All Core Practicals

Question 1

Describe how you would determine the specific heat capacity of a solid.

Answer 1

• Measure the mass of the solid using a balance. • Insert an immersion heater and thermometer, ensuring good thermal contact. • Record the initial temperature. • measure the energy supplied to the heater. • Heat the solid for a measured time and record the final temperature. • Calculate energy transferred using a joulemetre • Reduce heat loss by insulating the solid.

Question 2

Describe how you would determine the density of a regular and an irregular object.

Answer 2

• Measure the mass of the object using a balance. • Measure dimensions of a regular object and calculate its volume. • Fill a displacement can until water flows from the spout. • Lower the irregular object into the water and collect displaced water. • Measure the volume of displaced water using a measuring cylinder. • Calculate density using ρ = m ÷ V.

Question 3

Describe how you would investigate the relationship between current and potential difference.

Answer 3

• Set up a circuit with a power supply, ammeter in series, and voltmeter in parallel. • Include the component being tested in the circuit. • Change the potential difference in steps. • Measure the current for each value of potential difference. • Record results in a table and plot a current–voltage graph. • Repeat for different components and allow them to cool between readings.

Question 4

Describe how you would investigate how the length of a wire affects its resistance.

Answer 4

• Set up a circuit with a test wire, ammeter, and voltmeter. • Measure the initial length of the wire. • Record the current and potential difference. • Calculate resistance using R = V ÷ I. • Increase the length of the wire and repeat measurements. • Keep the material and thickness of the wire constant. • Plot resistance against length.

Question 5

Describe how you would investigate the relationship between force and extension for a spring.

Answer 5

• Suspend a spring from a clamp stand and measure its original length. • Add known masses to the spring one at a time. • Measure the extension produced by each mass. • Calculate force using weight = mass × gravitational field strength. • Record results and plot force against extension. • Identify the straight-line section and the limit of proportionality.

Question 6

Describe how you would investigate the effect of force on acceleration.

Answer 6

• Place a trolley on a runway connected to a pulley and hanging mass. • Measure acceleration using light gates or timing methods. • Increase the force by adding mass to the hanger. • Keep the total mass of the system constant. • Record acceleration for each force value. • Plot acceleration against force to show the relationship.

Question 7

Describe how you would determine the speed of a wave in a laboratory.

Answer 7

• Produce a continuous wave using a ripple tank, string, or slinky. • Measure the wavelength using a ruler. • Measure the frequency using a stopwatch or signal generator. • Repeat measurements and calculate mean values. • Calculate wave speed using v = fλ. • Ensure waves are steady to reduce uncertainty.

Question 8

Describe how you would investigate how surface colour affects infrared radiation.

Answer 8

• Use a Leslie cube or identical plates with different surface finishes. • Heat the surfaces equally. • Measure the radiation emitted using a thermometer or infrared detector. • Record results for each surface. • Compare matt black and shiny surfaces. • Identify which surface is the best emitter and absorber.

Question 9

Describe how you would investigate the effectiveness of different thermal insulators.

Answer 9

• Wrap identical containers with different insulating materials. • Fill each container with the same volume of hot water. • Measure the initial temperature. • Record temperature at regular time intervals. • Plot temperature against time. • Compare rates of cooling to identify the best insulator.

Question 10

Describe how you would determine the focal length of a convex lens.

Answer 10

• Place an illuminated object, lens, and screen in a straight line. • Move the lens until a sharp image is formed on the screen. • Measure the object distance and image distance. • Repeat for different positions. • Calculate focal length using measurements. • Calculate a mean focal length to improve accuracy.