THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA

PRESIDENT’S OFFICE, REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION AND

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

FORM SIX SPECIAL SCHOOLS JOINT EXAMINATION

CODE: 131/3B PHYSICS 3B (ACTUAL PRACTICAL)
Time: 3:20 HRS Wednesday 13-March-2024 AM

INSTRUCTIONS
i. This paper consists of three (3) questions.
ii. Answer ALL questions.
iii. Question Number 1 carries 20 marks and the other two (2) carry 15 marks each.
iv. Mathematical tables and Non-programmable calculators may be used.
v. Cellular phones and any unauthorized materials are not allowed in the examination room.
vi. Write your Examination Number on every page of your answer booklet(s)
vii. The following information may be useful: Pie π = 3.14.

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1. You are provided with a metre rule, pendulum bob, retort stand with accessories, a
stopwatch and a cotton thread.
Proceed as follows:
(a) Tie a thread to the given pendulum bob in such a way that a length L = 100 cm from
the fixed point to the centre of the pendulum bob.
(b) Switch the pendulum and measure the time, t for 20 complete oscillations of small
amplitude.
(c) Calculate the periodic time T for the oscillation.
(d) Repeat the procedures (a), (b) and (c) for the value of length L = 80 cm, 50 cm, 20 cm
and 15 cm to obtain other four readings.

(i) Assuming that 𝑻 = 𝒌𝑳𝒏 , use the data obtained in part (d) create a theory
which can be used to determine the value n and the constant k graphically.
(ii) Prepare a suitable table of results and then plot a suitable graph from the
theory created in part (i).
(iii) Calculate the value of n and the constant k.

2. In this experiment you are required to compare the rates of cooling for hot water in a
small beaker when it is in inside and outside a large beaker.
Proceed as follows:
(a) Fill the beaker with preheated water to the 50 ml mark of a small beaker so that the
temperature is about 85 oC.
(b) Stir gently the hot water in a small beaker placed on a wooden base using the
thermometer while fanning constantly. Start the stop watch when it’s exactly 80 oC
and record the timer 𝒕𝟏 in minutes after every drop of 5 oC until it has fallen to 60 oC.
(c) Repeat the procedures (a) and (b) above with the small beaker containing hot water,
now inside a large beaker. Record the time 𝒕𝟐 in minutes after every drop of 5 oC until
it has fallen from 80 oC to 60 oC.

(i) Tabulate your results.

(ii) Plot the graph of 𝒕𝟐 against 𝒕𝟏 .
(iii) Determine the value of the slope of the graph plotted in part (ii)
(iv) Conclude on the rates of cooling between the two experiments using the value
of the slope obtained in part (iii).

3. In this experiment you are required to determine the e.m.f. and internal resistance of a
cell.
Proceed as follows:
(a) Connect a cell (E), a switch (S), a resistance box (R) and ammeter (A) in series. Draw
the circuit diagram of the connection.
(b) Set the 2 Ω resistance on a resistance box and record the value of current flowing
through the circuit.

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(c) Repeat the procedure in (b) for the values of R equal to 4 Ω, 6 Ω, 8 Ω and 10 Ω.

(i) Tabulate your results including the value of reciprocal of the current (I).
𝟏
(ii) Plot the graph of R against .
𝑰
(iii) From the graph determine the slope of the graph and the value of R-intercept.
(iv) Use the results obtained in part (iii) above to determine the internal resistance
and e.m.f. of the cell.
(v) Do you think that the value obtained in part (iv) are the ones expected?

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