QuestionQuestionConceptConceptDocumentDocument

Unit 3: Practical Skills in Physics I

Start with Concept to understand a topic, then use Question Bank to check what you know.

3 topics · 24 learning objectives

Your progress

Sign in to see your mastery and mistakes.

  1. 3.3 - Planning

    1. Identify the apparatus required.

    2. Select the range and resolution of measuring instruments, including Vernier calipers with 0.1 mm resolution and a micrometer screw gauge with 0.01 mm resolution.

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

    4. Describe how to measure relevant variables using the most appropriate instrument and correct measuring techniques.

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

    6. Discuss whether repeat readings are appropriate.

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

    8. Explain how the collected data will be used.

    9. Identify possible sources of uncertainty or systematic error and explain how they may be reduced or eliminated.

    10. Evaluate the implications of physics, including benefits and risks, and its social, environmental or historical context.

  2. 3.4 - Implementation and measurements

    1. Evaluate the number of readings taken.

    2. Evaluate the range of measurements taken.

    3. Evaluate the significant figures used.

    4. Check a reading inconsistent with other readings and record instrument readings using the correct number of significant figures.

    5. Explain how an experimental method may be improved, including using additional apparatus to reduce errors.

  3. 3.5 - Processing Results

    1. 3.5.1Calculations with significant figures

      Perform calculations using the correct number of significant figures.

    2. 3.5.2Graph plotting and scale

      Plot results on a graph using an appropriate scale.

    3. 3.5.3Correct units

      Use correct units throughout data processing.

    4. 3.5.4Graph relationship

      Interpret the relationship obtained from a graph.

    5. 3.5.5Relationship 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. 3.5.6Modifications to reduce errors

      Suggest realistic modifications to reduce errors.

    7. 3.5.7Modifications to improve experiments

      Suggest realistic modifications to improve an experiment.

    8. 3.5.8Qualitative and quantitative uncertainties

      Evaluate uncertainties qualitatively and quantitatively.

    9. 3.5.9Percentage uncertainty

      Determine percentage uncertainty for a single reading using half the instrument resolution and for repeated readings using half the range; compounding percentage uncertainties is not required in Unit 3.