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GENERAL PHYSICS 1
LABORATORY MANUAL
First Edition
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page i
Table of Contents iii
Preface iv
Lab Act
Title Page
No.
1 Estimating Uncertainty using Variance 1
2 Adding Vectors 3
3 Interpreting and Constructing Motion Diagrams 6
4 Velocity of a Projectile 11
5 Free-Body Diagramming 14
6 Designing Roller Coaster 18
7 Collision of Objects 21
8 Balancing Objects 24
9 Graphing Motion of Planets 27
10 Motion of Simple Pendulums 30
11 Doppler Effect of Sound 33
12 Archimedes’ Principle and Buoyancy 35
13 Thermal Expansion of Solids 38
14 Constructing and Interpreting PV Diagrams 41
15 Stating the Second Law of Thermodynamics 45
Appendix
A Steps in using a Vernier Caliper 48
B Steps in using a Micrometer Caliper 49
C CASIO fx-991ES User’s Guide for STAT Menu 50
D Percentage Error and Percentage Difference 52
E Orbital Data for Planets in the Solar System 53
F Physics Laboratory Safety Information 54
G Template for Laboratory Report 56
iii
PREFACE
Welcome to the Physics Laboratory Manual for Senior High School students in the Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand! This manual has been meticulously
crafted to serve as a comprehensive and engaging guide to your practical journey through the world
of physics.
As you embark on this educational expedition, you will discover that the study of physics is much
more than just equations and theories written on a blackboard. It is an exploration into the very fabric
of our universe, enabling us to unravel the mysteries that govern the cosmos, from the tiniest
subatomic particles to the vastness of interstellar space.
In the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand, we recognize the
importance of hands-on learning, and the physics laboratory is a playground for you to experience the
wonders of scientific inquiry firsthand. This manual has been designed to complement your
theoretical knowledge by providing a platform for you to apply concepts in a practical and tangible
manner.
Throughout this manual, you will find a diverse array of experiments carefully selected to cover a wide
range of topics in physics. Each experiment is accompanied by clear and concise instructions,
background information, safety guidelines, and thought-provoking questions that encourage you to
think critically and draw meaningful conclusions from your observations.
Remember, the laboratory is a space for exploration and creativity. Don't be afraid to make mistakes
or ask questions. In fact, we encourage you to challenge the status quo, experiment, and push the
boundaries of your understanding.
Furthermore, this manual aims to foster teamwork and collaborative learning. Many of the
experiments will require you to work in groups, encouraging you to develop effective communication,
cooperation, and problem-solving skills—attributes that are not only vital for success in physics but
also essential for future endeavors in STEM-related fields.
As you progress through the pages of this manual, we hope you will cultivate a deep appreciation for
the beauty and elegance of physics. Whether you intend to pursue a career in science or not, the
skills and knowledge you gain here will undoubtedly have a profound impact on your life, broadening
your horizons and preparing you for the challenges that lie ahead.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the educators, scientists, and researchers
whose contributions have made this manual possible. Their passion for physics and dedication to
education have inspired us, and we hope to pass on that enthusiasm to you.
Let this Physics Laboratory Manual be your guide to unraveling the mysteries of the physical world.
Embrace the journey, seize every opportunity to learn, and may your pursuit of knowledge be filled
with joy and discovery.
The Author
iv
LABORATORY ACTIVITY 1
IV. Materials:
vernier caliper 1-peso coin (10 pcs)
micrometer caliper scientific calculator
V. Diagram:
VI. Procedure:
1. Using a vernier caliper, measure the diameter of a 1-peso coin. Make 5 trials.
2. Write the measured data in the table provided. Compute the mean and standard deviation.
3. Write the measured value in ( ̅ ) .
4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 using a micrometer caliper.
1
B. Micrometer Caliper Measurement
Trial Measurement Mean Standard Deviation Measured Value
1
2
3
4
5
2. What sources of errors can be experienced in doing measurements? How can you minimize the effects
of errors in your measurements?
2
LABORATORY ACTIVITY 2
IV. Materials:
ruler
protractor
calculator
V. Diagram:
VI. Procedure:
1. Draw and add the following vectors:
a. A = 35.0 u, 50O N of E
b. B = 25.0 u, E
c. C = 30.0 u, 45O S o W
d. D = 20.0 u, S
2. Determine the resultant vector using graphical method (specifically polygon method) and
analytical method (specifically mathematical or component method).
3. Calculate the percent errors of the length and angle of the resultant vector.
3
VII. Data and Computation:
4
VIII. Follow-up Questions:
1. If you encountered a situation where the two methods yielded slightly different results, how would you
reconcile the discrepancies?
2. Which approach in vector addition do you find more difficult, graphical or analytical? Why?
How would you help yourself improve?
5
LABORATORY ACTIVITY 3
IV. Materials:
worksheet
calculator
V. Diagram:
VI. Procedure:
1. For Part 1, interpret the given motion graphs by computing the quantities asked for each
segment. Write your answers on the corresponding column.
2. For Part 2, draw the position vs. time, velocity vs. time graph, and acceleration vs. time graph
based from the given data set.
6
VII. Data and Computation:
Part 1. Interpreting Motion Diagrams
Position vs. Time Graph Segment Velocity
O–A
25
position (m)
20
A B
15
10 A–B
5 C
O
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24
B–C
time (s)
25 O–A
20
A B
15 A–B
velocity (m/s)
10
5 B–C
C D F
O
-5 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36
C–D
-10
-15 E
D–E
C A–B
acceleration (m/s)
25
20
15
A B
10 B–C
5 D
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24
C–D
time (s)
7
Part 2. Drawing Motion Diagrams
You are watching the motocross event during the T’Nalak Festival. As a physics student, you took note of
the time (in seconds) and position (in meters) of one of the motocross riders.
Time (seconds) Position (meters)
0 0
5 10
10 20
15 35
20 55
25 60
30 65
35 65
40 50
45 30
50 20
55 5
60 0
8
Acceleration vs. Time Graph
2. Which parts do you find easy? difficult? How would you help yourself improve?
9
IX. Summary and Conclusion:
10
LABORATORY ACTIVITY 4
IV. Materials:
projectile ramp carbon paper
marble ruler
bond paper
V. Diagram:
VI. Procedure:
1. Set up the projectile ramp where the end portion of the ramp is horizontally oriented, parallel to
the ground.
2. Derive an equation for initial velocity in terms of y (vertical displacement), x (horizontal
displacement), and g (acceleration due to gravity).
3. Position the bond paper on the floor where the marble will most likely land. Place the carbon
paper on top of the bond paper.
4. Release the marble from the highest point of the ramp. Then, measure x and y using a ruler.
Present the data on the table.
5. Lastly, compute for the initial velocity by plugging in the values of x and y into the derived
equation.
11
VII. Data and Computation:
12
2. Which parts in interpreting motion diagrams do you find easy? difficult? How would you help yourself
improve?
13
LABORATORY ACTIVITY 5
IV. Materials:
worksheet
colored pens
calculator
V. Diagram:
VI. Procedure:
1. Given the word problems, draw the free body diagrams of the objects in consideration.
2. Then, compute for the values asked in each problem. Solve the problems systematically.
14
VII. Data and Computation:
A
A 6.0 kg block lies on a frictionless horizontal surface.
It is connected to a 4.5 kg bucket by a string that T
passes a frictionless pulley as shown in the figure at
the right.
15
A
A 6.0 kg block lies on a rough horizontal surface. The
coefficient of static friction . It is connected to T
a 4.5 kg bucket by a string that passes a frictionless
pulley as shown in the figure at the right.
16
VIII. Follow-up Questions:
1. How can free-body diagrams be useful in analyzing the forces acting on structures, such as bridges or
buildings?
2. Which parts in drawing free-body diagrams do you find easy? difficult? How would you help yourself
cope with the difficulty?
17
LABORATORY ACTIVITY 6
IV. Materials:
construction papers ruler
marbles iron stand
adhesive tapes iron clamp
V. Diagram:
VI. Procedure:
1. Make the roller coaster track using the construction papers. Cut the construction papers into
strips and tape them together.
2. For the specifications of the track, make one loop and two hills. The arrangements of the loop and
hills as well as the length of the track are upon the discretion of the group.
3. Tape the “start” of the track to the iron stand with clamp. Then, tape the “end” of the track on the
floor.
4. Test the effectivity of the design by rolling a marble on the track.
5. Finally, solve for the kinetic energies and potential energies of the marble on the three highest
points of the coaster track.
18
VII. Data and Computation:
19
VIII. Follow-up Questions:
1. How does the knowledge and skills gained from building a mini-roller coaster relate to real-world roller
coaster engineering and amusement park design?
2. What did you learn from this experiment, and how did it influence your understanding of physics and
engineering concepts?
20
LABORATORY ACTIVITY 7
IV. Materials:
2 marbles of different masses
2 meter sticks
2 timers
Weighing scale
V. Diagram:
VI. Procedure:
1. Measure the mass of each marble on a weighing scale.
2. Next, place two meter sticks on the floor parallel to each other. Tape the ends to the floor. Make
sure that the distance between the meter sticks would not be too small or too big, that is, just
enough for the two marbles to fit and move freely.
3. Place one marble on each end of the meter sticks. Push the marbles simultaneously so that they
will collide.
4. Record distance travelled and time of travel of each marble before collision. Take note of the
distance travelled using the meter stick, while use a timer for recording the time of travel. You
may also video record the collision.
5. Compute the velocities before collision of each marble. Then, determine the velocities after
collision.
21
VII. Data and Computation:
22
VIII. Follow-up Questions:
1. Discuss real-world scenarios where the principles of momentum and collisions play a crucial role (e.g.,
car crashes, sports, industrial processes).
2. How can you improve your confidence in doing mathematics in physics problems?
23
LABORATORY ACTIVITY 8
IV. Materials:
weighing scale
set of weights
wooden ruler
water bottle with water
V. Diagram:
VI. Procedure:
1. Place the wooden ruler on top of the water bottle resembling a seesaw.
2. Next, balance the given weights on the ruler. Use a piece of thread to hand the weights on the
ruler. You may adjust the axis of rotation by moving the ruler.
3. Then, compute for the torque produced by each weight and the ruler.
4. Finally, verify if the net torque is equal to zero. Note that the ruler also has weight and thus
produce torque.
24
VII. Data and Computation:
25
VIII. Follow-up Questions:
1. How did you ensure that the system achieved rotational equilibrium during the experiment? What
factors did you consider to achieve balance?
2. How might you apply the knowledge of torque and equilibrium to solve real-life engineering or physics
problems?
26
LABORATORY ACTIVITY 9
IV. Materials:
worksheet
calculator
data about planets
V. Diagram:
VI. Procedure:
1. Download data about average distances of each planet from the sun and orbital period or
average time for one complete revolution of each planet around the sun.
2. Square the orbital period and cube the average distance. Then take the ratio of the square of the
orbital period and cube of the average distance. Record all data for each planet.
3. Construct a graph of the ratios of the square of the orbital period and cube of the average
distance.
27
VII. Data and Computation:
Length of Cube of the
Orbital Period Square of the
Semi-major Length of
Planets (T)
Axis (a)
Orbital Period
Semi-major Ratio ( )
(in yr) (T2)
(in AU) Axis (a2)
Mercury
Venus
Earth
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune
28
VIII. Follow-up Questions:
1. Describe any patterns or relationships you noticed when plotting the data for multiple planets on the
same graph.
2. How might the knowledge and skills you gained from this experiment be applicable in other scientific
investigations or real-world situations outside of astronomy?
29
LABORATORY ACTIVITY 10
IV. Materials:
String or thread pendulum bob
Iron stand and clamp protractor
Stopwatch or timer ruler
V. Diagram:
VI. Procedure:
1. Set up the iron stand and clamp. Attach the string to the iron clamp and attach the pendulum bob
at the other end of the string. Take note that the length of the string from the pivot point to the
center of the pendulum bob is the length of the pendulum.
2. Observe the oscillation of the pendulum with varying lengths. Use the protractor to make sure that
the pendulum is released at the same angle even if the lengths are varied.
a. 10 cm
b. 20 cm
c. 30 cm
3. Using the stopwatch/ timer, record the time for the pendulum to complete 1 back-and forth
motion. Do 3 trials for each length. Then, get the average of the three trials.
4. Finally, graph the average time vs. length of the pendulums to establish the relationship between
length of the pendulum and period of oscillation.
30
VII. Data and Computation:
Period
Pendulum Length Mean
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3
A 10 cm
B 20 cm
C 30 cm
31
VIII. Follow-up Questions:
1. Consider the concept of oscillation and simple harmonic motion in a broader context. Can you identify
other natural phenomena or systems that exhibit similar behaviors? How does this deepen your
understanding of the pendulum's behavior?
2. Which parts of the study of periodic motion do you find easy? difficult? How would you cope with the
difficulty?
32
LABORATORY ACTIVITY 11
IV. Materials:
foam ball battery pack
buzzer wirings
V. Diagram:
VI. Procedure:
1. Insert the buzzer and battery pack inside the foam ball.
2. Two groups of students will position themselves at opposite sides of the room.
3. One will throw the ball to the opposite side, while the other catches it.
4. Observe the pitch of the sound of the buzzer as it travels toward and away from you.
5. Record your observation.
33
VIII. Follow-up Questions:
1. Discuss practical applications of the Doppler effect in various fields, such as radar technology, medical
ultrasound, and astronomy (e.g., redshift in cosmology).
2. How did conducting the Doppler effect experiment enhance your understanding of wave phenomena
and the principles of relative motion?
34
LABORATORY ACTIVITY 12
IV. Materials:
2 pieces 50g-clay
250mL-beaker
water
100-mL graduated cylinder
pipette
V. Diagram:
VI. Procedure:
1. Weigh 2 balls of modeling clay. Each ball modeling clay must weigh 50 g. Mold one of the
modeling clay ball into a bowl.
2. In a 250 beaker, pour 300mL of water. Place gently the spherical modeling clay on the beaker
with water. Observe what happens.
3. Using a pipette, get the displaced water and transfer it to a graduated cylinder. Then, measure
the volume of the water displaced.
4. Remove the spherical modeling clay. Empty the beaker and pour 300mL of water again. Mark the
water level. Place gently the bowl-shaped modeling clay on the beaker with water. Observe what
happens.
5. Using a pipette, get the displaced water and transfer it to a graduated cylinder. Then, measure
the volume of the water displaced.
6. Finally, compute the buoyant force for each modelling clay. Record the data.
35
VII. Data and Computation:
Setup Volume of fluid displaced (m3) Buoyant force (N)
Spherical clay
Bowl-shaped clay
36
VIII. Follow-up Questions:
1. What happened to the spherical clay? to the bowl-shaped clay? Why did these occur?
2. How can an understanding of buoyancy help engineers design floating structures and vessels that
remain stable and safe?
37
LABORATORY ACTIVITY 13
IV. Materials:
vernier caliper iron stand and clamp
aluminium block thermometer
hot plate thread
2 250mL-beaker with water tongs
V. Diagram:
VI. Procedure:
1. Using a thermometer, measure the room temperature. Record this as initial temperature.
2. Next, measure the length of the aluminium block using a vernier caliper. Record this as initial
length.
3. Then, on the hot plate, boil water to 100 OC in a 250mL beaker and submerge slowly the
aluminium block. There will be a slight decrease in temperature of the water. Wait for the
temperature of the water to return to its boiling point before removing the aluminium block.
Record the final temperature as 100OC.
4. After 30 seconds, remove slowly the aluminium block. Measure the length of the aluminium block
using a vernier caliper and record this as final length.
5. Finally, compute for the coefficient of thermal expansion of the aluminium block.
6. Lastly, compute for the percent error of the thermal expansion coefficient of aluminium.
38
VII. Data and Computation:
Coefficient of
Initial Final
Initial Length Final Length Thermal
Metal Temperature Temperature
(m) (m) Expansion
(OC) (OC)
(K-1)
Aluminum
39
VIII. Follow-up Questions:
1. What are the practical implications of thermal expansion for structures, bridges, or other engineering
projects that experience temperature variations?
2. How can you apply the knowledge gained from this experiment to other areas of study or real-life
situations?
40
LABORATORY ACTIVITY 14
IV. Materials:
worksheet
calculator
colored pens
V. Diagram:
VI. Procedure:
1. Analyze the given problem. Next, draw the PV diagram of the processes underwent by the ideal
gas.
2. Fill in the table by solving the quantities asked in the problem.
3. Write your solution on the space provided.
41
VII. Data and Computation:
Consider an ideal gas that is initially at atmospheric pressure (1.00 atm) and volume of 4.00 x 10 -3 m3. It
undergoes the following processes:
a. Its pressure is increased in an isochoric manner by adding 55.0 J of heat (path A B).
b. Then, it expands adiabatically to thrice its initial volume (B C) by doing 21.0 J of work.
c. Finally, it is brought back to its initial state in an isobaric manner (path C A).
Find the heat Q, work W, and change in internal energy ΔU for each process (1 to 3) and the whole
process (from point A back to point A).
Path
Overall
Quantity
AB BC CA Process
(A A)
Q
ΔU
42
43
VIII. Follow-up Questions:
1. How do PV diagrams help us visualize the behavior of gases and understand their thermodynamic
processes better?
2. Were there any specific aspects of constructing or interpreting PV diagrams that you found particularly
challenging or confusing? How did you attempt to overcome these challenges?
44
LABORATORY ACTIVITY 15
IV. Materials:
worksheet
drawing materials
coloring materials
calculator
V. Diagram:
VI. Procedure:
1. Write the three statements of the Second Law of Thermodynamics.
2. Give concrete/ real-world examples of each statement by illustrating them. Be creative in drawing
your examples.
45
VII. Data and Computation:
Alternative
Statement Diagram
Formulations
Clausius
Statement
Kelvin-Planck
Statement
Entropy
Statement
46
VIII. Follow-up Questions:
1. How does your activity relate to real-world applications and systems where the second law of
thermodynamics is a critical consideration (e.g., heat engines, refrigeration systems)?
2. Were there any moments during the problem-solving process when I felt confident in my solution? How
did I know that my solution was valid and accurate?
47
APPENDIX
Appendix A – Steps in using a Vernier Caliper
Open the jaws of the caliper using the thumb screw until the
fixed upper jaw contacts the lower step.
Turn the lock screw to tighten the jaws so that you can
remove your object and take your reading.
To get your total reading, add both the value from the main
scale and the value from the vernier scale together.
Source: https://www.wonkeedonkeetools.co.uk/calipers/how-do-you-use-a-vernier-caliper-to-measure-
step
48
Appendix B – Steps in using a Micrometer Caliper
1. Take the Measurement
Now you can lock the dimension using the locking nut.
Source: https://math.libretexts.org/Courses/Barton_Community_College/Book%3A_Technical_Mathema
tics_(Turner)/05%3A_Measurements/5.04%3A_How_to_Measure_With_Micrometer
49
Appendix C – CASIO fx-991ES User’s Guide for STAT Menu
50
Source: https://support.casio.com/pdf/004/fx-115ES_991ES_Eng.pdf
51
Appendix D – Percentage Error and Percentage Difference
| |
Precision is defined as the closeness of measured values to each other. In judging the
precision of different measured values, i.e., when determining how far apart different
measured values are from each other, percent difference is usually calculated.
| |
52
Appendix E – Orbital Data for Planets in the Solar System
Orbital
Semimajor Orbital Period Orbital Speed
Planet Eccentricity
Axis (AU) (yr) (km/s)
(e)
Source: https://www.windows2universe.org/our_solar_system/planets_orbits_table.html
53
Appendix F – Physics Laboratory Safety Information
Safety is of utmost importance in the physics laboratory. To ensure a safe and productive
learning environment, NDMU-IBED SHS students and instructors must adhere to the following safety
guidelines:
1. Lab Attire:
- Always wear appropriate lab attire, including closed-toe shoes, a lab coat or apron, and safety
goggles at all times during experiments.
- Avoid wearing loose hair, clothing, jewelry, or accessories that could get caught in equipment.
2. Preparation:
- Familiarize yourself with the experimental procedures before starting any experiment.
- Listen carefully to the instructor's safety briefing before each experiment.
- Do not come in the lab early unless the instructor is present.
- Food and drink are not permitted during class in the lab at any time.
3. Handling Chemicals:
- Handle chemicals with care and only use the ones specified in the experiment.
- Never taste or smell any chemicals in the laboratory.
- Always use proper protective equipment when dealing with hazardous chemicals.
5. Electrical Safety:
- Be cautious when working with electrical circuits. Avoid contact with exposed wires or
components when the power is on.
- Always unplug equipment before making any adjustments or connecting/disconnecting
components. Any equipment except computer not in use should be turned off.
- Do not activate any circuit or apparatus until the instructor inspects it.
- Never touch a possibly live circuit and do not touch electrical equipment with wet hands.
- Do not short the electrical leads on any equipment.
6. Fire Safety:
- Know the locations of fire extinguishers and emergency exits in the laboratory.
- In case of a fire, immediately notify the instructor and evacuate the lab following the designated
evacuation route.
54
8. Eye Safety:
- Wear safety goggles whenever there is a risk of splashing, flying particles, or chemical
reactions.
- Report any eye injuries immediately to the instructor.
- Never look directly in the beam of a laser and light from a lamp used for the experiment.
12. No Horseplay:
- Engage only in the assigned laboratory work and refrain from any horseplay or pranks.
Remember, safety is everyone's responsibility. Always follow the instructions provided by your
instructor, and do not hesitate to ask questions if you are unsure about any aspect of the experiment or
safety procedures. By following these guidelines, we can create a safe and productive environment for all
NDMU-IBED SHS students in the physics laboratory.
55
Appendix G – Template for Laboratory Report
I. Title:
II. Diagram:
56
IV. Follow-up Questions
57