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Unit 6: Practical Skills in Physics II

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  1. 6.3 - Planning

    1. Identify the most appropriate apparatus and give relevant details, including instrument range and resolution or apparatus dimensions.

    2. Discuss calibration of instruments, including whether an instrument reads zero before measurements are made.

    3. Describe how to measure relevant variables using the most appropriate instruments and techniques.

    4. Identify and state how to control all other relevant variables to make an experiment a fair test.

    5. Discuss whether repeat readings are appropriate.

    6. Identify health and safety issues and explain how they may be managed.

    7. Explain how the collected data will be used.

  2. 6.4 - Implementation and Measurements

    1. 6.4.1Improving experimental method

      Explain how an experiment could have been improved, including using additional apparatus to reduce errors.

    2. 6.4.2Number of readings

      Evaluate the number of readings taken.

    3. 6.4.3Range of measurements

      Evaluate the range of measurements taken.

    4. 6.4.4Significant figures in results

      Evaluate significant figures and identify or correct inappropriate figures in a results table.

    5. 6.4.5Incorrect units

      Identify and correct units that are incorrect.

    6. 6.4.6Inconsistent readings

      Identify and check a reading inconsistent with other readings, such as a point away from the graph trend.

  3. 6.5 - Analysis

    1. Perform calculations using the correct number of significant figures.

    2. Plot results on a graph using an appropriate scale and units, including logarithmic graphs.

    3. Use correct units throughout data analysis.

    4. Interpret the trend or pattern obtained.

    5. Determine a relationship between two variables or a constant from a graph, including finding a gradient with a large triangle.

    6. Use the terms precision, accuracy and sensitivity appropriately.

    7. Suggest realistic modifications to reduce errors.

    8. Suggest realistic modifications to improve an experiment.

    9. Evaluate uncertainties qualitatively and quantitatively.

    10. Combine percentage uncertainties correctly.

    11. Determine percentage uncertainty for a single reading using half the instrument resolution and for repeated readings using half the range.