Steps for Conducting a Physics Experiment

5 Key Steps for a Physics Method iGCSE 1. Write down what variables you will record with units. Include the controlvariables you will keep constant and how you will do so. 2. Basic method of steps. 3. Explain how you will repeat your experiment and take a mean so you can spot anomalous readings and reduce the impact of random variation in readings. 4. Explain clearly which variables you will graph and what it will show. 5. Explain any formulae for the graph or what the relation might show i.e. proportional

Each variable should be clearly explained in the correct context. Variables Full units should be given. A header for a table could be sketched out. Control variables should be clearly explained and how you will control them. Also think about the types of variable i.e. continuous

A simple series of statements which clearly tells someone else what you will do. Method This can be numbers or bullet points. You should include 1. a list of equipment. 2. a clear idea of how to take readings. 3. What variables you will control. 4. How to adjust the variables i.e. the incident ray to see a change in the refracted ray. 5. What you will see as on overall outcome.

Repeat & Mean

Graph of Data

Mathematical Relations

Mean Precise measurements are ones in which there is very little spread about the mean value. Precision depends only on the extent of random errors. It gives no indication of how close results are to the true value. Reading 1 2 3 Mean A 4.1 5.1 4.5 4.6 B 6.1 6.1 6.0 6.1 C 8.3 8.9 10 9.1 take more readings to calculate a mean take more readings between 5.0 m and 10.0 m see where the change occurs to reduce effect of random errors take more readings above 15.0 m accept take more readings at longer lengths to see if trend continues Animated Science 2018

Repeatable v Reproducible Reproducible: A measurement is reproducible if the investigation is repeated by another person, or by using different equipment or techniques, and the same results are obtained. Previously known as reliable. Repeatable: A measurement is repeatable if the original experimenter repeats the investigation using same method and equipment and obtains the same results. Previously known as reliable. Animated Science 2018

Sketch graph A line graph, not necessarily on a grid, that shows the general shape of the relationship between two variables. It will not have any points plotted and although the axes should be labelled they may not be scaled. You may have to draw one! 1. Which feature of the graph represents the negative acceleration of the car?................... 1) Gradient of sloping line 2. Which feature of the graph represents the distance travelled by the car?......................... 2) Area under the graph Animated Science 2018

Continuous variables can have values (called a quantity) that can be given a magnitude either by counting (as in the case of the number of shrimp) or by measurement (eg light intensity, flow rate etc). Previously known as discrete variable. Categoric variables have values that are labels, eg names of plants or types of material. Animated Science 2018

Independent Independent variable is the variable for which values are changed or selected by the investigator. Task which way is that around for this experiment and why? The spring then extended because of the weight so it becomes the dependant You added the weight so it becomes the independent Animated Science 2018