Name: ______________________________ From: _______

GLENMUIR HIGH SCHOOL

Cape Physics Unit I

Lab Manual 2015-2016

 Table of Content

Lab # Topic Aim/Problem Statement

1 Oscillations
2 Simple Harmonic Motion
3 Projectiles ( incomplete)
4 (P&D) Terminal Velocity
5 Deformation
6 Moments (Tentative)
7 (P&D) Waves
8 Resonance
9 Latent Heat
10 (P&D) Heat Transfer
To determine the oscillation of a chain of paper clips.
To investigate the oscillations of a pendulum and to
determine the acceleration due to gravity.
To construct a simple hydrometer and determine the
density of a liquid.
Design a laboratory experiment to investigate how the
terminal velocity of a parachute depends upon the load
which it carries and the diameter of the canopy.
To determine the Young’s Modulus for the material of a
meter rule.
To determine the mass of a meter rule using the principle
of moments.
You are provided with a laser pointer of unknown
wavelength. Plan and design an experiment to determine
the wavelength of a laser pointer.
To determine the speed of sound using resonance from
the air column in a glass tube semi-immersed in water and
tuning forks
To determine the specific latent heat of vaporization of
water.
Plastic cups A, B and C contain 60g of salt solution each, at
different concentrations. The solution in ‘A’ is the least
concentrated. Design an experiment to test whether
specific heat capacity increases or decreases with
concentration.
Lab #: 1

Date: ...

Topic: Oscillation

Aim: To determine the oscillation of a chain of paper clips.

Apparatus: 25 paper clips ‘n’, retort stand, cork, stop watch, nail.

Diagram of Apparatus:

Method: 1) The apparatus was set up as shown above.

2) Four paper clips were hung from the nail.

3) The paper clips were displaced at a small angle and released.

4) The time taken for 10 oscillations was recorded and done twice.

5) Steps 2 to 4 were repeated for five other values of ‘n’.

6) A graph of log T vs log n was plotted.

Table of Results:

# of clips / n time1 (t1)/s time2 (t2)/s tavg / s Period (T) / s log n log T
4
[Graph]

Calculations: T = p𝑛𝑞 [you must show how the equation is put into y= mx + c]

Discussion:

Sources of Error:

Precautions:
Lab #: 2

Date: ...

Topic: Simple Harmonic Motion

Aim: To investigate the oscillations of a pendulum and to determine the acceleration due to
gravity.

Apparatus: Retort stand, pendulum bob, string, stop watch, meter rule, cork.

Diagram of Apparatus:

Method: 1) The apparatus was set up as shown in the diagram above, with the total length being 70cm.

2) A metal rod was placed horizontally on the retort stand to act as a stop.

3) The value of ‘d’ was measured and recorded.

4) The pendulum was gently displaced and the time taken for ten(10) oscillations to be made
was recorded.

5) Steps 4 was repeated using the same length for ‘d’.

6) Steps 3-5 were repeated for six other values of ‘d’ in the range; 20 cm ≤ d ≤ 60 cm.
𝑑
7) A graph of T vs was plotted.
𝑇
Table of Results:

𝑑
d/m t1/s t2/s tavg/s T/s /ms-1
𝑇

[Graph]

̵ 𝜋2 𝑑 𝑙
Calculations: T=
𝑔
(𝑇 ) + 2π√𝑔

Discussion:

Sources of Error:

Precautions:
Lab #: 3

Date:

Topic: Projectiles

Aim: To investigate projectiles motion with:

a) The final landing point at the horizontal level

b) The final landing point downhill

Apparatus: Computer, simulation from PhET: Projectile simulation

Diagram:

Method:

Instructions:

- Go to Google and type in PhET simulations physics.

- Click on NEW SIMS- PhET simulations-.
- Move pointer to the left of page and click on ALL Sims.
- Go to letter P and click on Projectile motion.
- Click on download if you want applet on your computer or click run to perform lab online.( you
may have to update-Java

Incomplete
Lab #: 4

Date: ...

Topic: Terminal velocity

Problem Statement: A parachute falling in air eventually moves with a velocity known as a terminal
velocity. A toy rocket contains a small parachute which is ejected from the rocket a short time after
launching. The designer of the rocket wishes to know how the terminal velocity of the parachute is
affected by the diameter of the canopy and the load which it carries

Design a laboratory experiment to investigate how the terminal velocity of the parachute depends upon
the load which it carries and the diameter of the canopy. In your account you should pay particular
attention to the following:

a. The method by which the diameter of the canopy and the terminal velocity are to be measured.
b. The control of variables
c. Any important precautions you would take which may improve the accuracy of your experiment.

Aim: ...

Hypothesis: ...

Variables: Manipulated: ...

Controlled: ...
Responding: ...

Apparatus: ...

Diagram of Apparatus:
Method:

Table of Results: {don’t need actual values in it, just the headings which show which measurements
would be taken}

Expected Graph: {just a labelled sketch, graph paper not required – 2 graphs needed for each condition}

Calculations: {Just show equations that may be used and their transposition to determine the quantity
needed}

Data Analysis:

Conclusion: {optional, recommended where possible}

Limitations:
Lab #: 5

Date: ...

Topic: Young’s Modulus

Aim: To determine the Young’s Modulus for the material of a meter rule.

Theory: The theory suggests that the vertical displacement ‘Y’ is related to the other parameter
4𝑚𝑔𝐿3
of a meter rule through the following equation. Y=
𝐸𝑏𝑑3
Apparatus: ...

Diagram of apparatus:

Method: 1) ‘b’ and ‘d’ were measured using the vernier caliper.

2) Rule A was clamped horizontally with the bench.

3) A distance ‘L = 0.6m’ was measured between the point of support and the end of the rule.

4) Rule ‘B’ was set vertically using a retort stand and clamp.

5) A 400g mass was attached gently to the horizontal rule so that it did not vibrate, and the
deflection, ‘Y’, of the horizontal ruler was noted.

6) Steps 3 – 5 were repeated for values of ‘L’ in the range 0.45m ≤ L ≤ 0.75m.

7) The values of ‘Y’ and ‘L’ were tabulated and a graph of ‘Y’ vs ‘L3’ was plotted.
Table of Results:

L/m Y/m L3/m3

Calculations:

Discussion:

Conclusion:

Sources of Error:

Precaution:
Lab #: 6

Date: ...

Topic: Waves

Problem Statement: You are provided with a green laser pointer of unknown wavelength. Plan
and design an experiment to determine the wavelength of a laser pointer.

Aim: ...

Hypothesis: ...

Variables: Manipulated:
Controlled:
Responding:

Apparatus: ...

Diagram of Apparatus: ...

Method: ...

Table of Results: {Show columns of information which is to be collected}

Expected graph: {sketch needed}

Calculations: {sample needed}

Data Analysis: {Be sure to answer the following questions:}

1. What does the term monochromatic mean?

2. Explain the origin of the fringe patterns.
3. Explain the patterns observed when:
a. Distance between double slits is increased/decreased
b. Distance between the slit and screen is increased/decreased
c. The width of the slits are increased/decreased
d. When the screen is tilted 45° forward.
4. What will happen to the fringe spacing if a red and a violet laser was used instead.

Conclusion: {optional, recommended where possible}

Limitations: ...
Lab #: 7 (Pending UWI lab)

Date: ...

Topic: Moments

Aim: To determine the mass of a meter rule using the principle of moments.

Theory: {Research the theory}

Apparatus: ...

Diagram of Apparatus:

Method: 1) A meter rule was placed on a knife edge until it was balanced.

2) The centre of gravity was recorded.

3) A 100g mass was placed on the meter rule and the knife edge repositioned to allow the
system to become balanced once more.

4) Values of ‘x’ and the corresponding ‘y’ were recorded.

5) Steps 3-4 were repeated for five (5) other positions of the 100g mass.

6) A graph of ‘y’ vs ‘x’ was plotted.

Table of Results:

x/cm y/cm

Zm = _________
Calculations: y(100 + m) = 100x + zm

Discussion:

Sources of Error:

Precautions
Lab #: 8

Date: ...

Topic: Resonance

Aim: (a) To determine the speed of sound in air using a resonance tube.
(b) To determine the diameter d of a resonance tube.

Theory: the speed of sound in air (c) can be found using the formula: c = 4f ( l + 0.3d), where f is
the frequency of the tuning fork and d is the diameter of the tube.

A column of air in a tube, closed at one end, has a natural frequency of vibration at a
particular length. If a vibrating tuning fork is placed over the tube and the length of the
column of air is altered, it is possible to find the length that resonates with the tuning
fork. At this point a loud sound is heard. In its fundamental mode of vibration the length
of the air column is approximately equal to one quarter of a wavelength.

Apparatus: tuning forks, glass tube, glass cylinder with water.

Diagram of Apparatus: Resonance Java Applet simulation lab

Method:

1. Press the "Strike Fork" button.

2. Adjust the height of the inner tube, by dragging with the mouse, until resonance occurs. You will
recognize resonance (at 1/4 wavelength) when the wave pattern produces a curved V shape. If
you have not found resonance before the fork stops vibrating you can press "Strike Fork" again.
3. At resonance, when the fork has stopped vibrating, press the "Get Ruler" button. Record the
distance (l) from the top of the water to the top of the tube
4. Press "New Fork". Record the frequency f
5. Repeat steps 1 to 3 until you have got a resonant length for each tuning fork.
6. Plot a graph of frequency(f) versus 1/Lavg.
Table of Results:

Frequency(f)/hz Length(L1)/m Length(L1)/m Average Length(Lavg)/m 1/Lavg/m-1

Calculations: for calculations you must clearly show how the equation c = 4f ( L+ 0.3d) is rearranged into
y = mx + c.

ALL working must be clearly shown for the calculation of the speed of sound and the
diameter of the resonance tube.

Discussion: Must include observations made from experiment (explain observations made).

You must explain what would be heard at the different lengths

Conclusion:

Precautions:
Lab #: 9

Date: ...

Topic: Latent Heat

Aim: To determine the specific latent heat of vapourization of water (𝑙𝑣 )

Apparatus: ...

Diagram of Apparatus:

Method: 1){for what applies}

Table of results:

Data Analysis:

Conclusion: {if possible}

Limitations:
Lab #: 10

Date: ...

Topic: Heat Transfer

Problem Statement: Plastic cups A, B and C contain 60g of salt solution each, at different
concentrations. The solution in ‘A’ is the least concentrated. Design an experiment to test
whether specific heat capacity increases or decreases with concentration.

Aim: ...

Hypothesis: ...

Variables: Manipulated:
Controlled:
Responding:

Apparatus: 60g of liquids A, B & C, 100g mass, water bath, thermometer, Bunsen burner, tripod
stand, wire gauze.

Diagram of Apparatus: ...

Table of Results: {sample table with labeled columns}

Calculations: ...

Data Analysis: ...

Conclusion: ...

Limitations: ...