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Paper 4 - Alternative to Practical Paper

Alternative to Practical Paper consists of four or five questions relating to practical Physics.
Questions may involve the description of particular techniques, the drawing of diagrams, or
the analysis of data.
Measurement and Observations

At least 5/6 sets of readings

Quality of results is judged by scatter of points about lines of best fit

Presentation of Results

Table of results include columns for repeat and averages.

Each column include headings: name of symbol of measured or calculated quantity with
its units (e.g. l/m, T/s, d2/s2, 1/R/-1, lg(I/A))

Number of significant figures should be consistent with the degree of accuracy/ precision
of the measuring instrument - e.g length from a metre rule is given to nearest mm (up to
0.1 cm): d =12.0 cm and not d =12 cm. If time, t, is measured to 1 d.p, then all values of t
should be given to 1 d.p, i.e, same number of d .p.

The number of significant figures given for calculated quantities should be the same as
the least number of significant figures in the raw data used.

Taking readings: Interpolation between scale divisions should be to better than one half of
a division. For example, consider a thermometer with scale divisions of 1C. A reading of
22.3 C might best be recorded as 22.5 C, since 0.3 is nearer 0.5 than 0.

Graphical Work
Axes

Each axis must be labeled with the quantity plotted and its unit.

Scales must be such that the plotted points occupy at least of the graph grid in both the
x and y directions (4 6 large squares in portrait or 6 4 large squares in landscape)

Sensible Scales (1: 10, 2: 10, 5: 10) e.g scale: 2 cm ( 10 units) 0.5 N or 2cm 20 mm)
i.e. 2 cm on the graph paper representing I or 2 or 5 units of the variable (or 10, 20 or 50, etc.)

Awkward Scales (3: 10, 6: 10, 8: 10) multiples of 3, 6, 7, 9, 11

Do not leave gaps of more than 3 large squares between scale markings.

Use a plastic rule when drawing the line of best fit so that the plots can be seem as the
line is drawn.

Plotting Points

A title (e.g. load against extension)

All observations plotted.

Do not allow plots in the margin area.

Points must be indicated by a small cross or a fine dot with a circle drawn around it ( or
+ or )

Plots must be accurate to a small square.

Lines of Best Fit

There must be a reasonable balance of points about the line (straight or curved) of best fit.

Line drawn must not be > of a small square thickness.

Line must be smooth and continuous.

Measurement of Gradient (m)

Hypotenuse of must be > the length of the line drawn.

Work to a small square.

Allow 2 or 3 S.F only for slope.

Y-intercept (c)
Read off y-intercept to a small square

TIPS FOR GOOD EXPERIMENTAL PRACTICE

Note: It is difficult to measure accurately small quantities (e.g lengths, angles). So,
use large values in experiment reduce % uncertainty.
Avoid suggesting VAGUE ways of improving experiment:
o repeat readings
o use a more sensitive instrument (e.g stopwatch)
o avoid parallax error.
Stress on improvements in techniques and/or use of apparatus.
Using a metre rule:
o The line of sight is at right angles to the scale reading.
o Avoid using the zero mark on the rule that have no dead space. So l = l2-l1.
o Use set-squares as a ridged fiducial aid to avoid parallax error.
When using a measuring cylinder:
o
o
o
o
o

Place on a level table. Take volume reading at the bottom of the meniscus.
So eye is placed on same horizontal level as the lower meniscus.
Respect the temperature at which scale is calibrated.
Put water in displacement can up to spout.
20 C mark on the measuring cylinder indicates scale calibration is done at 20 C.

Experiment on electricity
o Choose ammeters or voltmeters of FSD that shows the large deflection for maximum
accuracy in reading.
o On ammeters or voltmeters: + terminal (RED) and terminal (BLACK)
o Always connect + terminal to + terminal of power source.
o Wrong connection can damage instrument.
o Tap ammeters/voltmeters gently as pointer can be damped by dust.
o Deflection on the left hand side of zero mark on the scale of ammeters/voltmeters
indicates zero error or polarity of meter is reversed .i.e wrong connection.
o One-sided deflection & fluctuating pointer indicates bad electrical connections.
o Wires may need to be cleaned with an abrasive prior to use
o Set rheostat to its maximum resistance to prevent circuit from excessive current.
o Check if wires contain any kinks or loops that may cause short-circuiting.
To measure the length of a pendulum:
o Place rule alongside and close to thread.
o Hold rule with a clamp.
o Avoid using the zero mark on the scale.

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o Subtract reading at the beginning of item from the rule reading at the end.
o Use fiducial aids such as set squares to avoid parallax error when taking measurements.
o Use micrometer screw gauge to measure radius of bob.
o L= (l2-l1) + radius.
Timing oscillations:
Use a fiducial marker: a vertical line (reference) drawn on white card. It improves accuracy in
timing. A fiducial mark marks the start and end of one oscillation. It is placed behind
pendulum at its equilibrium (lower) position where pendulum crosses the line of sight with
greatest speed. Eye is placed perpendicular to it. Use a method based on T=t/N, where N = no
of Osc, for small T. Repeat and average readings. Time for a large no. of Osc.
Experiment on light:
o Apparatus is placed in the shaded part of the room.
o To obtain a full image on the screen the object, lens and the image (screen) must be
parallel with each other and the centre of each item on the same horizontal axis.
o To measure object (u) /image (v) distance, a metre rule is placed alondside and close to
items i.e object, lens and screen.
How to improve accuracy of readings:
o The line of sight is perpendicular to the scale reading being read.
o Use set squares as fiducial aids to connect each item to the rule scale.
o Set squares are placed with one of its perpendicular edges along the horizontal edge of the
rule.
o Translucent screen (e.g tracing paper) allows observer to view and measure size of image
without obstruction.
o Optical pins (thin) placed perpendicular to plane paper, further apart, thin and long lines
drawn and large protractor improve accuracy of the measured angles.
Using a laboratory thermometer:
o
o
o
o

Hold thermometer vertical at middle of liquid with no contact with beaker.

Immerse by correct length i.e, 1/3 rd of the total length of thermometer,
Liquid is stirred to attain uniform temperature.
Take stable temperature readings.

Difference between a linear relation and a directly proportional

linear relation: y = m x + c
direct proportionality : y x

i.e,

y = m x, where m and c are constants.