CLASS 11 PHYSICS PRACTICAL

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
LEFT SIDE=OBSERVATION TABLE AND DIAGRAM ONLY
RIGHT SIDE=WRITTEN WORK ONLY
1.To Measure Diameter of a Small Spherical
cylindrical Body Using Vernier Callipers
Aim
To measure diameter of a small sphericall cylindrical body using Vernier Callipers.

Apparatus
Vernier callipers, a spherical body (pendulum bob) or a cylinder and a magnifying lens.

Theory
If with the body between the jaws, the zero of vernier scale lies ahead of Nth. division of
main scale, then main scale reading (M.S.R.) = N.
If nth division of vernier scale coincides with any division of main scale, then vernier scale
reading (V.S.R.)
= n x (L.C.) (L.C. is least count of vernier callipers)
= n x (V.C.) (V.C. is vernier constant of vernier callipers)
Total reading, T.R. = M.S.R. + V.S.R. (L.C. = V.C.)
= N + n x (V.C.).

DIAGRAM

Procedure
 1. Determine the vernier constant (V.C.) i.e. least count (L.C.) of the vernier
callipers and record it step wise.
2. Bring the movable jaw BD in close contact with the fixed jaw AC and find the
zero error. Do it three times and record them. If there is no zero error, record
zero error nil.
3. Open the jaws, place the sphere or cylinder between the two jaws A and B and
adjust the jaw DB, such that it gently grips the body without any undue pressure
on it. Tight the screw S attached to the vernier scale V.
4. Note the position of the zero mark of the vernier scale on the main scale.
Record the main scale reading just before the zero mark of the vernier scale.
This reading (1ST) is called main scale reading (M.S.R.).
5. Note the number (n) of the vernier scale division which coincides with some
division of the main scale.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 after rotating the body by 90° for measuring the diameter
in a perpendicular direction.
7. Repeat steps 3, 4, 5 and 6 for three different positions. Record the observations
in each set in a tabular form.
8. Find total reading and apply zero correction.
9. Take mean of different values of diameter and show that in the result with
proper unit.

Observations

1. Determination of Vernier Constant (Least Count) of the Vernier Callipers

1 M.S.D. = 1mm
10VS.D.=9M.S.D.
.-. 1 V.S.D. = 9/10 M.S.D. = 0.9 mm.
Vernier Constant, V.C. = 1 M.S.D. – 1 V.S.D. = (1 – 0.9) mm = 0.1 mm = 0.01
cm.
2. Zero error (i)……. cm, (ii)…… cm, (iii)……… cm.
Mean zero error (e) =……… cm.
Mean zero correction (c) = – e =…………cm.
3. Table for the Diameter (D)
4. Least count =pitch/number of vernier scale divisions

OBSERVATION TABLE

MAIN SCALE VERINER MAIN

SCALE*LEAST SCALE+VERNIER
COUNT SCALE
Calculation
Mean corrected diameter

Result
The diameter of the given sphere/cylinder is………….cm.

Precautions

1. Motion of vernier scale on main scale should be made smooth (by oiling if
necessary).
2. Vernier constant and zero error should be carefully found and properly
recorded.
3. The body should be gripped between the jaws firmly but gently (without undue
pres-sure on it from the jaws).
4. Observations should be taken at right angles at one place and taken at least as
three different places.

Sources of Error

1. The vernier scale may be loose on main scale.

2. The jaws may not be at right angles to the main scale.
3. The graduations on scale may not be correct and clear.
4. Parallax may be there in taking observations.

2.To Measure Diameter of a Given Wire Using

Screw Gauge
Aim
To measure diameter of a given wire using screw gauge.

Apparatus
Screw gauge, wire, half-metre scale and magnifying lens.

Theory
1. If with the wire between plane faces A and B, the edge of the cap lies ahead of Mb division
of linear scale.
Then, linear scale reading (L.S.R.) = N.
If nth division of circular scale lies over reference line.
Then, circular scale reading (C.S.R.) = n x (L.C.) (L.C. is least count of screw gauge) Total
reading (T.R.) = L.S.R. + C.S.R. = N+n x (L.C.).
2. If D be the mean diameter and l be the mean length of the wire,Volume of the wire,

Diagram

Procedure

1. Find the value of one linear scale division (L.S.D.).

 2. Determine the pitch and the least count of the screw gauge and record it step
wise.
3. Bring the plane face B in contact with plane face A and find the zero error. Do
it three times and record them. If there is no zero error, then record zero error
nil.
4. Move the face B away from face A. Place the wire lengthwise over face A and
move the face B towards face A using the ratchet head R. Stop when R turns
(slips) without moving the screw.
5. Note the number of divisions of the linear scale visible and uncovered by the
edge of the cap. The reading (IV) is called linear scale reading (L.S.R.).
6. Note the number (n) of the division of the circular scale lying over reference
line.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 after rotating the wire by 90° for measuring diameter in a
perpendicular direction.
8. Repeat steps 4, 5, 6 and 7 for five different positions separated equally
throughout the length of the wire. Record the observations in each set in a
tabular form.
9. Find total reading and apply zero correction in each case.
10. Take mean of different values of diameter.
11. Measure the length of the wire by stretching it along a half-metre scale.
Keeping one end of wire at a known mark, note the position of other end.
Difference in position of the two ends of the wire gives the length of the wire.
Do it three times and record them.

Observations

1. Determination of Least Count of the Screw Gauge . 1 L.S.D. = 1 mm

Number of full rotations given to screw = 4
Distance moved by the screw = 4 mm
Hence, pitch p = 4 mm/4 = 1 mm
Number of divisions on circular scale = 100
Hence, least count, =1 mm/100 = 0.01 mm = 0.001 cm.
2. Zero Error. (i)…….mm,(ii)…… mm, (iii)…….mm.
Mean zero error (e) =……..mm
Mean zero correction (c) = – e =……mm.
3. Table for diameter (D)
4. Least count=pitch/number of division in circular scale

OBSERVATION TABLE
 MAIN SCALE CIRCULAR MAIN
SCALE*LEAST SCALE+CIRCULAR
COUNT SCALE

Result
The volume of the given wire is…………. cm3.

Precautions

1. To avoid undue pressure; the screw should always be rotated by ratchet R and
not by cap K.
2. The screw should move freely without friction.
3. The zero correction, with proper sign should be noted very carefully and added
algebraically.
4. For same set of observations, the screw should be moved in the same direction
to avoid back-lash error of the screw.
5. At each place, the diameter of the wire should be measured in two
perpendicular directions and then the mean of the two be taken.
6. Readings should be taken at least for five different places equally spaced along
the whole length of the wire.
7. Error due to parallax should be avoided.

Sources of error

1. The screw may have friction.

2. The screw gauge may have back-lash error.
3. Circular scale divisions may not be of equal size.
4. The wire may not be uniform.

3.To Determine Radius of Curvature of a

Given Spherical surface by a Spherometer
Aim
To determine radius of curvature of a given spherical surface by a spherometer.
Apparatus
Spherometer, convex surface (it may be unpolished convex mirror), a big size plane glass
slab or plane mirror.

Diagram

Theory
It works on the principle of micrometre screw (Section 2.09) It is used to measure either very
small thickness or the radius of curvature of a spherical surface that is why it is called a
spherometer.

Procedure

1. Raise the central screw of the spherometer and press the spherometer gently on the
practical note-book so as to get pricks of the three legs. Mark these pricks as A, B and
C.
2. Measure the distance between the pricks (points) by joining the points as to form a
triangle ABC.
3. Note these distances (AB, BC, AC) on notebook and take their mean.
4. Find the value of one vertical {pitch) scale division.
5. Determine the pitch and the least count of the spherometer [Art. 2.13(c)] and record it
step wise.
6. Raise the screw sufficiently upwards.
7. Place the spherometer on the convex surface so that its three legs rest on it.
8. Gently, turn the screw downwards till the screw tip just touches the convex surface.
(The tip of the screw will just touch its image in the convex glass surface).
9. Note the reading of the circular (disc) scale which is in line with the vertical (pitch)
scale. Let it be a (It will act as reference).
10. Remove the spherometer from over the convex surface and place over a large size
plane glass slab.
11. Turn the screw downwards and count the number of complete rotations (n1) made by
the disc (one rotation becomes complete when the reference reading crosses past the
pitch scale).
12. Continue till the tip of the screw just touches the plane surface of the glass slab.
 13. Note the reading of the circular scale which is finally in line with the vertical (pitch)
scale. Let it be b.
14. Find the number of circular (disc) scale division in last incomplete rotation.
15. Repeat steps 6 to 14, three times. Record the observation in tabular form.

Observations

Plane surface

Main scale Circular scale*Least count Main scale+Circular scale

Curved surface

Main scale Circular scale*Least count Main scale+Circular scale

Calculations
1. Find value of h in each observation and record it in column 5.
2. Find mean of value of h recorded in column 5

Result
The radius of curvature of the given convex surface is cm.

Precautions

1. The screw should move freely without friction.

2. The screw should be moved in same direction to avoid back-lash error of the screw.
3. Excess rotation should be avoided.

Sources of error

1. The screw may have friction.

2. The spherometer may have back-lash error.
3. Circular (disc) scale divisions may not be of equal size.

4.Using a Simple Pendulum, Plot its L-T2 Graph

and Use it to Find the Effective Length of
Seconds Pendulum.
Aim
Using a simple pendulum, plot its L-T2 graph and use it to find the effective length of
second’s pendulum.

Apparatus
A clamp with stand, a split cork, thread, bob, vernier callipers, stop clock/watch, metre scale
and a piece of chalk.

Theory
1. Simple Pendulum. An ideal simple pendulum consists of a heavy point mass (called bob)
tied to one end of a perfectly in extensible, flexible and weightless string. There is no ideal
simple pendulum. In practice, we make a simple pendulum by tying a metallic spherical bob
to a fine cotton stitching thread.
2. Length of Simple Pendulum. The distance between the point of suspension of ,the
pendulum and its C.G. (which is C.G. of the bob), is called the length of the simple
pendulum. It is represented by the symbol l.
Length of simple pendulum = length of thread + length of hook of bob + mean radius of the
spherical bob
i.e., I = T + h + r
3. Time Period of the Simple Pendulum. Time taken by the bob of the simple pendulum to
make one complete vibration, is called the time period of the simple pendulum. It
is represented by the symbol T. The time period is given by the formula,

Knowing the value of T and g, l can be calculated.

Diagram

Graph
Procedure

1. Find the vernier constant and zero error of the vernier callipers and record it (as
in Experiment 1).
2. Determine the mean diameter of the spherical bob (as in Experiment 1A). Find
the mean radius (r) of the bob.
3. Find the length h of the hook attached to the bob by metre scale and record it.
4. Take a cotton thread about 2 metres long and tie its one end with the hook.
5. Put ink marks, M1, M2, M3, on the thread as distance of 80 cm, 90 cm, 100 cm,
110 cm, 120 cm, 130 cm, from the centre of gravity of the bob. These distances
give effective length (l) of the simple pendulum.
6. Pass the thread through the two split parts of a cork with the thread coming out
just from 80 cm mark.
7. Tight the two half cork pieces between the clamp.
8. Fix the clamp in a stand kept on a table at such a height that the bob is just 2 cm
above the laboratory floor.
9. Mark a point A on the floor just below the position of bob at rest (mean
position).
10. Draw a straight line CAB, 10 cm long in direction along which bob will move
when oscillating. A is middle point of CB.
11. Find the least count and the zero error of the stop clock/watch. Bring its hands
at zero position.
12. Move the bob by hand to over position B on the right of A and leave. See that
the bob returns over line BC without spinning.
13. When the bob returns from C to A and starts moving to right of A, start the stop
clock/ watch and count zero.
14. The bob goes towards B to right extreme, returns from right extreme and goes
to-wards C to left extreme. When bob crosses A from towards C, count one.
15. In this way count up to 19. Become alert when bob starts the 20th vibration.
16. Just when 20th vibration is completed, count 20 and at once stop the stop
clock/watch.
17. Find total time noting positions of both the hands of the clock/watch. This time
is time for twenty vibrations.
18. Repeat steps 13 to 18 two times more for same length.
19. Move the clamp up by 10 cm.
20. Loose the cork pieces and pull the thread out to increase its length by 10 cm.
Now effective length of pendulum becomes 90 cm. Bob will be again 2 cm
above the laboratory floor.
21. Repeat steps 13 to 19 two times to take in all the two observations for this new
length. Repeat step 20.
22. Repeat step 21 and then steps 13 to 19 to take two observations each for lengths
90 cm, 100 cm, 110 cm, 120 cm and 130 cm.
23. Record all the observations as given ahead.

Observations
1. Vernier constant of vernier callipers (V.C.) = ……..cm.
Zero error of vernier callipers (e) :
(i)………cm, (ii)……..cm, (iii)……….cm.
Mean zero error, (e) = ……….cm
Mean zero correction (c) = – e =………..cm
Observed diameter of the bob :
(i)………cm, (ii)………cm, (iii)………..cm.
Mean observed diameter, d0 =…..cm
Mean corrected diameter, d=d0+c=……….cm
Mean radius of the bob, r=d/2=………….cm
Length of hook of the bob, h=……….cm
Standard value of g- 980 cm s-2.
2. Least count of stop clock/watch = ……………s
Zero error of stop clock/watch = ………s
Zero correction of stop clock/watch = ……………s.
3. Table for Length (l) and time (T)

Calculations
(a) With the table
For each length, write mean time for 20 vibrations

Write mean values of t in column (3) of above table.

For each length, find time period T =t/20 s and write its value in column 4 and write value of
T2 in column 5 of the above table.
l-T2 graph. Plot a graph between l (column, 2b) and T2 (column 5) by taking Z along X- axis
and T2 along Y-axis. The graph comes to be a straight lFrom this graph, for T2 = 4, l comes to
be 100 cm.
Hence for seconds pendulum (T = 2 s) length comes to be 100 cm.

Result
Experimental length 100 cm Actual length = 99.4 cm Error = 0.6 cm
Percentage error = 0.6/99.4 x 100 = 0.6%
This error is within the limit of the experimental error.

Precautions

1. Thread should be strong, weightless and in extensible.

2. Point of suspension should be fixed in a rigid support.
3. Lower faces of split cork should be in same level.
4. Splitting should be perpendicular to the plane of vibration of the pendulum.
5. Amplitude should be small to have sin 0 = 0. [when 0 < 18°]
6. The bob should move along a straight line.
7. The bob should not spin during vibration.
8. Place of experiment should be free from disturbances of building vibrations or
air current.
9. Laboratory fan should be switched off.
10. Length of pendulum should include length of hook and radius of bob.
11. Counting should be proper and started from zero.
12. Clock/watch should be accurate.
 13. Length of pendulum should be increased in steps of 10 cm to bring appreciable
change in time period.
14. Metre scale used should be accurate.

Sources of error

1. The string may not be weightless and in extensible.

2. Point of suspension may not be rigid.
3. The amplitude may not be small.
4. The bob may spin.
5. The air currents may disturb vibrations.
6. There may be an error in counting.
7. The stop clock/watch may be inaccurate.
8. There may be delay in starting and stopping the stop clock/watch.

OBSERVATION TABLE

SR NO. LENGTH EFFECTIVE TIME FOR 20 T=TIME/20 T^2

OF WIRE LENGTH VIBERATION
WITH HOOK
HOOK +RADIUS