PHYSICS PRACTICALS PRECAUTIONS*✍🏾

*_✅TAKE NOTE ALL PRECAUTIONS DROPPED_*

Precautions (Electricity) N.B-Always past tense.
1. I ensured that electric terminals were tightly connected to avoid partial contact .
2. I ensured that the key was open when the readings were not taken in oder to avoid running down the cell or
battery.
3. I avoided parallax error of the voltmeter when taking my reading.
4. I ensured that i avoided zero error of the voltmeter when taking my reading.
5. I ensured that i used short connecting wires to minimize the resistance of the lengthy wire and conserve the
energy of the battery. Ohms law ; V∞I I.e V=IR (T & OPA constant )
Low internal resistance offered by the cell is the reason e•m•f is always greater than P•d
*========================*
*_Advantages of connecting Lamps In parallel_*
1. The new across each lamp is the same .
2. Each lamp shines with the same brightness .
3. Each lamp can be turned on and off independently .
4. A family lamp does not cut off or break the supply of current to the other lamp .
E=Ivt
=I²Rt
=V²\R t
*_Conditions in which A piece of wire in A closed circuit may Not obey ohms Law_*
1. When the temperature of the wire is increased due to excessive heat.
2. When the wire is excessively bent in such a way that the molecular arrangement is distorted.
*=======================*
Simple Pendulum Experiment
Precautions✅
1. I ensured that the Bob was displaced through a small angle of displacement in order to
i) To maintain a uniform oscillation over a period of time
ii) In order to avoid damping effect i.e the influence between/upon on oscillating system that has the effect of
restricting, preventing or retrieving its oscillations.
2. I ensured that I avoided conical oscillation or conical motion.
3. I ensured that I avoided parallax error of the meter rule.
4. I ensured I avoided zero error of the stop clock.(in order to avoid systematic error).
5. I ensured i took repeated readings in the timing in order to avoid random error.
6. I ensured that the windows were shut and the fans were off in order to avoid external air interference.
Amplitude → The maximum displacement a body undergoing S•H•M makes from its mean position or rest.
Period → This is the time taken for a body undergoing S•H•M to make one complete oscillation or revolution or
cycle.
Frequency → This is the number of cycles or revolution made by a body undergoing S•H•M in one second.
(Hertz) or (Per second).
S•H•M is a to and fro type of motion or a periodic type of motion in which the acceleration is directly towards the
center or fixed point and proportional to the displacement from that point.
E.g i Motion of string in musical instruments e.g Guitar
ii The motion of pendulum of a clock
iii The motion of pistons in a gasoline engine.
iv The motion of loaded test tubes oscillating vertically in water.
v The motion of a body suspended from a spiral spring.
*======================*
Light and Optics
(Focal length=15cm)
Precautions ✅
1. I avoided parallax error of meter rule when taking my readings
2. I ensured a co -linear arrangement of the objects, lens and screen or I ensured the optical components are
aligned correctly.
3. I ensured that the lens was cleaned in order to obtain a clearer image.
4. I ensured that the lens was vertically placed in a lens holder.
5. I ensured that a sharp image was observed before taking my reading.
6. I ensured that the windows were closed using a curtain to obtain a sharp image and avoid external light
interference.
Focal length of a lens is the distance between the optical center and the principal focus. It is 15cm if the focal
length is 15cm.
*Classiq boi✅🥰*
EXPERIMENT 1

You are provided with a glass block, plane mirror and optical pins.
(i)Place the glass block on a drawing sheet and trace its outline ABCD as shown in the diagram above.
(ii)Remove the block, measure and record the width W of the block.
(iii)Draw a normal ON to DC at a point about one-quarter the length of DC.
(iv)Draw a line making an angle I = 10° with the normal
(v)Replace the block on its outline and mount the plane mirror vertically behind the block such that it
makes good contact with the face AB.
(vi)Stick two pins PI and P2 on the line MO.
(vii) Looking through the face CD, stick two other pins P3 and P4 such that they appear to be in a
straight line with the images of pins PI and P2 seen through the block.
(viii) Join P3 and P4 with straight lien and extend it to touch the face CD at 01•
(ix)Draw a perpendicular line from the midpoint of 001 to meet AB at Q.
(x)Draw lines OQ, OlQ and normal 01N1 produced.
(xi)Measure and record, e and d.
(xii) Evaluate m = sin e and n = cos [~]-
(xiii) Repeat the procedure for I = 20°, 30°' 40° and 50°.
(xiv) Tabulate your readings
(xv) Plot a graph with m on the vertical axis and n on the horizontal axis.
(xvi) Determine the slope, s, of the graph and evaluate q = 2Ws.
(xvii) State two precautions taken to ensure accurate results
(Attach your traces to your answer booklet.)
EXPERIMENT 2

You are provided with a voltmeter V, a chemical cell/battery E; two standard resistors R1and R2; a
potentiometer AB; a key K; a jockey and other necessary materials.
(i) Set up a circuit as shown in the diagram above.
(ii) Close the key K.
(iii) Make contact with the potentiometer wire AB using the jockey at a point C such that AC = x = 20
crn.
(iv) Read and record the voltmeter reading, V.
(v) Evaluate x-1 and V-1.
(vi) Repeat the procedure for other values of x = 30, 40,50,60 and 80 cm.
(vii) Tabulate your readings.
(viiiPlot a graph with V-1 on the vertical axis and x-1on the horizontal axis, starting both axes from the
origin (0, 0).
(ix) Determine the:
(A) slope, s, of the graph;
(B) intercept, e, on the vertical axis.
(x) State two precautions taken to ensure 'accurate results.

(b)(i) State two devices in which Ohm's law does not apply.
(ii) A current of l A is supplied to two resistors of resistances 2Ω and 3 Ω connected in parallel.
Calculate the current in each resistor.
EXPERIMENT 3

(i)You are provided with a measuring cylinder, two different tins labeled C and D, thermometer and
other necessary materials.

(ii)Use the measuring cylinder provided to measure 100 cm 3 of water and pour it into the tin
labeled C(iii)Heat the water in the tin almost to boiling (90 oC).

(iv)Remove the tin and place it on a cork or wooden stand.

(v)Insert the thermometer into the tin and record the temperature of the water every minute starting
from 85 oC until the temperature falls to 60 oC.

(vi)Repeat the experiment with the tin labeled D using exactly the same volume of water and
temperature range.

(vii) Tabulate your readings.

(viii) On the same graph sheet and using the same axes and scales, plot two graphs of temperature
on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis from the readings obtained using tins C and D.
(ix) Label the graphs appropriately as C and D to correspond with the tins used.
(x) From each graph, read off the time taken to cool from 85 oC to 65 oC.

(xi)State two precautions taken to ensure accurate results.

(b) (i) Explain how heat losses by radiation and convection are minimized in a vacuum flask.

(ii) State four factors which affect the rate of evaporation of a liquid in an open container.
EXPERIMENT 4

Connect the circuit as shown in the diagram above. PQ is a potentiometer wire 100 cm long and Rs a
standard resistor of 5Ω

1. With the jockey J not making contact with PQ, close the switch. Read and record the ammeter
reading I. Open the switch.
2. Use the jockey to make contact with PQ at the 20 cm mark such that PJ = l = 20 cm. Close the
switch read and record the value I, of the ammeter. Evaluate L-1.
3. Repeat the procedure for other values of l = 35, 50, 65 and 80 cm. In each case determine the
corresponding values of I and L-1. Tabulate your readings.
4. Plot a graph of L-1 on the vertical axis and Ii on the horizontal axis starting both axes from the
origin (0, 0).
5. From your graph deduce the value Io of Ii when L-1 = 0.
6. Evaluate I0 .
i. I

State two precautions taken to ensure accurate results.

(b) (i) Define the e.m.f of a battery.

(ii) A cell X of e.m.f. 1.00 V is balanced by a length of 40.0 cm on a potentiometer wire.
Another cell Y is balanced by a length of 60.0 cm on the same wire. Calculate the
e.m.f. of Y.
EXPERIMENT 5

You are provided with a triangular glass prism, four optical pins and other necessary materials.

1. Place the triangular glass prism on a drawing paper and draw its outline UMR. Remove the
prism. Measure and record the value of the angle U. Draw a normal to the line UM at N. Also,
draw another line TN to the normal such that Φ = 60o. Fix two pins at P1 and P2.
2. Replace the prism and fix two other pins at P3and P4such that the pins appear to be in a straight
line with the images of the pins at P1and P2when viewed from the side UR. Remove the prism.
3. Join points P3and P4 producing the line to meet TN produced at Z. Draw the normal XY
4. Measure and record the angle of emergence, e and that of deviation d.
5. Repeat the experiment with Φ = 55o, 50o, 40o. and 35o. In each case, measure and record the
corresponding values of e and d. Tabulate your readings.
6. Plot a graph of d on the vertical axis and e on the horizontal axis starting both axes from the
origin (0,0). Join your points with a smooth curve.

From your graph, obtain the minimum deviation dm and the corresponding angle of emergence em.
Hence calculate the refractive index n of the prism using the formula.

State two precautions taken to ensure accurate results

(Attach your traces to your answer booklet).

(b)(i) State the conditions necessary for total internal reflection of light to occur.
(ii)The critical angle for a transparent substance is 39o. Calculate the refractive index of the substance.
EXPERIMENT 6

(i)You are provided with two metre rules and other necessary apparatus.

(ii)Place one of the rules on a knife edge and determine its centre of gravity C. Mark this position with a piece of
chalk.

(ii)Read and record the mass MR of the metre rule written on the reverse side of it.

(iv)Attach the mass M = 100 g firmly to the rule AB at C using sellotape.

(v)Suspend the metre rule by two parallel thread of length h = 40 cm each at the 10 cm and 90 cm marks.
Ensure that the graduated face of the metre rule is facing upwards.

(vi)Set the rule AB into a small angular oscillation about the vertical axis through its centre of gravity.

(vii)Determine the time t for 20 complete oscillations. Evaluate the period T and T2.

(viii)Read and record the value of d in metres.

(ix)Keeping d constant throughout the experiment, repeat the procedure for other values of h = 50, 60, 70 and
80 cm. In each case determine the corresponding values of t, T and T2. Tabulate your readings.

(x)Plot a graph of T2on the vertical axis and h on the horizontal axis.

(xi)Determine the slope s, of the graph.

Evaluate k = s
Q
where Q = 2
25d2

(xii)State two precautions taken to ensure accurate results

(b) (i) Define the term couple as it relates to rotational or oscillatory systems.
(ii) Give two practical applications of a couple in everyday life
EXPERIMENT 7

1. You are provided with a stopwatch, a meter rule, a split cork, retort stand and clamp, a
pendulum bob, a piece of thread and other necessary apparatus.
a. Place the retort stand on a laboratory stool. Clamp the split cork.
b. Suspend the pendulum bob from the split cork such that the point of support P of the
bob is at a height H = 100 cm above the floor Q. The bob should not touch the floor and
H should be kept constant throughout the experiment.
c. Adjust the length of the thread such that the centre A of the bob is at a height y = AQ =
20 cm from the floor.
d. Displace the bob such that it oscillates in a horizontal plane.
e. Take the time t for 20 complete oscillations.
f. Determine the period T of oscillation and evaluate T2.
g. Repeat the procedure for four other values of y =30 cm, 40 cm, 50 cm and 60 cm. In
each case, determine T and T2.
h. Tabulate the results.
i. Plot a graph of T2 n the vertical axis and y on the horizontal axis, starting both axes from
the origin (0, 0).
j. Determine the slope, s, of the graph and the intercept c on the vertical axis.
k. If in this experiment, SR = c, calculate R.
l. State two precautions taken to ensure accurate results.
2.
a. The bob of a simple pendulum is displaced a small distance from the equilibrium
position and then released to perform simple harmonic motion.
Identify where its:
i. kinetic energy is maximum;
ii. acceleration is maximum.
b. An object of weight 120 N vibrates with a period of 4.0 s when hung from a spring.
Calculate the force per unit length of the spring.
[g = 10 ms , π = 3.142]
-2
EXPERIMENT 8

1. You are provided with a triangular prism, a drawing board, drawing sheets, four optical pins,
drawing pins and other necessary materials. Use the diagram above as a guide to carry out the
following instructions.
a. Draw the outline ABC of the prism provided on a drawing sheet.
b. Remove the prism. Measure and record the refracting angle, A, of the prism.
c. Draw a line DF to make an angle B = 20 with BA.
d. Fix two pins at P1 and P2 on DF. Replace the prism on its outline.
e. Look through the side AC of the prism and fix two other pins at P3 and P4 such that they
appear to be in a straight line with the images f the pins at P1 and P2.
f. Remove the prism and the pins.
g. Join P3 and P4 with a straight line from G and extend it to the point Q on the side AC of
the prism.
h. Draw a straight line through P3 and P4 to meet AC at Q.
i. Measure the angle y.
j. Evaluate θ = (90 – β) and Φ = (90 – γ).
k. Repeat the procedure for four other values of B = 30o, 35o, 40o and 50o. In each case,
record y and evaluate θ and Φ.
l. Tabulate the results.
m. Plot a graph with θ on the vertical axis and Φ on the horizontal axis, starting both axes
from the origin (0,0). Draw a smooth curve through the points.
n. Draw a straight line from the origin to make angle 45o with the horizontal axis and to
intersect the curve.
o. At the point of intersection, read the values of θ and Φ and record them as θm and Φm
respectively.
p. Evaluate μ = (sinθ)m/sin(A/2)
q. State two precautions taken to ensure accurate results.
2.
a. Define dispersion of light.
b. A ray of light moves from a certain medium into air at an angle of incidence 20 o. If the
speed of light in the medium is 2.0 x 10 8 ms-1, calculate the angle of refraction in air.
[speed of light in air =3.0 x 108 ms-1]
EXPERIMENT 9
EXPERIMENT 10

You are provided with a metre rule, lens, screen, ray box and other necessary apparatus.
(i) Set up the experiment as shown in the diagram above. Measure and record the diameter a0 of
the illuminated object.
(ii) Place the object at a distance x = 25 cm from the lens. Adjust the screen until a sharp image is
obtained on the screen.
(iii) Measure and record the diameter, a, of the image.
(iv) Measure and record the distance v between the lens and the screen.
EXPERIMENT 11

1. You are provided with a Bunsen burner, weighing balance, a thermometer, glass stirrer, pyrex beaker,
metal block, lagged calorimeter, measuring cylinder, water and other necessary apparatus.
a. Weigh and record the mass, Mc, of the calorimeter.
b. Measure and record the temperature, θR, of the laboratory.
c. Use the measuring cylinder to transfer a volume V = 50 cm3 of water into the calorimeter.
d. Calculate the mass Mw of water transferred, given that the density of water is 1000 kg m -3.
e. Clamp the thermometer as shown in the diagram above.
f. Place the metal block in the beaker and add a reasonable amount of water to cover the block
completely.
g. Heat the mixture and allow it to boil for about 3 minutes.
h. Transfer the hot metal block quickly into the water in the calorimeter and stir.
i. Read and record the highest temperature, θ, attained by the mixture.
j. Evaluate the rise in temperature T = (θ – θR) and T-1.
k. Repeat the procedure for four other volumes V = 70 cm 3, 90 cm3, 110cm3 and 130 cm3. In each
case, record Mw and θ and evaluate T and T-1.
l. Tabulate the results.
m. Plot a graph of Mw on the vertical axis and T-1 on the horizontal axis.
n. Determine the slope, s, of the graph and the intercept, c, on the vertical axis.
o. Calculate k from the equation c = -(McK/4200)
p. State two precautions taken to ensure accurate results.

2.
a. State the low of conservation of energy.
b. A metal block of mass 0.50 kg is heated to 100 oC and quickly immersed in 0.45 kg of water at
20oC. Calculate the equilibrium temperature of the mixture. [Specific heat capacity of water =
4200Jkg-1K-1;Specific heat capacity of metal = 134Jkg-1K-1].

EXPERIMENT 12
 You are provided with a uniform metre rule, a knife edge, masses and other necessary apparatus.

1. Suspend the metre rule horizontally on the knife edge. Read and record the point of balance G of the metre rule. Keep the knife edge at this
point throughout the experiment.
2. Using the thread provided, suspend the object labelled W at the 15cm mark of the metre rule.
3. Suspend a mass M = 20g on the other side of G. adjust the position of the mass until the metre rule balances horizontally again.
4. Read and record the position Y of the mass M on the metre rule.
5. Determine and record the distance L between the mass and G. Also, determine and record the distance D between W and G.
6. Repeat the procedure for four other values of M = 30g, 40g, 50g and 60g. In each case, ensure that W is kept constant at the 15cm mark and
the knife edge at G.
7. Evaluate L-1 in each case. Tabulate your readings.
8. Plot a graph of M on the vertical axis against L-1 on the horizontal axis.
9. Determine the slope, s, of the graph.
10. Evaluate
11. State two precautions taken to ensure accurate results.

(b) (i) State the principle of moments.

(ii) Define centre of gravity

EXPERIMENT 13

You are provided with a beaker, a thermometer, a stirrer, stop watch/clock, measuring cylinder, table salt, water and other necessary
apparatus.

1. Measure 200 cm3 of water into the beaker.

2. Heat the water until it boils steadily for about 2 minutes.
3. Read and record the boiling point bo.
4. Add table salt of mass M = 10.0g to the boiling water and stir continuously until another boiling point bi is attained.
5. Read and record bi.
6. Evaluate θi = (bi - bo).
7. Using the same mixture, repeat the procedure four more times by adding 10.0 g of salt each time to give the cumulative mass Mi of salt as
20g, 30g, 40g and 50g.
8. In each case, allow the mixture to boil steadily for at least 2 minutes then read and record the boiling point bi.
9. Tabulate your readings
10. Plot a graph with Mi on the vertical axis and θi on the horizontal axis.
11. Determine the slope, s, of the graph.
12. State two precautions taken to ensure accurate results.

(b) (i) Define the boiling point of a liquid.

(ii) What effect do impurities have on the boiling point of a liquid?

EXPERIMENT 14

You are provided with a rectangular glass prism, cellotex board, four optical pins, four thumb pins and other necessary apparatus.
Using the diagram above as a guide, carry out the following instructions

1. Fix a plane sheet of paper on the drawing board.

2. Place the rectangular glass prism on the paper and trace its outline, ABCD. Remove the prism.
3. Draw a normal NMP to meet AB and DC at M and P respectively such that = = 2.0 cm.
4. Trace the ray PQ with two pins, P1 and P2, at P and Q respectively such that angle MPQ = I = 5o.
5. Replace the prism on its outline. Trace the emergent ray with two other pins P3 and P4 such that they lie in a straight line with P2 and the
image of P1 viewed through the glass prism.
6. Measure and record θ, the angle between the emergent ray and face AB of the glass prism.
7. Evaluate cos θ and sin i.
8. Repeat the procedure for four other values of I = 10o, 15o, 20o and 25o. Tabulate your reading.
9. Plot a graph of cos θ on the vertical axis against sin i on the horizontal axis.
10. Determine the slope, s, of the graph.
11. State two precautions taken to ensure accurate results.

[Attach your traces to your answer booklet]

(b) (i) State the laws of refraction of light.
(ii) Explain what is meant by the statement the refractive index of material is 1.65.

EXPERIMENT 15
You are provided with a beaker, a thermometer, a stirrer, a measuring cylinder, a bunsen burner, a wire gauze, a 50 g mass, a pair of tongs,
water, tripod stand and other necessary materials.

i. Using the measuring cylinder, measure 150 cm3 of water into the beaker.
ii. Record the volume v of the water in the beaker.
iii. Calculate the mass m of the water, given that m = ρv and; ρ = 1 g cm3.
iv. Measure and record the initial temperature Ө0 of the water in the beaker.
v. Hold the 50 g mass with the pair of tongs in the flame of the bunsen burner for 2 minutes
vi. Quickly transfer the 50 g mass to the water in the beaker.
vii. Stir gently and record the highest temperature Ө1 attained.
viii. Evaluate Ө = (Ө1 - Ө0).
ix. Empty the content of the beaker and repeat the procedure above for other values of v = 200 cm3, 250 cm3, 300 cm3 and 350 cm3.
x. Tabulate your reading
xi. Plot a graph with m on the vertical axis and Ө on the horizontal axis.
xii. Evaluate k = 50/s
xiii. State two precautions taken to obtain accurate results.