ACTIVITIES

AIM

to N
be C
E
re R
pu T
bl
is
he
d

ACTIVITY

To make a paper scale of given least count: (a) 0.2 cm and (b) 0.5 cm

APPARATUS AND MATERIAL REQUIRED

Thick ivory/drawing sheet; white paper sheet; pencil; sharpener;

eraser; metre scale (ruler); fine tipped black ink or gel pen.

RINCIPLE

Least count of a measuring instrument is the smallest measurement

that can be made accurately with the given measuring instrument.
A metre scale normally has graduations at 1 mm (or 0.1 cm) spacing,
as the smallest division on its scale. You cannot measure lengths
with this scale with accuracy better than 1mm (or 0.1 cm).
You can make paper scale of least count (a) 0.2 cm (b) 0.5 cm, by
dividing one centimetre length into smaller divisions by a simple
method, without using mm marks.

ROCEDURE

(a) Making Paper Scale of Least Count 0.2 cm

Fold a white paper sheet in the middle along its length.

2.

Using a sharp pencil, draw a line AB, of length 30 cm in either

half of the white paper sheet [Fig. A1.1(a)].

3.

Starting with the left end marked A as zero,

mark very small dots on the line AB after
every 1.0 cm and write 0,1,2 ..., 30 at
successive dots.

4.

Draw thin, sharp straight lines, each 5 cm

in length, perpendicular to the line AB at
the position of each dot mark.

5.

Draw 5 thin, sharp lines parallel to the line

AB at distances of 1.0 cm, 2.0 cm, 3.0
cm, 4.0 cm and 5.0 cm respectively. Let
the line at 5 cm be DC while those at 1 cm,

no
t

1.

Fig. A1.1(a): Making a paper scale

of least count 0.2 cm

LABORATORY MANUAL

LABORATORY MANUAL

2 cm, 3 cm, and 4 cm be A1B1, A 2B2, A3B3 and A4B4 respectively

[Fig A 1.1(a)].
6.

Join point D with the dot at 1 cm on line AB. Intersection of this

line with lines parallel to AB at A4, A3, A2 and A 1 are respectively
0.2 cm, 0.4 cm, 0.6 cm and 0.8 cm in length.

7.

Use this arrangement to measure length of a pencil or a knitting

needle with least count of 0.2 cm.

Fig. A1.1(b):

to N
be C
E
re R
pu T
bl
is
he
d

(b) Making Paper Scale of Least Count 0.5 cm

4.

1.

Using a sharp pencil, draw a line AB of length 30 cm

in the other half of the white paper sheet [Fig. A1.1(b)].

2.

Repeat steps 3 to 6 as in the above Activity 1.1(a), but

draw only two lines parallel to AB at distances 1.0 cm
and 2.0 cm instead of 5 cm.

3.

Join diagonal 1-D by fine tipped black ink pen [Fig. A

1.1 (b)].

Use this scale to measure length of a pencil/knitting needle with

least count of 0.5 cm. Fractional part of length 0.5 cm is measured
on line A1B1.

(c) Measuring the Length of a Pencil Using the Paper Scales A and B

1.

Place the pencil PP along the length of the paper scale A (least
count 0.2 cm) such that its end P is on a full mark (say 1.0 cm or
2.0 cm etc. mark). The position of the other end P is on diagonal
1D. If P goes beyond the diagonal, place it on next upper line, in
which fraction of intersection is 0.2 cm larger, and so on. Thus, in
Fig. A 1.1 (a), length of the pencil = 3 cm + .2 2 cm = 3.4 cm. Take
care that you take the reading with one eye closed and the other
eye directly over the required graduation mark. The reading is
likely to be incorrect if the eye is inclined to the graduation mark.

2.

Repeat preceding step 1, using the paper scale B having least

count 0.5 cm and record your observation in proper units.

no
t

BSERVATIONS
Least count of the paper scale A = 0.2 cm
Least count of the paper scale B = 0.5 cm

ESULT
(i)

Scale of least count 0.2 cm and 0.5 cm have been made; and

(ii) Length of pencil as measured by using the scales made above is

(a)

126

... cm and (b)

... cm.

ACTIVITY

UNIT NAME

RECAUTIONS
(i)

Very sharp pencil should be used.

(ii) Scale should be cut along the boundary by using a sharp paper
cutter.
(iii) Observation should be recorded showing accuracy of the scale.

to N
be C
E
re R
pu T
bl
is
he
d

(iv) While measuring lengths, full cm mark should be made to

coincide with one end of the object and other end should be read
on the scale.

OURCES OF ERROR

The line showing the graduations may not be as sharp as required.

ISCUSSION

The accuracy of measurement of length with the scale so formed

depends upon the accuracy of the graduation and thickness of
line drawn.

2.

Some personal error is likely to be involved e.g. parallax error.

no
t

1.

127

LABORATORY MANUAL

LABORATORY MANUAL

ACTIVITY

to N
be C
E
re R
pu T
bl
is
he
d

AIM

To determine the mass of a given body using a metre scale by the

principle of moments.

APPARATUS AND MATERIAL REQUIRED

A wooden metre scale of uniform thickness (a wooden strip of one

metre length having uniform thickness and width can also be used);
load of unknown mass, wooden or metal wedge with sharp edge, weight
box, thread (nearly 30 cm long), a spirit level, and a raised platform of
about 20 cm height (such as a wooden or metal block).

RINCIPLE

For a body free to rotate about a fixed axis, in equilibrium, the sum of
the clockwise moments is equal to the sum of the anticlockwise
moments.

If M1 is the known mass, suspended at a distance l1 on one side from

the centre of gravity of a beam and M2 is the unknown mass, suspended
at a distance l2 on the other side from the centre of gravity, and the
beam is in equilibrium, then M2 l2 = M1 l1.

ROCEDURE

Make a raised platform on a table. One can use a wooden or a

metal block to do so. However, the platform should be a sturdy,
place a wedge having a sharp edge on it. Alternately one can fix
the wedge to a laboratory stand at about 20 cm above the table
top. With the help of a spirit level set the level of the wedge
horizontal.

no
t

1.

128

2.

Make two loops of thread to be used for suspending the unknown

mass and the weights from the metre scale (beam). Insert the loops
at about 10 cm from the edge of the metre scale from both sides.

3.

Place the metre scale with thread loops on the wedge and adjust
it till it is balanced. Mark two points on the scale above the wedge
where the scale is balanced. Join these two points with a straight
line which would facilitate to pin point the location of balance

ACTIVITY

UNIT NAME

position even if the scale topples over from the wedge due to some
reason. This line is passing through the centre of gravity of scale.
Take the unknown mass in one hand. Select a weight from the
weight box which feels nearly equal to the unknown mass when
it is kept on the other hand.

5.

Suspend the unknown mass from

either of the two loops of thread
attached to the metre scale.
Suspend the known weight from
the other loop (Fig. A 2.1).

Wedge
A

to N
be C
E
re R
pu T
bl
is
he
d

4.

Unknown
Mass, m m

6.

Adjust the position of the known

Known standard
weight by moving the loop till the
W = mg
mass
metre scale gets balanced on the
sharp wedge. Make sure that in Fig. A 2.1: Experimental set up for determination
of mass of a given body
balanced position the line drawn in
Step 3 is exactly above the wedge
and also that the thread of two loops passing over the scale is
parallel to this line.

7.

Measure the distance of the position of the loops from the line
drawn in Step 3. Record your observations.

8.

Repeat the activity atleast two times with a slightly lighter and a
heavier weight. Note the distances of unknown mass and weight
from line drawn in Step 3 in each case.

BSERVATIONS

Position of centre of gravity = ... cm

Table A 2.1: Determination of mass of unknown object

Mass M1
suspended
from the
thread
loop to
balance
the metre
scale (g)

no
t

S.
No.

Distance of
the mass
from the
wedge l 1
(cm)

Distance of
solid of
unknown
mass from
the wedge
l 2 (cm)

Mass of
unknown
load M 2 (g)

M1l1
l2

Average
mass of
unknown
load (g)

1
2
3
4
5

129

LABORATORY MANUAL

LABORATORY MANUAL

ALCULATIONS
In balanced position of the metre scale, moment of the force on one
side of the wedge will be equal to the moment of the force on the other
side.
Moment of the force due to known weight = (M1l1) g

to N
be C
E
re R
pu T
bl
is
he
d

Moment of the force due to unknown weight = (M2l2) g

In balanced position

M1l1 = M2l2
M1l1
M2 = l
2

or

Average mass of unknown load = ... g

ESULT

Mass of given body = ... g (within experimental)

RECAUTIONS
1.

Wedge should be sharp and always perpendicular to the length of the

scale.

2.

Thread loops should be perpendicular to the length of the scale.

3.

Thread used for loops should be thin, light and strong.

4.

Air currents should be minimised.

OURCES OF ERROR

Mass per unit length may not be uniform along the length of the
metre scale due to variation in its thickness and width.

2.

The line marked on the scale may not be exactly over the wedge
while balancing the weights in subsequent settings.

3.

The thread of the loops may not be parallel to the wedge when the
weights are balanced, which in turn would introduce some error
in measurement of weight-arm.

4.

It may be difficult to adjudge balance position of the scale exactly.

A tilt of even of the order of 1 may affect the measurement of
mass of the load.

no
t

1.

130

ACTIVITY

UNIT NAME

ISCUSSION
What is the name given to the point on the scale at which it is
balanced horizontally on the wedge?

2.

How does the least count of the metre scale limit the accuracy in
the measurement of mass?

3.

What is the resultant torque on the metre scale, due to gravitational

force, when the scale is perfectly horizontal?

to N
be C
E
re R
pu T
bl
is
he
d

1.

4.

Explain, how a physical balance works on the principle of

moments.

5.

What problems would air currents cause in this activity?

SUGGESTED ADDITIONAL EXPERIMENTS/ACTIVITIES

We can determine the accuracy of various weights available in

the laboratory, by finding out their mass by the above method
and comparing with their marked values.

2.

Verify the principle of moments using a metr e scale. After

balancing the metre scale at its centre of gravity, suspend
masses M 1 and M 2 at distances l1 and l2 respectively, from the
centre of gravity, on either side. Adjust the distances l 1 and l2
so that the metre scale is horizontal. Calculate and compare
M1 l1 and M2 l2. Repeat with other combinations of masses M1
and M2.

no
t

1.

131

LABORATORY MANUAL

LABORATORY MANUAL

ACTIVITY

to N
be C
E
re R
pu T
bl
is
he
d

AIM

To plot a graph for a given set of data choosing proper scale and show
error bars due to the precision of the instruments.

APPARATUS AND MATERIAL REQUIRED

Graph paper, a pencil, a scale and a set of data

RINCIPLE

Graphical representation of experimentally obtained data helps in

interpreting, communicating and understanding the interdependence
between the variable parameters of a given phenomena. Measured
values of variables have some error or expected uncertainty. For this
reason each data point on the graph cannot have a unique position.
That means depending upon the errors, the x-axis coordinate and yaxis coordinate of every point plotted on the graph will lie in a range
known as an error bar.

Any measurement using a device has an uncertainty in its value

depending on the precision of the device used. For example, in the
measurement of diameter of a spherical bob, the correct way is to
represent it d + d, where d is the uncertainty in measurement of d
given by the least count of the vernier/screw gauze used.
Representation of d + d in a graph is shown as a line having a length
of + d about point d. This is known as the error bar of d.

no
t

We take an example where the diameters of objects, circular in shape,

are measured using a vernier calipers of least count 0.01 cm. These
measured values are given in Table 1. From the measured values of
diameters, it is required to calculate the radius of each object and to
round off the digits in the radius to the value consistent with the least
count of the measuring instrument, in this case, the vernier calipers.
We also estimate the maximum possible fractional uncertainty (or
error) in the values of radius. Next, the area A of each object is then
calculated using the formula.
Area, A =

132

d 2
4

where is the well-known constant.

ACTIVITY

UNIT NAME

to N
be C
E
re R
pu T
bl
is
he
d

Graphical representation of experimental data provides a convenient

way to look for interdependence or patterns between various
parameters associated with a given experiment or phenomenon or an
event. Graphs also provide a useful tool to communicate a given data
in pictorial form. We are often required to graphically represent the
data collected during an experiment in the laboratory, to verify a given
relation or to infer inter-relationships between the variables. It is,
therefore, imperative that we must know the method for representing
a given set of data on a graph, develop skill to draw most appropriate
curve to represent the plotted data and learn as to how to interpret a
given graph to infer relevant information.
Basic ideas about the steps involved in plotting a line graph for a
given data and finding the slope of the curve have already been
discussed in Chapter I. The steps involved in plotting a graph include
choice of axes (independent variable versus dependent variable), choice
of scale, marking the points on the graph for each pair of data and
drawing a smooth curve/line by joining maximum number of points
corresponding to the given data. Interpretation of the graph usually
involves finding the slope of the curve/line, inferring nature of
dependence between variables/parameters, interpolating/
extrapolating the graph to find desired value of the dependable variable
corresponding to a given value of independent variable or vice versa.
However, so far you have learnt to graphically represent the data for
which uncertainty or error is either ignored or is presumed not to
exist. As you know every data has some uncertainty/error due lack
of precision in measurement or some other factors inherent in the
process/method of data collection. It is possible to plot a graph that
depicts the extent of uncertainty/error in the given data. Such a
depiction in the graph is called an error bar. In general error bars
allow us to graphically illustrate actual errors, the statistical probability
of errors in the measurement or typical data points in comparison to
the rest of the data.

no
t

You have learnt to show uncertainty in measurement of a physical

quantity like length, mass, temperature and time on the basis of the
least count of the measuring instruments used. For example, the
diameter of a wire measured with a screw gauge having least count
0.001cm is expressed as 0.181 cm 0.001 cm. The figure 0.001 cm
in the measurement indicates that the actual value of diameter of the
wire may lie between 0.180 and 0.182 cm. However, the error in
measurement may also be due to many other factors, such as personal
error, experimental error etc. In some cases the error in data may be
due to factors other than those associated with measurement. For
example, angles of scattering of charge particles in an experiment on
scattering of particles or opinion collected from a section of a
population on a social issue. The uncertainty due to such errors is
estimated through a variety of statistical methods about which you will
learn in higher classes. Here we shall consider uncertainty in

133

LABORATORY MANUAL

LABORATORY MANUAL

measurements only due to the least count of the measuring instrument

so as to learn how uncertainty for a given data is shown in a line graph.

to N
be C
E
re R
pu T
bl
is
he
d

Let us take the example of the graph between time period, T, and the
length, l, of a simple pendulum. The uncertainty in measurement of
time period will depend on the least count of the stop watch/clock
while that in measurement of length of the pendulum will depend on
the least count of the device(s) used to measure length. Table A 3.1
gives the data for the time period of simple pendulum measured in an
experiment along with the uncertainty in measurement of the length
and time period of the pendulum.

Table A 3.1 Time period of simple pendulums of different lengths

S.
No.

Time period

Length of the pendulum

Length as
Length with
measured with
uncertainty in L
metre scale, L (least count of scale
(cm)
0.1 cm)
(cm)

Average time Time period

with
period as
measured uncertainty in
T (least count
with stop
of stop watch
watch, T
0.1 s)
(s)
(s)

Square of
time period
T 2 with
uncertainty

80.0

800.1

1.8

1.80.1

3.240.2

90.0

900.1

1.9

1.90.1

3.610.2

100.0

1000.1

2.0

2.00.1

4.00.2

110.0

1100.1

2.1

2.10.1

4.410.2

120.0

1200.1

2.2

2.20.1

4.840.2

130.0

1300.1

2.3

2.30.1

5.290.2

140.0

1400.1

2.4

2.40.1

5.760.2

150.0

1500.1

2.4

2.40.1

5.760.2

no
t

LOTTING OF A GRAPH WITH ERROR BARS

Steps involved in drawing a graph with error bars on it are as follows:
1. Draw x- and y- axes on a graph sheet and select an appropriate
scale for plotting of the graph. In order to show uncertainty/error
in given data, it is advisable that the scale chosen should be such
that the lowest value of uncertainty/error on either axes could be
shown by at least the smallest division on the graph sheet.
2. Mark the points on the graph for each pair of data without taking
into account the given uncertainty/error.

134

ACTIVITY

UNIT NAME

to N
be C
E
re R
pu T
bl
is
he
d

3. Each point marked on the graph in Step 2 has an uncertainty in

the value shown on either the x-axis or the y-axis or both. For
example, let us consider the
case
for
the
point
corresponding to (80, 1.8)
marked on the graph. If we
take into account the
uncertainty in measurement
for this case, the actual length
of the pendulum may lie
between 79.9 cm and 80.1
cm. This uncertainty in the
data is shown in the graph by
a line of length 0.2 cm drawn
parallel to x-axis with its
midpoint at 80.0 cm, in
accordance with the scale
chosen. The line of length 0.2
cm parallel to x-axis shows
the error bar for the pendulum
of length 80.0 cm. One can
similarly draw error bar for
each length of the pendulum. Fig. A 3.1: Error bars corresponding to uncertainty
4. Repeat the procedure explained
in Step 3 to draw error bars for
uncertainty in measurement of
time period. However, the error
bars in this case will be parallel
to the y-axis.

in time period of the given pendulum

(uncertainty in length is not shown due to
limitation of scale)

no
t

5. Once the error bars showing

the uncertainty for data in both
the axes of the graph have been
marked, each pair of data on
the graph will be marked with
a + or <% or <% sign,
depending on the extent of
uncertainty and the scale
chosen for each axis, instead
of a point usually marked for
drawing line graph (Fig. A 3.1).
6. A smooth curve drawn
passing as close as possible
through all the + marks
marked on the graph, instead
of points, gives us the plot
between the two given
variables (Fig. A 3.2).

Fig. A 3.2: Graph showing variation in time period

of a simple pendulum with its length
along with error bars

135

LABORATORY MANUAL

LABORATORY MANUAL

ESULT
A given set of data gives unique points. However, when plotted, a curve
representing that data may not physically pass through these points.
It must, however, pass through the area enclosed by the error bars
around each point.

to N
be C
E
re R
pu T
bl
is
he
d

RECAUTIONS

1.

In this particular case the point of intersection of the two x-axis

and y-axis represent the origin of O at (0, 0). However, this is not
always necessary to take the values of physical quantities being
plotted as zero at the intersection of the x-axis and y-axis. For a
given set of data, try to maximize the use of the graph paper area.

2.

While deciding on scale for plotting the graph, efforts should be

made to choose a scale which would enable to depict uncertainty
by at least one smallest division on the graph sheet.

3.

While joining the data points on the graph sheet, enough care
should be taken to join them smoothly. The curve or line should
be thin.

4.

Every graph must be given a suitable heading, which should be

written on top of the graph.

OURCES OF ERROR
1.

Improper choice of origin and the scale.

2.

Improper marking of observation points.

SUGGESTED ADDITIONAL EXPERIMENTS/ACTIVITIES

no
t

how error bars in the graphs plotted for the data obtained while doing
Experiment Nos. 6, 9, 10, 11, 14 and 15.
Note:

As the aim of the Activity is to choose proper scale while plotting a graph
alongwith uncertainty only due to the measuring devices, the calculation in
the activity should be avoided.

Suggested alternate Activity for plotting cooling curve with error bars
(Experiment No. 14) where temperature and time are measured using a
thermometer and a stop-clock (stop-watch) with complete set of data /

T
and
values
observations with LC of the measuring devices and
T

be given.
Additionally the same curve along with error bar be asked to be drawn using
two different scales and the discussion may be done using them.

136

ACTIVITY

AIM

to N
be C
E
re R
pu T
bl
is
he
d

ACTIVITY

UNIT NAME

To measure the force of limiting rolling friction for a roller (wooden

block) on a horizontal plane.

APPARATUS AND MATERIAL REQUIRED

Wooden block with a hook on one side, set of weights, horizontal plane
fitted with a frictionless pulley at one end, pan, spring balance, thread,
spirit level, weight box and lead shots (rollers).

RINCIPLE

Rolling friction is the least force required to make a body start rolling
over a surface. Rolling friction is less than the sliding friction.

ROCEDURE

1. Check that the pulley is almost frictionless otherwise oil it to

reduce friction.
2. Check the horizontal surface with a spirit level and spread a layer
of lead shots on it as shown in Fig. A 4.1.
3 . Weigh the wooden block.

no
t

4. Find the weight of the pan.

Tie one end of the thread to
the pan and let it hang over
the pulley.
5. Now put the block over the
layer of lead shots and tie the
other end of the thread to its
hook.

6. Put a small weight in the pan

and observe whether the
wooden block kept on rollers
begin to move.

Fig. A 4.1:

Setup to study rolling friction

137

LABORATORY MANUAL

LABORATORY MANUAL

7. If the block does not start rolling, put some more weights on the
pan from the weight box increasing weights in the pan gradually
till the block just starts rolling.
8. Note the total weight put in the pan, including the weight of the
pan and record them in the observation table.
9. Put a 100 g weight over the wooden block and repeat Steps (7) to (9).

to N
be C
E
re R
pu T
bl
is
he
d

10. Increase the weights in steps over the wooden block and repeat
Steps (7) to (9).

BSERVATIONS

Mass of wooden block m = ... g = ... kg

Weight of wooden block, W (mg) = ... N

Weight on the pan

= (Mass of the pan + weight) acceleration due to gravity (g)

= ... N

Table A 4.1: Table for additional weights

S.
No.

Mass of
standard
weights on
wooden
block, W

Total weight
Mass on
being pulled pan (p) (kg)
= (W + w) g
= Normal
Reaction, R
(N)

Total weight (force)

pulling the block and
standard weights (P+p) g

1
2
3
4

no
t

ESULT

As the total weight being pulled increases limiting value of rolling

friction increases/decreases.

RECAUTIONS

138

1.

The pulley should be frictionless. It should be lubricated, if

necessary.

2.

The portion of the string between the pulley and the hook should
be horizontal.

ACTIVITY
3.

The surfaces of lead shots as well as the plane and the block
should be clean, dry and smooth.

4.

The weights in the pan should be placed carefully and very gently.

UNIT NAME

OURCES OF ERROR
Friction at the pulley tends to give larger value of limiting friction.

2.

The plane may not be exactly horizontal.

to N
be C
E
re R
pu T
bl
is
he
d

1.

ISCUSSION
1.

The two segments of the thread joining the block and the pan
passing over the pulley should lie in mutually perpendicular
planes.

2.

The total weight pulling the block (including that of pan) should
be such that the system just rolls without acceleration.

3.

While negotiating a curve on a road, having sand spread over it, a

two wheeler has to be slowed down to avoid skidding, why?

SUGGESTED ADDITIONAL EXPERIMENTS/ACTIVITIES

Find the co-efficient of rolling
friction r by plotting the
graph between rolling friction,
F and normal reaction, R.

2.

What will be the effect of

greasing the lead shots, and
the horizontal surface on
which they are placed.

3.

Study the rolling motion of

a roller as shown in Fig. A
4.2 and compare it with the
motion in the arrangement
for the above Activity.

Fig. A 4.2:

no
t

1.

139

LABORATORY MANUAL

LABORATORY MANUAL

to N
be C
E
re R
pu T
bl
is
he
d

ACTIVITY
AIM

To study the variation in the range of a jet of water with the change in
the angle of projection.

APPARATUS AND MATERIAL REQUIRED

PVC or rubber pipe, a nozzle, source of water under pressure (i.e., a

tap connected to an overhead water tank or water supply line), a
measuring tape, large size protractor.

RINCIPLE

The motion of water particles in a jet of water could be taken as an

example of a projectile motion under acceleration due to gravity 'g'.
Its range R is given by
R=

v 02 sin 2 0
g

where 0 is the angle of projection and v 0 is the velocity of projection.

ROCEDURE

Making a large protractor: Take a circular plyboard or thick

circular cardboard sheet of radius about 25 cm. Draw a diameter
through its centre. Cut it along the diameter to form two dees. On
one of the dees, draw angles at an interval of 15 starting with 0.

no
t

1.

140

2.

Attach one end of pipe to a tap. At the other end of the pipe fix a
nozzle to obtain a jet of water. Ensure that there is no leakage in
the pipe.

3.

Fix the protractor vertically on the ground with its graduatedface

towards yourself, as shown in Fig. A 5.1.

4.

Place the jet at the centre O of the protractor and direct the nozzle
of the jet along 15 mark on the protractor.

5.

Open the tap to obtain a jet of water. The water coming out of the

ACTIVITY

UNIT NAME

to N
be C
E
re R
pu T
bl
is
he
d

R (cm)

v02/2g

Fig. A 5.1: Setup for studying the variation in

the range of a jet of water with the
angle of projection

15

30

60
45
(Degrees)

75

Fig. A 5.2: Variation of range with angle

of projection

jet would strike the ground after completing its parabolic

trajectory. Ask your friend to mark the point (A) where the water
falls. Close the tap.

6.

Measure the distance between point O and A. This gives the range
R corresponding to the angle of projection, 15.

7.

Now, vary 0 in steps of 15 upto 75 and measure the

corresponding range for each angle of projection.

8.

Plot a graph between the angle of projection 0 and range R

(Fig. A 5.2).

BSERVATIONS

Least count of measuring tape = ... cm

Table A 5.1: Measurement of range

no
t

S.
No.

Angle of projection 0
(degrees)

15

30

45

60

75

Range
R (cm)

141

LABORATORY MANUAL

LABORATORY MANUAL

RAPH
Plot a graph between angle of projection (on x-axis) and range
(on y-axis).

ESULT

to N
be C
E
re R
pu T
bl
is
he
d

The range of jet of water varies with the angle of projection as shown
in Fig. A 5. 2.
The range of jet of water is maximum when 0 = ...

RECAUTIONS
1.

There should not be any leakage in the pipe and the pressure
with which water is released from the jet should not vary during
the experiment.

2.

The jet of water does not strike the ground at a point but gets
spread over a small area. The centre of this area should be
considered for measurement of the range.

3.

The nozzle should be small so as to get a thin stream of water.

OURCES OF ERROR
1.

The pressure of water and hence the projection velocity of water

may not remain constant, particularly if there is leakage in
the pipe.

2 . The markings on the protractor may not be accurate

or uniform.

ISCUSSION

Why do you get same range for angles of projection 15 and 75?

2.

Why has a big protractor been taken? Would a protractor of radius

about 10 cm be preferable? Why?

no
t

1.

ELF ASSESSMENT

142

1.

This Activity requires the pressure of inlet water be kept constant

to keep projection velocity of water constant. How can this be
achieved?

2.

How would the range change if the velocity of projection is

increased or decreased?

ACTIVITY

UNIT NAME

SUGGESTED ADDITIONAL EXPERIMENTS/ACTIVITIES

Study the variation in maximum height attained by the water stream
for different angles of projection.

2.

Study the variation in range of water stream by varying the height at

which the water supply tank is kept.

3,

Take a toy gun which shoots plastic balls and repeat the Activity
using this gun.

4.

Calculate velocity of projection by using maximum value of horizontal

range measured as above.

no
t

to N
be C
E
re R
pu T
bl
is
he
d

1.

143