EdExcel PS and GCSE Physics Practical Tips and Experiments

General Tips for Practical Questions

• Identify Variables:
  • Independent Variable: The factor you change.
  • Dependent Variable: The factor that changes as a result, which you measure.
  • Control Variables: Factors that could change but are kept constant to ensure accuracy.
• Equipment: Always specify what equipment you use for measurements (e.g., use a ruler to measure length).
• Detail: Write down all details, even obvious ones, to potentially gain marks.
• Accuracy:
  • Mention how to reduce errors (e.g., align your eye with measurements to reduce parallax error).
  • Take multiple measurements to calculate a mean.
• Format: Use bullet points for clarity. Write in complete sentences using proper English (e.g., "Heat the water gently...").

Physics Experiments

Physics 1: Newton's Second Law

• Objective: Verify F = ma (Force = Mass x Acceleration).
• Setup:
  • Attach slotted masses to a trolley on a track.
  • Use light gates to measure acceleration.
• Procedure:
  • Change the force by removing masses, place them on the trolley to keep total mass constant.
  • Plot force against acceleration; expect a linear relationship.

Physics 2: Waves

• Ripple Tank:
  • Use light and rulers to measure wave length through a ripple tank.
  • Use a strobe light to make waves appear stationary.
  • Calculate wave speed using V = fλ.
• Stationary Waves on a String:
  • Use an oscillator to produce stationary waves.
  • Measure string length and frequency to calculate wave speed.

Physics 3: Refraction

• Objective: Measure refraction angles using a ray box and glass block.
• Procedure:
  • Measure angles of incidence and refraction from the normal.
  • Plot sin(i) against sin(r) for refractive index.

Physics 4: Infrared Absorption

• Leslie Cube:
  • Fill with hot water; use infrared detectors to measure emitted heat.
  • Matte black surfaces are best emitters; shiny are worst.
• Boiling Tubes:
  • Use different materials to observe heat absorption.

Physics 5: Circuits

• Resistance of a Wire:
  • Setup with constantan wire, crocodile clips, and meters.
  • Change wire length; measure resistance using Ohm’s law.
  • Plot resistance vs. length; expect a linear relationship.

Physics 6: Density

• Regular Objects:
  • Measure dimensions and calculate volume; find density using mass/volume.
• Irregular Objects:
  • Use displacement method to find volume.
• Solutions:
  • Use measuring cylinders to find mass and volume.

Physics 7: Properties of Water

• Specific Heat Capacity (SHC) and Specific Latent Heat (SLH):
  • Measure energy input with electrical heaters and calculate SHC and SLH.
  • Aim to minimize energy loss to surroundings.

Physics 8: Springs

• Spring Constant:
  • Fix spring, add masses, measure extension.
  • Plot force vs. extension to find spring constant from the gradient.

Conclusion

• Regularly practice and review these experiments.
• Watch practical demonstrations for better understanding.

Video References

• Check out Mansbury Science videos for visual practical demonstrations.

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