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IB Physics HL/Notes/S1.1 Experimental techniques

IB Physics HLS1.1 Experimental techniquesNotes

Practice Safety and ethics

Safety and ethics should be built into the method. A good plan names the hazard, who or what could be harmed, the control measure, and why the remaining risk is acceptable.

Identify hazards before collecting data, such as heat, electricity, radiation, glassware, projectiles, or trip risks.
Risk is the likelihood and severity of harm; control measures reduce that risk.
Use suitable personal protective equipment and safe operating limits for apparatus.
Consider environmental impact, waste disposal, and energy use where relevant.
Record data honestly and keep analysis your own even when planning or practical work is collaborative.

Repair weak safety and ethics statements.

Spot Errors

Write a safety and ethics note for a proposed physics investigation.

Giving generic warnings without a control measure.

Write a safety and ethics note for a proposed physics investigation.

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Practice Measurement variables

Variables should be operational, not just named. “Temperature” is not enough; state how it is measured, where, with what resolution, and over what range.

The independent variable is deliberately changed by the investigator.
The dependent variable is measured as the response.
Controlled variables are kept constant or monitored to improve validity.
Each measured variable needs an instrument, unit, resolution, and planned range.
Repeats help reveal random variation and support uncertainty estimates.

Repair weak variable definitions.

Spot Errors

Define variables for a physics investigation.

Naming variables without measurement detail.

Define variables for a physics investigation.

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Retrieve the Experimental techniques Model

Review

This summary is the first gate before data collection. If a variable cannot be measured clearly or a risk is unmanaged, the investigation is not ready.

A safe method identifies hazards, risks, control measures, and environmental or ethical issues.
A testable method defines independent, dependent, and controlled variables operationally.
Measurement planning includes instrument choice, units, resolution, range, and repeats.
Raw data should be recorded with units and uncertainty information at collection time.
A strong investigation links every method choice to validity, reliability, or precision.

Match each experimental-techniques cue to its function.

Match
Reasons
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Summarize what must be planned before collecting physics data.

Starting from a procedure without variables or safety.

Summarize what must be planned before collecting physics data.

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