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

    2. Evaluate the number of readings taken.

    3. Evaluate the range of measurements taken.

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

    5. Identify and correct units that are incorrect.

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

  3. 6.5 - Analysis

    1. 6.5.1Calculations with significant figures

      Perform calculations using the correct number of significant figures.

    2. 6.5.2Graph plotting with scale and units

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

    3. 6.5.3Correct units

      Use correct units throughout data analysis.

    4. 6.5.4Trend or pattern

      Interpret the trend or pattern obtained.

    5. 6.5.5Relationship or constant from a graph

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

    6. 6.5.6Precision, accuracy and sensitivity

      Use the terms precision, accuracy and sensitivity appropriately.

    7. 6.5.7Modifications to reduce errors

      Suggest realistic modifications to reduce errors.

    8. 6.5.8Modifications to improve experiments

      Suggest realistic modifications to improve an experiment.

    9. 6.5.9Qualitative and quantitative uncertainties

      Evaluate uncertainties qualitatively and quantitatively.

    10. 6.5.10Compound percentage uncertainties

      Combine percentage uncertainties correctly.

    11. 6.5.11Percentage uncertainty

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