GCSE / IGCSE Physics – Required Practicals

A student finds the density of an irregularly shaped stone using a displacement can and a balance.(a) State the two additional pieces of apparatus needed and how each measurement is taken.(b) State the independent, dependent and one control variable in this experiment.

In the resistance investigation, a student measures current through a resistance wire for a range of potential differences using a variable power supply, ammeter and voltmeter.(a) Draw (describe in words) the correct circuit, stating how the ammeter and voltmeter are connected.(b) State one control variable that must be kept constant for a valid comparison of different wires.

In the specific heat capacity experiment, an immersion heater and joulemeter (or ammeter/voltmeter and timer) are used to heat a metal block.(a) State one safety precaution needed for this experiment.(b) Explain why the block should be insulated during heating.

A student investigates how the extension of a spring depends on the applied force using a spring, clamp stand, ruler and slotted masses.(a) State how the extension is calculated from the readings taken.(b) State one way to improve the accuracy of the length measurement.

A student measures a cuboid block: mass $45.6\,\text{g}$, length $5.0\,\text{cm}$, width $3.0\,\text{cm}$, height $2.0\,\text{cm}$.Calculate the density of the block, giving the correct unit.

In a Hooke’s law investigation, the extensions for increasing force were: $0\,\text{N}\rightarrow0\,\text{mm}$, $1\,\text{N}\rightarrow15\,\text{mm}$, $2\,\text{N}\rightarrow30\,\text{mm}$, $3\,\text{N}\rightarrow45\,\text{mm}$, $4\,\text{N}\rightarrow65\,\text{mm}$.(a) Use the data up to $3\,\text{N}$ to calculate the spring constant $k$ in $\text{N m}^{-1}$.(b) State, with a reason, between which two readings the limit of proportionality is exceeded.

For a fixed length of resistance wire, a student records $V=2.0\,\text{V}$ and $I=0.40\,\text{A}$.(a) Calculate the resistance of the wire.(b) A filament lamp is then tested instead. Explain why its resistance increases as the current increases.

In a specific heat capacity experiment, an electrical heater supplies $36\,\text{W}$ to a $1.0\,\text{kg}$ aluminium block for $500\,\text{s}$, and the temperature rises by $20\,^{\circ}\text{C}$.Calculate the specific heat capacity of aluminium from these results.

A heater supplying $48\,\text{W}$ melts ice in a funnel for $210\,\text{s}$. The mass of melted ice collected is $0.030\,\text{kg}$.(a) Calculate the specific latent heat of fusion of ice from this data.(b) The accepted value is $3.34\times10^{5}\,\text{J kg}^{-1}$. Comment on the result.

A trolley is released from rest at the top of a $0.60\,\text{m}$ ramp and a light gate/timer records a time of $0.48\,\text{s}$ to reach the bottom.(a) Calculate the acceleration of the trolley, assuming it starts from rest.(b) State one way to reduce random error in the measured time.

In a ripple tank, waves of wavelength $2.5\,\text{cm}$ are generated at a frequency of $8\,\text{Hz}$.(a) Calculate the speed of the waves.(b) Describe how the frequency could be measured directly using a stroboscope.

A student shines light from air into a glass block. The angle of incidence is $40^{\circ}$ and the angle of refraction is measured as $25^{\circ}$.(a) Calculate the refractive index of the glass.(b) Identify one source of random error in measuring the angle of refraction, and one way to reduce it.