Lab Number 1

Date:

Title: Archimedes’ Principle

Theory:

What does Archimedes’ principle state?

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Apparatus: object, thread, water, displacement can, beaker, spring balance, electric balance

Diagram

Procedure:

1. Choose an appropriate object that can fit into the displacement can and can displace a
relatively large volume.
2. Securely attach the object to a thread and place it on a spring balance in air. Determine
the weight, Wa, of the object in air.
 3. Find the mass, m1, of the empty beaker using the balance and record it.
4. Fill the displacement can and allow the excess water to drain out.
5. Place the beaker under the sprout of the displacement can and gently lower the object into
the displacement can.
6. Ensure that the object is completely immersed and not touching the sides of the can.
7. Record the reading on the spring balance, Ww, when the object is completely submerged.
8. Determine the mass, m2, of the displaced water and beaker using the balance.

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Data Collected:

Mass of empty beaker, m1=

Weight of object in air, wa=

Weight of object in water, ww=

Mass of displaced water and cup, m2=

Data Analysis

1. Find the weight of the displaced water.

Weight of displaced water = mass ×gravitational field strength
Weight of displaced water = (m2-m1) ×g

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2. Calculate the upthrust

Upthrust = weight in air, wa- weight in water, w
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Discussion:

1. Did your results support Archimedes’ principle? How do you know?

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2. Give precautions taken and possible sources of error in this experiment

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Conclusion

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Lab Number 2

Date:

Title: Center of gravity

Aim: To investigate the center of gravity of a lamina using the plumbline method

Apparatus: Lamina, retort stand, plumbline, nail or pin, cork

Diagram:

Procedure

1. Ensure that the pivot (nail or optical pin in a cork) is stable (by placing in a retort stand or
on the side of a bench-top).
2. Place a hole close to the edge of the body and suspend it on the pivot. Make sure that it is
swinging freely.
3. Suspend the plumbline on to the pivot and when the lamina is in equilibrium, record the
position of the plumbline by putting in an X. the X must be placed as close to the edge as
possible. With a sharp pencil, draw in the position of the plumbline.
4. Place another hole in the lamina and repeat the procedure and locate the new position of
the plumbline.
5. Repeat again, from another position.
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Data Collected
Data Analysis

1. Why must the line intersection of the three lines be the center of gravity
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2. List the important precautions in this experiment.
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3. When the procedure is repeated a third time, how will this distinguish whether the
location of the c.g is accurate or not?
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Conclusion

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Lab Number 3
Date:
Title: Density
Aim:
i. To determine the density of a cylindrical rod
ii. To determine the density of a stone

Diagram

Procedure:
Cylindrical Rod
1. Use the vernier caliper to measure the diameter of the cylindrical rod.
2. Use the ruler to measure the height of the cylindrical rod.
3. Use the electronic balance determine the mass of the cylindrical rod

Stone
1. Use the electronic balance to find the mass of the stone.
2. Pour water into the displacement can, place it on a level surface and allow the excess
water to drain off.
3. Place an empty measuring cylinder beneath the spout of the displacement can containing
water until completely immersed.
 4. After all the water has drained off, remove the measuring cylinder from beneath the spout
of the displacement can and record the volume of water collected.

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Data Collected
Cylindrical Rod
Diameter:
Height:
Mass:

Stone
Volume of displaced water:
Mass:
Data Analysis
Calculations
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Precautions
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Sources of Errors
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Discussion
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Conclusion
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Lab Number 5
Date:
Title: Simple Pendulum
Aim: To investigate the relationship between length and period of a simple pendulum
Theory
1. What is a simple pendulum?
2. What is period?
3. What is initial amplitude of swing?
4. How is the length of a pendulum determined?
5. List the precautions you should take when measuring the length and the period of the
pendulum.

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Variables:
Manipulating Variable: _______________________________________________
Responding Variable: ________________________________________________
Control Variable: ___________________________________________________

Apparatus: Pendulum (bob and string), stopwatch, meter rule, retort stand, micrometer screw
gauge
Diagram

Procedure:
1. Use a micrometer screw gauge to measure the diameter of the bob.
2. Setup the apparatus as shown in the diagram with the length, l, of the pendulum at about
80 cm.
3. Set the pendulum oscillating with a small amplitude but in one plane.
4. Using the countdown method and timing from a mid-reference line, find the time, t1,
taken for 20 oscillations.
5. Repeat timing, t2, to ensure accuracy
6. Change the length of the pendulum and repeat the procedure. Vary the length between l=
10.0cm and 80.0 cm. ensure that your readings are spread over the entire range
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Data Collected:
Record your data in a suitable table. In addition to columns for l, t1, t2, taverage include columns for
T (period) and T2.
 Length Time for 20 Oscillations/ Period (T) T2/s2 T2/L
(L)/cm seconds T= tavg/20

T1 T2 tavg =
t1+t2/2

10

20

30
40

50
60

70
80

Data Analysis:
1. Do a table analysis to find out if T2 is directly proportional to l.
2. Plot a graph of T2 against l.
3. Use your graph to find the period of a pendulum whose length is 35cm.
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4. Find S, the gradient of the graph.
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4 π2
5. Given that g = , find g.
100 s
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6. What can we conclude about the relationship between l and T2?
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7. Write an equation connecting T2 and l.

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Conclusion

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Lab Number 6
Date:

Title: The specific latent heat of fusion of ice (method of mixture)

Aim: To determine the specific latent heat of fusion of ice.

Theory:

1. Define the specific latent heat of fusion

2. Write the associated equation connecting heat intake with latent heat of fusion
3. Describe in terms of the kinetic theory what happens to the heat energy given to the ice.
Explain why the temperature remains constant during this process.
4. What change occurs in the ice as a result of this heat intake?

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Apparatus: ice, water filter paper, Styrofoam cup, thermometer, balance, beaker
Diagram

Procedure

1. Determine the mass, mc, of the Styrofoam cup using the balance.
2. Warm some water in a beaker to about 10ᵒC above room temperature and carefully pour
it into the Styrofoam cup.
3. Measure the mass, mcw of the water and Styrofoam cup using the balance.
4. Measure the initial temperature, T1, of the water.
5. Dry small pieces of ice using the filter paper and slowly add the water. Stir the content of
the cup until the ice was completely melted and note the final temperature, Tf, of the
water.
6. Measure the final mass, mf, of the water and the Styrofoam cup using the balance.
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Results

Mass of Styrofoam cup, mc =

Mass of water and Styrofoam cup, mcw =

Initial temperature of water, T1 =

Final temperature of water, Tf =

Mass of water, melted ice and Styrofoam cup, mf =

Data Analysis

Mass of water, mw = mcw -mc

Mass of ice, mi = mf – mcw =

Change in temperature of water, ΔTw = Tf- T1

Change in temperature of ice water, ΔTw= Tf – 0

Given the assumption below calculate the specific latent heat of fusion of ice.

Heat loss by water = Latent heat required to melt ice at 0ᵒ + Sensible heat required to
raise temperature of ice
water from 0ᵒ to final
temperature of mixture
mwcwΔTw= milf + miwcwΔTiw

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Discussion:
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Discuss whether you consider your results to be accurate or not. State what are the major sources
of error in this experiment.

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Conclusion

The specific latent heat of fusion of ice was found to be _________________________________

Lab Number 7

Date:

Title: Specific heat capacity of a metal

Aim: to determine the specific heat capacity of a metal using the method of mixture

Theory/Research:

1. What is the specific heat capacity of a metal?

2. Write the formula associated with a specific heat capacity change.
3. What is the difference between the heat capacity and specific heat capacity? Give units.
4. Give a method that can be used to determine the specific heat capacity of a metal (method
of mixture).
5. List the precautions that apply to this heating system.

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Apparatus: metal, water, Styrofoam cup, stirrer, thermometer, balance, tripod, gauze, Bunsen
burner, string
Diagram

Procedure:
1. Find and record the mass, mm of the metal using the balance
2. Tie a string to the metal.
3. Place the metal in a beaker of water and allow the water to boil with metal in it for at
least 5 minutes.
4. Find the mass, mw, of the water placed in Styrofoam cup by finding the mass of the cup
alone and the mass of the cup and water using the balance.
5. Record the initial temperature of the boiling water. This is also the initial temperature,
Tm1, of the metal.
6. Transfer the metal as quickly as possible from the beaker to the Styrofoam cup with
water and begin to stir.
7. Record the highest temperature, Tf, of the water obtained after the metal was placed in the
Styrofoam cup.
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Data Collected:
Mass of metal, mm =
Mass of cup only =
Mass of cup and water =
Initial temperature of water, Tw1=
Initial temperature of metal, Tm1=
Highest temperature of water, Tf=

Data Analysis:
1. Mass of water, mw = mass of water and cup – mass of cup
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2. Change in temperature of water ΔTw = Tf – Tw1

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3. Change in temperature of metal ΔTm = Tm1- Tf

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4. Given the assumption:

Heat energy gained by liquid = heat energy lost by metal
S.H.C of water = 4200 J/KG/K
Find the specific heat capacity of the metal.
Eh gained by the water = Eh lost by the metal
mw ×cw ×ΔTw = mm ×cm ×ΔTm

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Discussion:
1. Why must the transfer of metal be done quickly?
2. After a while the temperature falls from its maximum value. Why is that?
3. Why is a Styrofoam cup a good choice as a container?
4. Why is the assumption above not strictly true?
5. State two possible sources of error in your experiment.
6. Compare the experimental value obtained for the specific heat capacity with the
theoretical value.

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Conclusion
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Lab Number 8
Date:
Title: Reflection of light
Aim: To investigate the relationship between the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection.
Theory:
1. When is reflection said to occur?
2. Draw a fully labelled diagram showing the boundary, normal, incident ray, reflected ray,
angle of incidence and angle of reflection.
3. Where are the angles measured from?

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Variables:
Manipulating variable: angle of incidence
Responding variable: angle of reflection

Apparatus: paper, tacks, four optical pins, optical board, mirror, mirror support (block),
protractor, sharp pencil
Diagram

Procedure
1. Use tacks to fasten the paper onto the board and draw in a line (mirror line) close to the
longer edge of the paper.
2. Use the protractor and ruler to draw in a normal in the middle of the mirror line and at
right angle to it.
3. Use the protractor to measure out lines at angle of incidence 15°, 20° up to 75°.
4. Hold the mirror upright and place its reflecting surface on the mirror line you have
drawn.
5. Place two pins on the first incident line (15°), one (A) close to the mirror and one (B) as
close to the edge of the paper as possible.
6. With your eyes at bench level, observe the images of pins A and B in the mirror and
place a third pin (C) close to the mirror so that it is in line with the images of A and B.
7. Place a fourth pin (D) as close to the edge of the paper as possible so that it is in line with
pin C and the images of pins A and B.
8. Remove all the pins and place an X or circled dot over the holes you have used.
9. Draw a line (reflected ray) through the pin holes of C and D and extend it back to the
mirror line. Draw in arrows to indicate the ray paths.
10. Use the protractor and measure the angle of reflection, r, and record both r and its
corresponding angle of incidence, i.
11. Repeat the procedure for all the other incident lines.
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Data Collected

Angle of incidence/° Angle of reflection/°

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45

60

75
Discussion
1. Why are the pins placed as far apart as possible?
2. Why are common pins better to use than optical pins?
3. If the rays do not intersect at one point, what does this indicate?
4. List any precautions and sources of error.
5. Discuss the results you have obtained, stating clearly what you have found out about the
relationship between the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection.

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Conclusion
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Lab Number 9
Date:
Title: Refraction of light
Aim: To investigate the relationship between the angle of incidence and the corresponding
angles of refraction for glass block.
Theory:
1. What is refraction?
2. Draw a fully labeled diagram showing the boundary, normal, incident ray, refracted ray,
angle of incidence and angle of refraction.
3. Where are the angle of incidence and the angle of refraction measure from?

Variables
Manipulating variable:
Responding variable:

Apparatus: glass block, ruler, paper, protractor, 4 optical pins, 2 tacks, a sharp pencil, optical
board.

Diagram
Procedure:

1. Use tacks to fasten the sheet of paper onto the optical board. Place the glass block in the
center of the paper and draw the outline of the glass block in pencil.
2. Use the protractor to draw in a normal on the middle of the long side of the block. Label
the intersection of the normal and the glass block as point 0.
3. Use the protractor to measure out and draw in angles, I, of 10°, 20° up to 60°. Extend the
lines to the edge of the paper.
4. On the 10 ° line, place two pins A and B upright; so that A is as close to the block as
possible and B is as close to the edge of the paper as possible.
5. With your eyes at bench level and looking through the glass block at the images of A and
B, turn your head in the position where the image of B is directly behind the image of A.
place a pin C to the block so that it appears to be in line with the images of A and B.
6. Place a fourth pin D close to the edge of the page, so that it is in line with C and the
images of A and B.
7. Remove the pins and place an X over the holes for pins C and D that have the correct
alignment. Remove the block as well.
8. Draw a line through the pinholes and extend it back to the glass block (point R). This
represents the emergent ray.
9. By connecting point O to point R, draw in the refracted ray. Draw arrows on incident and
emergent rays indicating the direction in which the light travels. Use the protractor to
measure the angle of refraction, r, and record r and its corresponding angle of incidence,
i.
10. Repeat the procedure for all the other angles of incidence drawn.
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Data Collected
i/° r/° Sin i Sin r sin i
n=
sin r
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Data Analysis
1. Plot a graph of sin I against sin r
2. From your graph find the value of the angle of incidence when the angle of refraction is
25°.
3. Use your graph to find the refractive index of the glass.
1
4. Given that n= where C is the critical angle of glass, find the value of the critical
sin C
angle of the glass.

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Discussion

1. How do your observations show that light is refracted?

2. Does your graph show proportionality? Justify your answer.
3. What is the gradient equal to in terms of the quantities on the axes?
4. Give the name of the scientist who has a law with this term and state his law.
5. What is the connection between the gradient and the refractive index, n?
6. Discuss any precaution and sources of error in this experiment
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Conclusion
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Lab Number 10

Date:

Title: Resistance of a resistor

Aim: to determine the resistance of a resistor

Theory:

1. State Ohm’s law and the formula associated with it. Clearly state the meaning of the
symbols in the equation.
2. How must ammeters be connected?
3. How must voltmeters be connected?

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Variables:

Manipulating variable: voltage

Responding variable: current

Apparatus: Resistor, battery, ammeter, voltmeter, rheostat, switch, connecting-wire.

Circuit Diagram

Procedure:

1. Collect all the apparatus and set up as shown in the circuit diagram with the rheostat
at maximum and the switch off.
2. Insert the switch and record and the current, i, on the ammeter and the voltage, v, on
the voltmeter.
3. Change the current and voltage reading using the rheostat and obtain 8-10 readings
over the widest possible range.
 Data Collected:
i/A v/volts R/Ohms

Data Analysis:

1. Do a table analysis to find the average value of the resistance.

2. Plot a graph of voltage against current.
3. Use your graph to find the value of the potential difference which gives a current of
0.35A. ________________________
4. Find the gradient of the graph and hence the value of the resistance.

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Discussion:
 1. Is your graph proportional? Justify your answer.
2. What is the meaning of the gradient?
3. Is the conductor ohmic?
4. Compare the average value of resistance from the table to value from graph.
5. List precautions and sources of error.

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Conclusion:
Within the limits of experimental error, the resistance of the resistor was found to be
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Lab Number 11
Date:
Title: Radioactive decay
Aim: to show radioactive decay and determine the half-life of the decay
Theory:
What is the half life of a radioactive substance?
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Materials: 180 coins, can

Procedure:
1. Shake the coins and throw onto the table top.
2. Remove all the coins that have their heads acing upwards and count and record the
remaining coins.
3. Gather the remaining coins, shake them and throw onto the table top.
4. Repeat the experiment until very few coins are left.

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Data Collected:
Thrown number Number of coins remaining

Data Analysis:
1. Plot a graph of number of coins remaining against thrown number.
2. Determine the umber of throws it takes for the number of remaining coins to reduce to
half for four different values of number of coins remaining. (NB half life = number of
throws required for remaining coins to be reduced to half)
3. Does the system have a constant half-life?

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Discussion
1. Does this experiment represent a true model of radioactive decay? Give reason (s)
2. List the precautions and sources of errors in the experiment.

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Conclusion
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Lab Number 13
 Problem Statement:
Plan and design an experiment to determine if the rate of flow of water dripping from a
burette is proportional to the height of the liquid.
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