Comprehensive

PRACTICAL PHYSICS
FOR
CLASS XII
 Comprehensive
PRACTICAL PHYSICS
FOR
CLASS XII

Strictly according to new curriculum prescribed by

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
and
State Boards of Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Bihar, Jharkhand,
Kerala, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Uttarakhand and other
States following NCERT curriculum

By
J.N. JAISWAL Dr. RAJENDRA SINGH
Formerly, Head of Deptt. of Physics [M.Sc. (Phy), B.Ed., Ph.D.]
Hindu College, Sonepat [Delhi University]
Haryana J.D. Tytler School
New Rajinder Nagar
Delhi

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Comprehensive PRACTICAL PHYSICS–XII

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 CONTENTS
Pages
Preface (ix)
Syllabus (xi)—(xii)
Chapter 1. General Introduction 1—18
Chapter 2. Current Electricity—Sources and Accessories 19—40

SECTION A
Chapter 3. Measurement of Resistance 41—65
Experiment 1: To determine resistance per cm of a given wire by plotting a
graph of potential difference versus current. ... 46
Experiment 2: To find resistance of a given wire using metre bridge and
hence determine the resistivity (specific resistance) of its
material. ... 51
Experiment 3: To verify the laws of combination (series) of resistances using
a metre bridge. ... 55
Experiment 4: To verify the laws of combination (parallel) of resistances
using a metre bridge. ... 57
Chapter 4. Measurement of Electromotive Force and Potential Difference 66—79
Experiment 5: To compare the EMF of two given primary cells using
potentiometer. ... 70
Experiment 6: To determine the internal resistance of a given primary cell
using potentiometer ... 73
Chapter 5. Galvanometer, Ammeter and Voltmeter 80—96
Experiment 7: To determine resistance of a galvanometer by half-deflection
method and to find its figure of merit. ... 85
Experiment 8: To convert the given galvanometer (of known resistance and
figure of merit) into a voltmeter of desired range and to verify
the same. ... 88
Experiment 9: To convert the given galvanometer (of known resistance and
figure of merit) into an ammeter of desired range and to verify
the same. ... 90
Chapter 6. Frequency of A.C. (Alternating Current) Mains 97—106
Experiment 10: To find the frequency of the AC mains with a sonometer ... 99
ACTIVITIES 107–118
Activity 1: To measure the resistance and impedance of an inductor with
or without iron core. ... 107
Activity 2: To measure resistance, voltage (AC/DC), current (AC)
and check continuity of a given circuit using multimeter. ... 109
Activity 3: To assemble a household circuit comprising three bulbs,
three (on/off) switches, a fuse and a power source. ... 113

(v)
 ( vi )
Pages
Activity 4: To assemble the components of a given electrical circuit. ... 114
Activity 5: To study the variation in potential drop with length of a wire
for a steady current. ... 115
Activity 6: To draw the diagram of a given open circuit comprising at
least a battery, resistor/rheostat, key, ammeter and
voltmeter. Mark the components that are not connected in
proper order and correct the circuit and also the circuit
diagram. ... 117

SECTION B
Chapter 7. Focal Length of Spherical Mirrors 119—140
Experiment 1: To find the value of v for different values of u in case of a
concave mirror and to find the focal length ... 126
Experiment 2: To find the focal length of a convex mirror, using a convex
lens. ... 133
Chapter 8. Focal Length of Spherical Lenses 141—159
Experiment 3: To find the focal length of a convex lens by plotting graphs
between u and v or between 1/u and 1/v. ... 147
Experiment 4: To find the focal length of a concave lens using a convex
lens. ... 153
Chapter 9. Refractive Index of Prism Material, Glass Slab and
Transparent Liquid 160—175
Experiment 5: To determine angle of minimum deviation for a given prism
by plotting a graph between angle of incidence and the angle
of deviation. ... 163
Experiment 6: To determine refractive index of a glass slab using a
travelling microscope. ... 170
Experiment 7: To find the refractive index of a liquid by using convex lens
and plane mirror. ... 173
Chapter 10. Semiconductor Diodes and Transistors 176—203
Experiment 8: To draw the I-V characteristic curve of a p-n junction in
forward bias and reverse bias. ... 182
Experiment 9: To draw the characteristic curve of a Zener diode and to
determine its reverse breakdown voltage. ... 190
Experiment 10: To study the characteristics of a common emitter npn (or
pnp) transistor and to find out the values of current and
voltage gains. ... 194

ACTIVITIES 204–222
Activity 1: To identify a diode, an LED, a transistor, an IC, a resistor
and a capacitor from a mixed collection of such items. ... 204
 ( vii )
Pages
Activity 2: To use a multimeter to (a) identify base of transistor,
(b) distinguish between npn and pnp type transistors,
(c) see the unidirectional flow of current in case of a diode
and an LED, (d) check whether a given electronic component
(e.g., diode, transistor or IC) is in working order. ... 206
Activity 3: To study effect of intensity of light (by varying distance of
he source) on an LDR. ... 211
Activity 4: To observe refraction and lateral deviation of a beam of light
incident obliquely on a glass slab. ... 213
Activity 5: To observe polarisation of light using two polaroids. ... 214
Activity 6: To observe diffraction of light due to a thin slit. ... 216
Activity 7A: To study the nature and size of the image formed by a convex
lens on a screen by using a candle and a screen (for different
distances of the candle from the lens). ... 217
Activity 7B: To study the nature and size of the image formed by a concave
mirror on a screen by using a candle and a screen (for
different distances of the candle from the mirror). ... 219
Activity 8: To obtain a lens combination with the specified focal length
by using two lenses from the given set of lenses. ... 220
Suggested Investigatory Projects 223—261
Appendix 263—269
Logarithmic and Other Tables (i)—(xviii)
 PREFACE TO THE NEW EDITION
Once again, the Physics Practical Syllabus of the Class XII (10 + 2 system) presented by
CBSE has undergone a noticeable change. Outdated experiments on magnetism and charge-
discharge have been excluded. Experiments on Logic Gates have also been excluded because
they were old, panel operated and ready-made giving no inbuilt information and knowledge.
Investigatory projects, have been included.
As in the past, we, on our part, did not trail behind and engaged ourselves to bring the
previous edition of the book up-to-date before the new session starts.
The book has been written in a simple and lucid language. Each experiment contains
essential theory and detailed procedure (with logical and systematic steps) for the successful
performance of the experiment. Systematic and scientific tables have been given to record the
observations and steps of calculations are shown methodically. Circuit diagrams, ray diagrams
and figures of instruments have been drawn neatly. Sample observations have been given in
some experiments. At the end of each experiment important precautions and related specimen,
oral questions with answers are given. This may help the students for better understanding of
the experiment. We hope that the present form of the book will be liked by teachers and
students.
This edition of Comprehensive Practical Physics is complete in all respects to meet the
requirements of my talented teachers, colleagues and illustrious students. They will like it in
the same manner as they liked the previous edition. Constructive comments and good sugges-
tions are invited and will be gratefully acknowledged for the improvement of this book.
My Publisher M/s Laxmi Publications have once again helped us in reaching you in
time through this book.
The salient features maintained in the book are :
1. Experiments have been classified into chapters, and chapters arranged in same order
as in a theory book.
2. In each chapter, complete theory has been given for all topics, even if there is no experi-
ment based on them. This has been done to maintain continuity.
3. Experiments have been described systematically covering all parts, especially the pro-
cedure has been given step-wise.
4. At the end of each experiment or group of similar experiments, a sufficient number of
oral questions with answers have been given for viva-voce.
Answers in viva-voce serve as Summary Points.
Questions in viva-voce serve as Review Questions.
This single book is ‘three-in-one’ serving as a theory and a practical book.
—AUTHORS

( ix )
 SYLLABUS
CLASS XII (PRACTICALS)

(Total Periods 60)

The record, to be submitted by the students, at the time of their annual examination,
has to include
• Record of at least 15 Experiments [with a minimum of 6 from each section, to be
performed by the students.
• Record of at least 6 Activities [with a minimum of 3 each from section A and Section
B], to be demonstrated by the teachers.
• The Report of the project, to be carried out by the students.
Evaluation Scheme Total Periods : 60
Two experiments one from each section 8 + 8 Marks
Practical record [experiments and activities] 6 Marks
Project 3 Marks
Viva on experiments and project 5 Marks

Total 30 Marks

SECTION A
Experiments
1. To determine resistance per cm of a given wire by plotting a graph of potential differ-
ence versus current.
2. To find resistance of a given wire using metre bridge and hence determine the resistivity
(specific resistance) of its material.
3. To verify the laws of combination (series) of resistances using a metre bridge.
4. To verify the laws of combination (series) of resistance using a metre bridge.
5. To compare the e.m.f. of two given primary cells using potentiometer.
6. To determine the internal resistance of given primary cell using potentiometer.
7. To determine resistance of a galvanometer by half deflection method and to find its
figure of merit.
8. To convert the given galvanometer (of known resistance and figure of merit) into a
voltmeter of desired range and to verify the same.
9. To convert the given galvanometer (of known resistance and figure of merit) into an
ammeter of desired range and to verify the same.
10. To find the frequency of the a.c. mains with a sonometer.
Activities (For the purpose of demonstration only)
1. To measure the resistance and impedance of an inductor with or without iron core.
2. To measure resistance, voltage (A.C./D.C.), current (A.C.) and check continuity of a
given circuit using multimeter.

( xi )
 ( xii )
3. To assemble a household circuit comprising three bulbs, three (on/off) switches, a fuse
and a power source.
4. To assemble the components of a given electrical circuit (Say Ohm’s law circuit).
5. To study the variation in potential drop with length of a wire for a steady current.
6. To draw the diagram of a given open circuit comprising at least a battery, resistor/
rheostat, key, ammeter and voltmeter. Mark the components that are not connected in
proper order and correct the circuit and also the circuit diagram.
SECTION B
Experiments
1. To find the value of v for different values of u in case of a concave mirror and to find the
focal length.
2. To find the focal length of a convex mirror, using a convex lens.
3. To find the focal length of a convex lens by plotting graphs between u and v or
between 1/u and 1/v.
4. To find the focal length of a concave lens, using a convex lens.
5. To determine angle of minimum deviation for a given prism by plotting a graph between
angle of incidence and the angle of deviation.
6. To determine refractive index of a glass slab using a travelling microscope.
7. To find refractive index of a liquid by using, convex lens and plane mirror.
8. To draw the I–V characteristic curve of a p-n junction in forward-bias and reverse-bias.
9. To draw the characteristic curve of a zener diode and to determine its reverse break-
down voltage.
10. To study the characteristics of a common emitter n-p-n or p-n-p transistor and to find
out the values of current and voltage gains.
Activities (For the purpose of demonstration only)
1. To identify a diode, an LED, a transistor, an IC, a resistor and a capacitor from a mixed
collection of such items.
2. Use of multimeter to (i) identify base of transistor. (ii) distinguish between npn and pnp
type transistors. (iii) see the unidirectional flow of current in case of a diode and an
LED. (iv) check whether a given electronic component (e.g., diode, transistor or IC) is in
working order.
3. To study effect of intensity of light (by varying distance of the source) on an L.D.R.
4. To observe refraction and lateral deviation displacement of a beam of light incident
obliquely on a glass slab.
5. To observe polarization of light using two polaroids.
6. To observe diffraction of light due to a thin slit between sharp edges of razor blades.
7. To study the nature and size of the image formed by a (i) convex lens (ii) concave mirror,
on a screen by using a candle and a screen (for different distances of the candle from the
lens/mirror).
8. To obtain a lens combination with the specified focal length by using two lenses from
the given set of lenses.