resistance of a dry cell based from the experiment?

50
VI. APPLICATIONS:
1. Why would you not use this method to measure the internal resistance of a car battery?
2. A battery has an emf of 3-V. Determine its internal resistance if a current of 20-A is drawn when an
ammeter and leads with a total resistance of 0.01-ohm are connected across the terminals of the
battery.

51
3. A generator has an emf of 120-V and an internal resistance of 0.2-ohm. How much current does the
generator supply when the terminal voltage is 115-V?
4. Two 1.50-V batteries—with their positive terminals in the same direction—are inserted in series
into a flashlight. One battery has an internal resistance of 0.255 Ω, and the other has an internal
resistance of 0.153 Ω. When the switch is closed, the bulb carries a current of 600 mA. (a) What is
the bulb’s resistance? (b) What fraction of the chemical energy transformed appears as
internal energy in the batteries?

52
References:
Asperilla. J. et. Al. Laboratory Manual for College Physics, 1st edition, UP Diliman 1975
Beiser, Arthur. Modern Technical Physics. 6th Edition. Addison-Wesley Publishing Co. New York 1992.
Faculty Members. Laboratory Manual in Mechanics. 1st Edition. TUP Manila
Heuvelen, Alan Van. Physics (A General Introduction) 2nd Edition Little Brown & Company. Canada 1986.
Tan, Alfredo et. al. Laboratory Manual in Physics.
Tipler, Paul A. Physics. 2nd Edition. Worth Publisher Inc. Michigan. 1982
Weber, Manning. Experimental College Physics. 5th Edition. McGraw-Hill Book Co. New York. 1979
Zemansky, Sears, Young. University Physics. 7th Edition. Addison-Wesley Publishing Co. New York. 1987
Young & Freedman. University Physics with Modern Physics 11th edition. 2004
Serway and Jewett (2014), Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics, 9th Edition, Brooks/
Cole Cengage Learning
http://demoweb.physics.ucla.edu/sites/default/files/Physics6B_Exp4.pdf


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1

Preparation for the laboratory session 2

Experiment no. 1: Measurements 4

Experiment no. 2: Vectors: Graphical and Analytical 9

Experiment no. 3: Velocity and Acceleration on Linear Air Track 15

Experiment no. 4: Newton’s Second Law of Motion 21

Experiment no. 5: Static and Kinetic Friction 24

Experiment no. 6: Specific Heat of Solids 28

Experiment no. 7: Electrostatic Charges: Van De Graaff Generator Parameters 32

Experiment no. 8: Ohm’s Law 35

Experiment no. 9: Internal Resistance of a Dry Cell 44

General Physics Laboratory Manual

PREPARATION FOR THE LABORATORY SESSION

I. General Instruction to Students

9. Report immediately to the instructor any injury that may occur.

II. After the Laboratory session

1. Clean up the work area.

III. Make-ups and late work

Any late submission of experiment will be marked less.

General Physics Laboratory Manual

IV. Laboratory policies

General Physics Laboratory Manual

Name: Year/Course: Rating:

Group no. Date Performed: Date Submitted:

After performing this experiment, the student must be able to:

1. Using a ruler, measure the dimensions of the labeled solid object.

Table 1.1 Measured quantities using a ruler

5. Measure the dimensions of the same objects using a Vernier caliper.

General Physics Laboratory Manual

Table 1.2. Measured quantities using a Vernier Caliper

Table 1.3. Experimental Densities of the Solid Objects

Table 1.4. Percent Error

General Physics Laboratory Manual

General Physics Laboratory Manual

General Physics Laboratory Manual

General Physics Laboratory Manual

General Physics Laboratory Manual

VECTORS: GRAPHICAL AND ANALYTICAL METHOD

Name: Year/Course: Rating:

Group no. Date Performed: Date Submitted:

General Physics Laboratory Manual

Resultant of F1 and F2 using parallelogram method

General Physics Laboratory Manual

Resultant of F1, F2 and F2 using polygon method

Resultant of F1, F2 and F2 using component method

General Physics Laboratory Manual

General Physics Laboratory Manual

Force/ Result Magnitude Angle (or direction)

Resultant of F1 and F2 using 1.3 N 41 °

Resultant of F1, F2, and F3 using 0N 0°

General Physics Laboratory Manual

1. Indicate whether each of the following is a scalar or a vector quantity.

General Physics Laboratory Manual

3 blocks west a=¿ 3

General Physics Laboratory Manual

ϕ = 34.4 DEGREES SOUTH OF WEST

General Physics Laboratory Manual

Name: Year/Course: Rating:

Group no. Date Performed: Date Submitted:

After performing this experiment, the student must be able to:

1. Examine the air track and its accessories. Robert Rodriguez

Table 3.1. Height of inclination and length of track

Height of inclination, H (cm)

Length of track, L (cm)