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Unit 3: Practical Skills in Physics I

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  1. 3.3 - Planning

    1. 3.3.1Apparatus selection

      Identify the apparatus required.

    2. 3.3.2Instrument range and resolution

      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. 3.3.3Instrument calibration

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

    4. 3.3.4Measuring variables

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

    5. 3.3.5Controlling variables

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

    6. 3.3.6Repeat readings

      Discuss whether repeat readings are appropriate.

    7. 3.3.7Health and safety

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

    8. 3.3.8Use of collected data

      Explain how the collected data will be used.

    9. 3.3.9Uncertainty and systematic error sources

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

    10. 3.3.10Physics implications and context

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

  2. 3.4 - Implementation and measurements

    1. 3.4.1Number of readings

      Evaluate the number of readings taken.

    2. 3.4.2Range of measurements

      Evaluate the range of measurements taken.

    3. 3.4.3Significant figures

      Evaluate the significant figures used.

    4. 3.4.4Inconsistent readings

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

    5. 3.4.5Improving experimental method

      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.