CSEC Physics Laboratory Manual

Welcome to the senior school and CSEC Physics.

As part of the Examination you will be required to complete no less than 16 SBA
experiments.

CXC requires us to test the following skill sets and as such the labs that you will
conduct can be tested under no more than two of the following:

ORR

MM

PD

AI

You will be advised of the labs and asked to prepare by reading the lab in a handout
or from the text or both. You may be tested prior to the beginning of a lab to ensure
you have read the required materials.
Mechanics
Resolving forces
Moments of a force
Centre of Gravity
Hooke’s Law
Density
Velocity – Time Graph
Displacement – Time Graph
Acceleration due to Free Fall
Pendulum
Power
Pressure
Measuring the internal diameter of a straw

Thermal Physics and Kinetic Theory

Gas Law

Specific heat capacity – method of mixtures

Specific heat capacity – electrical method

Waves and Light

Wave patterns (Wave phenomena)
Focal Length of a Converging Lens
Reflection
Refraction
Determination of Refractive index

Electricity and Magnetism

Resistance of a fixed resistor
Mystery Box
Resistors in series
Resistors in parallel
Metal Conductor

Physics of the Atom

Radioactivity
 Important Skills
In order to score top marks in your labs you must have certain skills. These
include being able to read scales and draw graphs.

Reading Scales

You have probably read many scales in the past without thinking about it.
However in the Sciences being able to read scales accurately is essential.

Let’s look at a few examples:

How long is this line?

................mm = ...................cm = ..................m

What did you do to measure it?

You chose an instrument with a horizontal scale on it (commonly known as a
ruler). You placed it alongside the line and measured.

This is a .........................................

From the diagram there are 3 vertical

scales. Give their names below:
...............................

...............................

...............................

Image source: http://shannonsrecipebox.com/EasyEntrees.html

And when was the last time you used one of these?

A top-pan balance (otherwise known as a kitchen

scale) has at least one circular scale on it.

Most will measure in kilograms and pounds.

Image source: http://www.elecshopping.co.uk/special-offers/dualit-spring-

balance-kitchen-scales-87000/
 In science we use all three types of scales although most of the time they are
on laboratory equipment as pictured below:

Image source: http://www.naugraexport.com/glass.html

Image source: http://www.chris-knight-

http://physics401.one-school.net/2009/01/140-
mcs.co.uk/acatalog/Ammeters.html measurements-and-error.html

Image source: http://www.labwarehouse.com/lw/category.cfm?category=46

 Graphs
Graphs are a method of showing what is happening with data. They can be used to
help determine constants, describe what is happening with the variables as they relate
to each other, to infer or predict what would happen if data in a particular range is
used.

Graphs are plotted on a Cartesian plane, using two axes (the vertical(y) axis and the
horizontal(x) axis)

On the vertical axis we plot the dependent variable (that which is affected) and on the
horizontal axis we plot the independent variable (the cause).

When we give the graph a title in the form “The Graph of Distance vs. Time” the first
variable mentioned goes on the vertical axis and the second goes on the horizontal
axis. i.e. Distance goes on the vertical axis and time goes on the horizontal axis.

There are different types of graphs to be found, however the most common is the
straight line graph.

Straight Line Graphs

Variables that are directly proportional to each other produce straight line graphs
through the origin (0,0) of the axes.

There is a formula that describes this relationship well and we will “borrow” it from
Mathematics:

y = mx + c

where: y is the vertical coordinate,

m is the gradient,
x is the horizontal coordinate
and c is the y-intercept.

However, this is an ideal situation which often does not occur in real life.
We are equipped to handle this by using “The Line of Best Fit”

As the name suggests this line passes through or as near to as many points as possible
(sometimes it does not pass through any).
This method is used to reduce the effects of random errors in measurement.

The line of best fit looks like this :

 Referenc SKILL
N Aim of e TESTED GRA
O. Exp’t Text and OR M PH
PD AI
Page R M
Mechanics
1 To (Physics
determine for CSEC)
the centre of page 34

gravity of a
lamina

2 To (Physics
determine ‘g for CSEC)
‘ using a page 15.   
simple
pendulum
3 To (Physics
determine for CSEC)
the factors page 15.
that affect
the periodic  
time of a
simple
pendulum

4 To Special
determine instruction
the will be
thickness of given   
a glass test
tube.

5 To verify (Physics
the law of for CSEC)  
moments page 31
6 To verify (Physics
Hooke’s for CSEC)  
law. page 36-37
7 To Special
determine instruction
the weight will be 
of a metre given
rule.
8 To Special
determine instruction
the student’s will be  
reaction given
time
9 To Special
determine instruction
the student will be
in the group given

with the
most
powerful
legs
10 To verify (Physics
Archimedes for CSEC)
Principle page 46.
 

Referen Grap
ce Skills Tested h
N Aim of
Text
O. Exp’t
and
Page OR M PD AI
R M
Thermal Physics
11 Gas Laws: (Physics
CXC CSEC for CSEC)
June page 175
1998/paper  
2/Question
1

12 To (Physics
determine for CSEC)
the specific page 166-
heat 168
 
capacity of a
metal block.
(Electrical
method)
13 To Special  
determine instruction
the specific s will be
heat given.
 capacity of a
substance.
(Method of
mixtures)
Waves and Oscillations
14 To verify (Physics 
the laws of for CSEC) 
reflection page 111
15 To verify (Physics 
Snell’s law for CSEC) 
page 117
16 To 
determine
the
refractive
index using 
a semi-
circular
block (glass
or Perspex)
17 To (Physics 
determine for CSEC)
the page 126
refractive
index of a

substance
by the
apparent
depth
method
18 To Special 
determine instruction
through s will be
which of given
 
water and
glycerol
light travels
faster
To (Physics 
determine for CSEC)
the focal page 139
19  
length of a
converging
lens
Grap
NO Aim of Referen h
. Exp’t ce
Text Skills Tested
and
 Page
OR M
PD AI
R M

OR M
PD AI
R M
20 To (Physics 
determine for CSEC)
the page 228
 
resistance of
a fixed
resistor
21 To Special 
determine instruction
the s will be

components given.
of a puzzle
box.
22 To Special 
determine instruction
the length of s will be  
a coil of given
wire.
23 To Special 
determine instruction
what length s will be
of wire is given
required to  
construct a
resistor of
resistance x
ohms
Atomic Physics
24 To (Physics 
determine for CSEC)
the Half life page 336
 
of a decay
process
(coin toss)
25 To Special 
determine instruction
the Half life s will be
of a decay given  
process
(burette
method)
Experiment: To determine the centre of gravity of a lamina

See Text (Physics for CSEC) page 34

Skill Measurement and Manipulation

a) Large shaped used 1
b) At least three holes used 1
c) Holes punched near edge 1
d) Lamina allowed to swing freely 1
e) Accurate marking for position of plumbline 1
TOTAL 5

Experiment: To determine ‘g ‘ using a simple pendulum

 See text page 15.

 Plot a graph of T2 vs l.
 Determine g from the graph.

Skill: ORR
1. Observation and Recording of readings
a) Accurate readings to appropriate number of significant figures 1
b) Repetition and averaging of readings 2

2. Tabulation
a) Neat tables 1
b) Headings for tables labelled with quantity and unit 1
c) Consistent significant figures in each column 1
d) Good range of readings 1
e) 5 or more sets of readings 1

3. Graph
 a) Correct quantities plotted on correct axes 1
b) Axes labelled with quantity and unit 2
c) Suitable scale for each axis (1+1) 2
d) Accurately plotted points 2
e) Best fit line 1

4. Organisation of Report
a) Subheadings named (Title, Aim, Method, etc.) 1
b) Subheadings in logical order (Title, Aim, Method, etc.) 1
c) Correct subject matter under correct headings 1
d) Conclusion (which relates to Aim) at the end of the report 1

5. Account
a) Use of English (grammar, spelling, etc.) 1
b) Logical sequence of steps in Method 1
c) Clear and concise Method 1

6. Diagram
a) Large well labelled diagram 2
TOTAL 25

SKILL MM
a) Uses a protractor to measure amplitude of oscillation 1
b) Correct use of stopwatch 1
c) Averages readings for radius of bob 1
d) Uses trials to determine number of oscillations to use 1
e) Correct use of vernier callipers or micrometer screw gauge 1
TOTAL 5

Experiment: To determine the factors that affect the periodic

time of a simple pendulum

 See text page 15.

Skill: ORR
1) Observation and Recording of readings
a) Accurate readings to appropriate number of significant figures 1
b) Repetition and averaging of readings 1

2) Tabulation
a) Neat tables 1
 b) Headings for tables labelled with quantity and unit 1
c) Consistent significant figures in each column 1
d) Good range of readings 1
e) 3 or more sets of readings 1

3) Organisation of Report
a) Subheadings named (Title, Aim, Method, etc.) 1
b) Subheadings in logical order (Title, Aim, Method, etc.) 1
c) Correct subject matter under correct headings 1
d) Conclusion (which relates to Aim) at the end of the report 1

4) Account
a) Use of English (grammar, spelling, etc.) 1
b) Logical sequence of steps in Method 1
c) Clear and concise Method 1

5) Diagram
a) Large well labelled diagram 2
TOTAL 16

SKILL AI
a) Appropriate conclusion for the effect of changing the mass (with evidence)
2+1 (3)
b) Appropriate conclusion for the effect of changing the length (with evidence)
2+1 (3)
c) Appropriate conclusion for the effect of changing the amplitude (with
evidence) 2+1 (3)
TOTAL 9

Experiment: To determine the thickness of a glass test tube.

A test tube is partially filled with water so that the water level is above the
curved bottom. A volume V of water is added to the test tube and the
corresponding height recorded. Using V=πr2h plot a graph of v vs h and
use this graph to determine the thickness of the test tube glass.

SKILL ORR

1) Observation and Recording of readings

a) Accurate readings to appropriate number of significant figures 1
b) Repetition and averaging of readings 1

2) Tabulation
a) Neat tables 1
b) Headings for tables labelled with quantity and unit 1
 c) Consistent significant figures in each column 1
d) Good range of readings 1
e) 5 or more sets of readings 1

3) Graph
a) Correct quantities plotted on correct axes 1
b) Axes labelled with quantity and unit 2
c) Suitable scale for each axis (1+1) 2
d) Accurately plotted points 2
e) Best fit line 1

4) Organisation of Report
a) Subheadings named (Title, Aim, Method, etc.) 1
b) Subheadings in logical order (Title, Aim, Method, etc.) 1
c) Correct subject matter under correct headings 1
d) Conclusion (which relates to Aim) at the end of the report 1

5) Account
a) Use of English (grammar, spelling, etc.) 1
b) Logical sequence of steps in Method 1
c) Clear and concise Method 1

6) Diagram
a) Large well labelled diagram 2
TOTAL 24

SKILL AI

a) Very large triangle 1

b) Formula for gradient 1
c) Accurate read-off for gradient (to 3 sig. Figs.) 1
d) Accurate calculation of gradient 1
e) Correct determination of ‘d1’ from gradient 1
f) Accurate determination of d2 using vernier calipers or micrometer screw
gauge 2
g) Correct determination of d ( to 3 sig figs) 2
TOTAL 9

Experiment: To verify the law of moments.

 See text page 31.

 Plot a graph of F1S1 vs F2S2
 Use graph to verify principle of moments.

Skill: ORR
1) Observation and Recording of readings
a) Accurate readings to appropriate number of significant figures 1

2) Tabulation
a) Neat tables 1
b) Headings for tables labelled with quantity and unit 1
c) Consistent significant figures in each column 1
d) Good range of readings 1
e) 5 or more sets of readings 1

3) Graph
a) Correct quantities plotted on correct axes 1
b) Axes labelled with quantity and unit 1
c) Suitable scale for each axis (1+1) 2
d) Accurately plotted points 2
e) Best fit line 1

4) Organisation of Report
a) Subheadings named (Title, Aim, Method, etc.) 1
b) Subheadings in logical order (Title, Aim, Method, etc.) 1
c) Correct subject matter under correct headings 1
d) Conclusion (which relates to Aim) at the end of the report 1

5) Account
a) Use of English (grammar, spelling, etc.) 1
b) Logical sequence of steps in Method 1
c) Clear and concise Method 1

6) Diagram
a) Large well labelled diagram 2
TOTAL 22

Experiment: To verify Hooke’s law.

 See text page 36-37.

 Plot a graph of F vs x
 Use graph to verify Hooke’s law and determine the spring constant.

Skill: ORR

1) Observation and Recording of readings

a) Accurate readings to appropriate number of significant figures 1
6
2) Tabulation
a) Neat tables 1
 b) Headings for tables labelled with quantity and unit 1
c) Consistent significant figures in each column 1
d) Good range of readings 1
e) 5 or more sets of readings 1

3) Graph
a) Correct quantities plotted on correct axes 1
b) Axes labelled with quantity and unit 1
c) Suitable scale for each axis (1+1) 2
d) Accurately plotted points 2
e) Best fit line 1

4) Organisation of Report
a) Subheadings named (Title, Aim, Method, etc.) 1
b) Subheadings in logical order (Title, Aim, Method, etc.) 1
c) Correct subject matter under correct headings 1
d) Conclusion (which relates to Aim) at the end of the report 1

5) Account
a) Use of English (grammar, spelling, etc.) 1
b) Logical sequence of steps in Method 1
c) Clear and concise Method 1

6) Diagram
a) Large well labelled diagram 2
TOTAL 22

Experiment: To determine the weight of a metre rule.

SKILL: PD
a) Development of hypothesis 1
b) Workable plan outlined 1
c) Method with any necessary contingencies outlined 1
d) Variables which are to be kept constant 1
e) Indicates how dependent variable is measured 1
f) Indicates how independent variable is measured 1
g) Non-standard precautions used to ensure accuracy 1
h) Sources of random error 1
i) Repetition and averaging of readings 1
TOTAL 9

Experiment: To determine the student’s reaction time

Working in pairs; student 1 holds their index finger and thumb so that a metre
rule can fall between them. Student 2 holds the metre rule so that the 0 cm mark
is in line with the opening between the thumb and index finger of student 1.
Without warning student 2 releases the rule and student 2 stops it, as soon as
they can, by closing their thumb and index finger. The distance the rule falls is
recorded and used to determine the reaction time of student 2.

Skill: ORR

1) Observation and Recording of readings

a) Accurate readings to appropriate number of significant figures 1

2) Organisation of Report
a) Subheadings named (Title, Aim, Method, etc.) 1
b) Subheadings in logical order (Title, Aim, Method, etc.) 1
c) Correct subject matter under correct headings 1
d) Conclusion (which relates to Aim) at the end of the report 1

3) Account
a) Use of English (grammar, spelling, etc.) 1
b) Logical sequence of steps in Method 1
c) Clear and concise Method 1

4) Diagram
a) Large well labelled diagram 2
TOTAL 10

Skill: AI
a) Appropriate equation(a) selected 2
b) Correct substitutions made 2
c) Equation(s) correctly solved to give value for t. 1
d) Value for t given to 3 sig figs. 1
TOTAL 6

Experiment: To determine the student in the group with the

most powerful legs
Students are placed in groups of 5 to 8 persons. The group decides on a
technique to measure the power of the legs of each member. The
selected experiment is carried out and the data analysed to determine
 The student with the most powerful legs.
 The average power of the group and explain what this means in relation
to the work the group can do.

SKILL: PD
 a) Development of hypothesis 1
b) Workable plan outlined 1
c) Method with any necessary contingencies outlined 1
d) Variables which are to be kept constant 1
e) Indicates how dependent variable is measured 1
f) Indicates how independent variable is measured 1
g) Non-standard precautions used to ensure accuracy 1
h) Sources of random error 1
i) Repetition and averaging of readings 1
TOTAL 9

Experiment: To verify Archimedes Principle

 See text page 46.

 Plot a graph of Upthrust vs weight of displaced water
 Use graph to verify Archimedes Principle

Skill Measurement and Manipulation

a) Weights are dried between readings 1

b) Beaker is dried between readings 1
c) Weights do not rest on the side of the eureka can 1
d) Eureka can allowed to drip until it stops 1
e) Correct use of balance 1
TOTAL 5

Experiment: Gas Laws

CXC CSEC June 1998/paper 2/Question 1

SKILL AI

a) Very large triangle 1

b) Formula for gradient 1
c) Accurate read-off for gradient 1
d) Accurate calculation of gradient (to 3 sig. Figs.) 1
e) Correct determination of V at P =550 KPa 2
f) Correct determination of P at V= 65 cm3 2
g) Appropriate conclusion with clearly expressed reason (1+2) 3
TOTAL 11

ExperimentTo Determine The Focal Length of a Converging Lens

  See text page 139.
 Set up apparatus as shown in the diagram.
 Bring the image into sharp focus for varying object distances.
1 1
Plot a graph of u vs v

SKILL AI
1) Calculations
a) Correct answer with unit 1
b) Answer correct to 3 significant figures or 2 decimal places 1

2) Conclusion
a) Conclusion follows from graph 2
b) Conclusion justified using graph 2

3) Intercept
a) Accurate read-off to 3significant figures 1
b) Unit for intercept given 1
c) Deduction of unknown quantity from intercept (with unit) 1

SKILL MM

a) Appropriate location of screen relative to object 1

b) Clear crisp image on screen 2
c) Correct determination of object distance 1
d) Correct determination of image distance 1

Experiment: To Verify Snell’s Law (with the determination of the

refractive index)

 See text page 116.

 Plot sin θ1 vs sin θ2.
 use graph to verify Snell’s law
 Use graph to determine the refractive index of the material.

SKILL AI

1) Conclusion
a) Conclusion follows from graph 2
b) Conclusion justified using graph 2

2) Gradient
a) Very large triangle 1
b) Formula for gradient 1
 c) Accurate read-off for gradient (to 3 sig. Figs.) 1
d) Accurate calculation of gradient 1
e) Correct determination of ‘n’ from gradient 1
TOTAL 9

Experiment: To determine through which of the two media (water

and glycerol) light travels faster.

See Physics by A F Abbott page 253,4

SKILL AI

1) Calculations
a) Correct formula 1
b) Correct substitution 1
c) Correct answer with unit 1
d) Answer correct to 3 significant figures 1

2) Conclusion
a) Conclusion follows from graph 2
b) Conclusion justified using graph 2

3) Gradient
a) Very large triangle 1
b) Formula for gradient 1
c) Accurate read-off for gradient (to 3 sig. Figs.) 1
d) Accurate calculation of gradient 1

SKILL: PD
j) Development of hypothesis 1
k) Workable plan outlined 1
l) Method with any necessary contingencies outlined 1
m) Variables which are to be kept constant 1
n) Indicates how dependent variable is measured 1
o) Indicates how independent variable is measured 1
p) Non-standard precautions used to ensure accuracy 1
q) Sources of random error 1
r) Repetition and averaging of readings 1
Experiment: To determine the specific heat capacity of a metal
block (Electrical Method)
 See text page 168

SKILL: MM
a) Circuit connected correctly 1
b) Block well lagged 2
c) Waits for temperature to reach highest reading after turning off circuit 2
d) Careful appropriate handling of thermometer 1

Experiment to determine which metal is more suitable for use in the

construction of a lawn (push) mower engine.

You are required to design and conduct an experiment to determine

which of the two metals given is more suitable for use in the
construction of a lawn mower engine. At least one thermal and one
non-thermal property of the metal should be considered. You are
also required to state with reason an appropriate cooling method for
an engine of this type.

SKILL: PD
a) Development of hypothesis 1
b) Workable plan outlined 1
c) Method with any necessary contingencies outlined 1
d) Variables which are to be kept constant 1
e) Indicates how dependent variable is measured 1
f) Indicates how independent variable is measured 1
g) Non-standard precautions used to ensure accuracy 1
h) Sources of random error 1
i) Appropriate non-thermal property considered 1
j) Appropriate cooling method considered with adequate reason (1+1) 2
TOTAL 11

ExperimentTo determine the resistance of a fixed resistor

A fixed resistor is connected in series to a power supply, an ammeter and a

variable resistor. A voltmeter is connected across the fixed resistor. The current
passing through the fixed resistor is varied by toggling the variable resistor. The
voltage reading for corresponding current reading are recorded.
Plot a graph of V vs I and use to graph to determine the resistance of the fixed
resistor.

SKILL ORR

1) Observation and Recording of readings

a) Accurate readings to appropriate number of significant figures 1
b) Repetition and averaging of readings 2

2) Tabulation
a) Neat tables 1
b) Headings for tables labelled with quantity and unit 1
c) Consistent significant figures in each column 1
d) Good range of readings 1
e) 5 or more sets of readings 1

3) Graph
a) Correct quantities plotted on correct axes 1
b) Axes labelled with quantity and unit 1
c) Suitable scale for each axis (1+1) 2
d) Accurately plotted points 2
e) Best fit line 1

4) Organisation of Report
a) Subheadings named (Title, Aim, Method, etc.) 1
b) Subheadings in logical order (Title, Aim, Method, etc.) 1
c) Correct subject matter under correct headings 1
d) Conclusion (which relates to Aim) at the end of the report 1

5) Account
a) Use of English (grammar, spelling, etc.) 1
b) Logical sequence of steps in Method 1
c) Clear and concise Method 1

6) Diagram
a) Large well labelled diagram 2

SKILL AI

1) Calculations
a) Correct formula 1
b) Correct substitution 1
c) Correct answer with unit 1
d) Answer correct to 3 significant figures 1

2) Conclusion
a) Conclusion follows from graph 2
b) Conclusion justified using graph 2
ExperimentRadioactive Decay

SKILL ORR

1) Observation and Recording of readings

a) Accurate readings to appropriate number of significant figures 1

2) Tabulation
a) Neat tables 1
b) Headings for tables labelled with quantity and unit 1
c) Consistent significant figures in each column 1
d) Good range of readings 1
e) 5 or more sets of readings 1

3) Graph
a) Correct quantities plotted on correct axes 1
b) Axes labelled with quantity and unit 1
c) Suitable scale for each axis (1+1) 2
d) Accurately plotted points 2
e) Best fit line 1

4) Organisation of Report
a) Subheadings named (Title, Aim, Method, etc.) 1
b) Subheadings in logical order (Title, Aim, Method, etc.) 1
c) Correct subject matter under correct headings 1
d) Conclusion (which relates to Aim) at the end of the report 1

5) Account
a) Use of English (grammar, spelling, etc.) 1
b) Logical sequence of steps in Method 1
c) Clear and concise Method 1

Experiment to determine the characteristics of a conductor

 Each component in turn, is connected in series to a power supply, an
ammeter and a variable resistor. A voltmeter is connected across the
component. The current passing through the component is varied by
toggling the variable resistor. The voltage readings for corresponding
current reading are recorded.
 Plot a graph of V vs I and use to graph to determine the characteristics of
the components.
 See text page 233

SKILL AI

1) Conclusion
a) Conclusions follows from graph (4x2) 8
 b) Conclusion justified using graph (4x1) 4
TOTAL 12

SKILL MM

a) Sets up circuit correctly.

b) Makes sure connections are tight.
c) Reads voltmeter correctly
d) Reads ammeter correctly
e) Manipulates variable resistor correctly
 Experiment to determine the components of a puzzle box

A B C D
0 0 0 0

SKILL: PD
An opaque box has 4 terminals at the top as shown.
There is a filament lamp, a 5Ω resistor and a
semi-conductor diode connected in series between A
and D. Plan and design an experiment to determine which component is in each
position.

a) Development of hypothesis 1
b) Workable plan outlined:
 Each component in turn, is connected in series to a power supply, an
ammeter and a variable resistor.
 A voltmeter is connected across the component.
 The current passing through the component is varied by toggling the
variable resistor.
 The voltage readings for corresponding current reading are recorded.
 Plot a graph of V vs I or I vs V for each connection [1 mark
each] 6
c) Variables which are to be kept constant 1
d) Indicates how dependent variable is measured 1
e) Indicates how independent variable is measured 1
f) Non-standard precautions used to ensure accuracy 1
) Sources of random error 1
h) Expected results (1+1+1) 3
TOTAL 15