O/A Level Physics Practical Precautions

last SG · 2008-10-18T14:19:30+00:00

mine i put parallex and zero error. both are wrongchem the observation part too high marks liao i also dont know what to write. frankly, if i pass my practic...

eagle SG

Hi everyone.

As you know, physics practical is coming... Usually at the end of practicals, there will be a question on what precautions you are supposed to take.... I had such a list from my teacher in sec school on common questions and answers for precautions... But that was so long ago... and I lost it...

Now, I would like to compile another list for everyone to download and use. Would like to seek everyone's help in contributing the questions (and answers) if possible. What is to be done is to state the type of experiment (Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Waves, Electromagnetism)

Example:

Electromagnetism

About connecting circuits:
1) Make sure all connections are tightened and secured to minimize contact resistance

Mechanics

About measurements
1) Read directly above the ruler to prevent/minimise parallax error

Thanks everyone for the help.

Regards,
Eagle
Owner of Strategic Tuition

eagle SG

No one cares to share/help?

hiphop2009 SG

forgot already =xx

starmoonsun SG

Rulers to be kept horizontal using spirit level

Timing is started only when oscillations are steady.

Ensure metre rule used to measure height is vertical by using a set square.

Height is measure using increasing and decreasing values of L.

When measuring height, ensure that the vertical ruler is placed close to the end of clamped ruler, reading at eye level.

Ensure height is measured at the same point.

starmoonsun SG

Repeat timing for each value of R to reduce random error.

Check the wire connections to ensure that there are no loose connections in the circuit.

The reading on the multimeter is changing rapidly, hence do a few trials before taking the actual measurements.

Check that the reading on voltmeter is zero before closing the switch.

secretliker SG

Repeat timing for each value of R to reduce random error.

Should be repeat around 3 timings for n oscillations to obtain an average value of T (period), where n should be of a suitable value, usually 20.

Make small angle oscillations to minimize effect of air resistance and to keep retort stand steady.

eagle SG

Thanks everyone

Keep the contributions coming...

I will edit and compile them when I find the time

eagle SG

bump

Maith SG

Oh no!!! 2 more days to practical )))): any tips?

gunner77 SG

tmr is practical !

kenn3th SG

Ask mypillowtalk post my msn conversation with him here.

Revise with him alot of things.

kenn3th SG

Constructing a table.

Always construct with a heading magnitude+ a state symbol.

If your heading doesnt have symbols, always make sure your readings have a symbol.

Example, you write a value of 5.

5 what?
5 monkeys? 5cm? or 5 metres.

Marks will be deducted.

kenn3th SG

Accuracy.

burette: 0.1cm3

pipette: 0.1cm3

difference between burette and pipette.

burette: measures readings of up to 0.1cm3, like 23.5cm3 ect.

pipette: measures SET volumes - 25cm3, 10cm3, 15cm3.

Measuring cylinder: 1cm3 accuracy - dont be a blur cock and write 1.0cm3 - marks will be deducted for in accurate accuracy.

kenn3th SG

Measuring lengths:

check for zero errors.

you can do so by closing the jaws of the apparatus, and look at the if the "zeros" of the 2 scales are at the same point.

if they are not, then - or + the readings.

kenn3th SG

Time:

O level practicals require you to measure up to the nearest second. - from the text book.

Maith SG

anymore? \: more on chem if can pls

MyPillowTalks SG

anyone back?

im from 1st shift

Maith SG

holy shit chem quite hard!

deteq SG

holy shit chem quite hard!

quite hard? wtf it is really wtf.

never expect the last question to be just conclusion. made me study all the shit like gas collection. the copper colours.planning experiment thingy.

and the error for physics, according to my teacher, is the ruler must be constantly horizontal.

Maith SG

quite hard? wtf it is really wtf.

never expect the last question to be just conclusion. made me study all the shit like gas collection. the copper colours.planning experiment thingy.

and the error for physics, according to my teacher, is the ruler must be constantly horizontal.

wtf! lolololol then my error qn sure wrong liao. I put parallex error thingy..);