Physics Tuition Centre, O Level, A Level and Integrated Programme(IP)

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Chapter 1 - Measurements

1.

Describe an experiment to show how the period of pendulum can be determined

  • The simple pendulum is made to oscillate at a small angle.

  • When the oscillation is steady, the time taken for 20 oscillations is measured using a stopwatch.

  • The measurement is repeated and the average is calculated.

  • The period of the pendulum is given by average time for 20 oscillations divided by 20.

State the precautions you would take for the experiment.

  • Ensure that the oscillation is steady before starting to time.

  • Ensure that the angular displacement of the bob is less than 10 degrees.

2.

Describe how you would obtain experimentally accurate values for internal (external) diameter of a thick metal pipe.

  • Use internal (external) jaws of vernier calipers to measure the internal (external) diameters of the pipe at three different positions.

  • Take the average values of the measurements.

Why is there a need to obtain the average of several readings?

  • To reduce random errors (the positive errors and negative errors will cancel out)