LABORATORY MANUAL

LABORATORY MANUAL

ACTIVITY 6
AIM
To study the conservation of energy of a ball rolling down an inclined
plane (using a double inclined plane).

APPARATUS AND MATERIAL REQUIRED

A double inclined plane having hard surface, (for guided motion of
the ball on the double inclined plane it is suggested that an aluminium
channel or rails of two steel wires be used for it), a steel ball of about
2.5 cm diameter, two wooden blocks, spirit level, tissue paper or cotton,
and a half metre scale.

P RINCIPLE
The law of conservation of energy states that ‘energy can neither
be created nor destroyed but can only be changed from one form
to another’.
For a mechanical system, viz., the
rolling of a steel ball on a perfactly
smooth inclined plane, the energy of
ball remains in the form of its kinetic
and potential energies and during the
course of motion, a continuous
transformation between these energies
takes place. The sum of its kinetic and
potential energies remains constant
Fig.A 6.1: Set up for studying the conservation of provided there is no dissipation of
energy using double inclined tracks energy due to air resistance, friction etc.
In this experiment, the law of
conservation of energy is illustrated by the motion of a steel ball rolling
on a double inclined plane. A steel ball rolling on a hard surface of
inclined plane is an example of motion with low friction. When the ball
is released from point A on inclined plane AO, it will roll down the
slope and go up the opposite side on the plane OB to about the same
height h from which it was released. If the angle of the slope on right
hand plane is changed, the ball will still move till it reaches the same
144 vertical height from which it was released.
 ACTIVITY 6
UNIT NAME
At point of release, A, say on the right hand inclined plane, the steel
ball possesses only potential energy that is proportional to the vertical
height, h, of the point of release and has a zero kinetic energy. This
potential energy transfers completely into kinetic energy when the
steel ball rolls down to the lowest point O on the double inclined plane.
It then starts rolling up on the second inclined plane during which its
kinetic energy changes into potential energy. At point B where it stops
on the left hand inclined plane OB, it again has only potential energy
and zero kinetic energy. The law of conservation of mechanical energy
can be verified by the equality of two vertical heights AA′ and BB′ .

P
ROCEDURE
1. Adjust the experimental table horizontally with the help of spirit
level.
2. Clean the steel ball and inclined planes with cotton or tissue paper.
Even a minute amount of dust or stain on the ball or on the
plane can cause much friction.
3. Keep the clean double inclined plane on a horizontal table.
Note: In order to reduce friction and thereby reduce loss of energy
due to it one can also design an unbreakable double inclined
track apparatus, in which the steel ball rolls on stainless steel
wire track. In a try outs with such an inclined plane it has been
observed that the rolling friction is extremely low and it is very
good for this Activity. It also does not develop a kink in the centre,
unlike the apparatus presently in use in many schools.
4. Insert identical wooden blocks W1 and W2 underneath each plane
at equal distance from point O. The two planes will be inclined
nearly equally, as shown in Fig. A 6.1. The inclined plane should
be stable on horizontal table otherwise there would be energy
losses due to the movement of inclined plane as well.
5. Release the steel ball from A, on either of the two inclined.
6. Find the vertical height AA′ (x) of the point A from the table
using a scale.
7. Note the point B up to which the ball reaches the inclined plane
on the other side and find the vertical height BB′ (y) (Fig. A. 6.1).
Record the observations. While observing the highest position of
the steel ball on other plane, observer has to be very alert as the
ball stays at the highest position only for an instant.
8. Shift the wooden block W1 and W2, kept under either of the two planes,
towards the centre point O by a small distance. Now the angle of the
slope of one of the planes would be larger than that of the other.
9. Release the ball again from point A on one of the two planes and
mark the point B on the other plane up to which the steel ball
rolls up. Also find the vertical height BB′ .
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10. Repeat Steps (8) and (9) for one more angle of the slope of the
inclined plane.
11. Repeat the observations for another point of release on the same
inclined plane.

O
BSERVATIONS
Table A 6.1:

S. Reading on inclined Reading on the inclined Difference

No. plane from which the plane in which the ball (x – y)
ball is rolled down rolls up (cm)

Position of Vertical Position of Vertical Mean, y

mark A height mark up to height, (cm)
AA′ , x which the y
(cm) ball rolls (cm)
up
1 B=
2 C=
3 D=
1 B=
2 C=
3 D=

R ESULT
It is observed that initial vertical height and final vertical height upto
which the ball rolls up are approximately same. Thus, the rolling steel
ball has same initial and final potential energies, though during the
motion, the form of energy changes. The total mechanical energy (sum
of kinetic and potential energies) remains same. This is the verification
of law of conservation of energy.

P
RECAUTIONS
1. Steel balls and inclined planes must be cleaned properly with
cotton/tissue paper.
2. Both wings of the inclined plane must lie in the same vertical plane.
3. Both the planes must be stable and should not have any movement
due to rolling of the ball or otherwise.
4. The position of the ball at the highest point while climbing up the
plane must be noted quickly and carefully.
146
 ACTIVITY 6
UNIT NAME

S
OURCES OF ERROR
1. Some energy is always lost due to friction.
2. Due to lack of continuity at junction of two inclined planes, rolling
ball usually suffers a collision with second plane and hence
results in some loss of energy.

D ISCUSSION
1. The key to the success of this Activity for the verification of law
of conservation of energy is in keeping the rolling friction between
the steel ball and inclined plane as low as possible. Therefore,
the ball and inclined plane surfaces should be smooth, clean
and dry.
2. The dissipation of energy due to friction can be minimised by
minimising the area of contact between the steel ball and inclined
plane. Therefore, it is advised that the inclined planes should be
made of polished aluminium channels having narrow grooves.
3. The surface of inclined planes should be hard and smooth so
that role of friction remains minimum.
4. If the inclination of the planes is large then the dissipation of
energy will be more (how)? Therefore inclination of the planes
should be kept small.

S
ELF ASSESSMENT
1. Can this Activity be performed successfully with a steel ball of
smaller diameter?
2. If the ball is not reaching exactly up to the same height on the
other wing, comment on the observations?

SUGGESTED ADDITIONAL EXPERIMENTS/ACTIVITIES

1. Study of the effects of mass and size of the ball on rolling down an
inclined plane.

2. Study the effect of inclination of the planes on coefficient of rolling

friction.

147
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LABORATORY MANUAL

ACTIVITY 7
AIM
To study dissipation of energy of a simple pendulum with time.

APPARATUS AND MATERIAL REQUIRED

A heavy metallic spherical ball with a hook; a rigid support; a long
fine strong cotton thread (1.5 m to 2m); metre scale; weighing balance;
sheet of paper; cotton; cellophane sheet.

P RINCIPLE
When a simple pendulum executes simple harmonic motion, the re-
storing force F is given by
(A 7.1) F(t) = –kx (t)
Where x (t) is the displacement at time t and k = mg/L, the symbols k,
m, g and L have been explained in Experiment E 6. The displacement
is given by
(A 7.2) x (t) = A0 cos (ωt – θ )
where ω is the (angular) frequency and θ is a constant. A0 is the maxi-
mum displacement in each oscillation, which is called the amplititude.
The total energy of the pendulum is given as

(A 7.3) 1 2
E° = k A0
2

The total energy remains a constant in an ideal pendulum, because

its amplitude remains constant.
But in a real pendulum, the amplitude never remains constant. It
decreases with time due to several factors like air drag, some play at
the point of suspension, imperfection in rigidity of the string and sus-
pension, etc. Therefore, the amplitude of A0 falls with time at each
successive oscillation. The amplitude becomes a function of time and
is given by
(A 7.4) A(t) = A0e –λ t/2
148 where A0 is the initial amplitude and λ is a contant which depends on
 ACTIVITY 7
UNIT NAME

damping and the mass of the bob. The total energy of the pendulum
at time t is then given by

1
E (t) = kA2(t)
2

= E0 e–λ t (A 7.5)

Thus, the energy falls with time, because some of the energy is being
lost to the surroundings.
The frequency of a damped oscillator does not depend much on the
amplitude. Therefore, instead of measuring the time, we can also
measure the number of oscillations n. At the end of n oscillations,
t = nT, where T is the time period. Then Eq. (A 7.5) can be written in
the form En = E0 e–α n
(A 7.6)
where α = λt
and En is the energy of the oscillator at the end of n oscillations.

P
ROCEDURE
1. Find the mass of the pendulum bob.
2. Repeat Steps 1 to 5 of Experiment E 6.
3. Fix a metre scale just below the pendulum so that it is in the
plane of oscillations of the pendulum, and such that the zero mark
of the scale is just below the bob at rest.
4. When the pendulum oscillates, you have to observe the point on
the scale above which the bob rises at its maximum displace-
ment. In doing this, do not worry about millimetre marks. Take
observations only upto 0.5 cm.
5. Pull the pendulum bob so that it is above the 15 cm mark. Thus,
the initial amplitude will be A0 = 15 cm at n = 0. Leave the bob
gently so that it starts oscillating.
6. Keep counting the number of oscillations when the bob is at its
maximum displacement on the same side.
7. Record the amplitude An at the end of n oscillations for n = 5, 10,
15, ..., that is at the end of every five oscillations. You may even
note An after every ten oscillations.

8. Plot a graph of An2 versus n and intepret the graph (Fig. A 7.1).

9. Stick a bit of cotton or a small strip of paper to the bob so as to

increase the damping, and repeat the experiment.
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A2n
2
(m )

Fig. A 7.1: Graph between A2n and n

for a simple pendulum

O
BSERVATIONS
Least count of the balance = ... g
Least count of the metre scale = ... cm
Mass of the pendulum bob. m = ... g
Radius (r) of the pendulum bob (given) = ... cm
Effective length of the pendulum (from the tip of the bob to the point
of suspension), L = ... cm
Force constant, k = mg/L = ... N m–1
Initial amplitude of oscillation, A0 = ... cm
Initial energy, E0 = 1/2 (k A2)= ... J

Table A 7.1 : Decay of amplitude with time and dissipation of

energy of simple pendulum

S. Amplitude, Number of A2n Energy of Dissipation

No. An (cm) oscillations, oscillater, En of energy,
n (J) (En–Eo) (J)
1
2
3
4

R
ESULT
From the graphs, we may conclude that the energy of a simple
pendulum dissipates with time.
150
 ACTIVITY 7
UNIT NAME

P RECAUTIONS
1. The experiment should be performed in a section of the laboratory
where air flow is minimum.
2. The pendulum must swing for atleast a couple of oscillations
before recording its amplitude, this will ensure that the pendulum
is moving in the same plane.

S
OURCES OF ERROR
1. Some movement of air is always there in the laboratory.
2. Accurate measurement of amplitude is difficult.

D ISCUSSION
1. Which graph among the A – n and A2 – n graph would you prefer
for studying the dissipation of energy of simple pendulum with
time and why?
2. How would the amplitude of oscillation change with time with
the variation in (a) size and (b) mass of the pendulum bob; and
(c) length of the pendulum?

S
ELF ASSESSMENT
1. Interpret the graph between A2 and n you have drawn for a sim-
ple pendulum.
2. Examine how the amplitude of oscillations changes with time.
3. What does the decreasing amplitude of oscillation with time indi-
cate in terms of variations in energy of simple pendulum with time.
4. In what way does graph between A and n differ from that between
the A2 and n graph, you have drawn.
5. Compare the A2 – n plots for
(a) oscillations with small damping and
(b) oscillations with large damping.

SUGGESTED ADDITIONAL EXPERIMENTS/ACTIVITIES

Take a plastic ball (5 cm diameter) make two holes in it along its

diameter. Fill it with sand. Use the sand filled ball to make a pendulum
of 100 cm length.
Swing the pendulum allowing the sand to drain out of the hole.
Find the rate at which the amplitude of pendulum falls and compare
it with the case when mass of the bob is constant.
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LABORATORY MANUAL

ACTIVITY 8
AIM
To observe the change of state and plot a cooling curve for
molten wax.

APPARATUS AND MATERIAL REQUIRED

A 500 mL beaker, tripod stand, wire gauge, clamp stand, hard glass
boiling tube, celsius thermometer of least count 0.5 °C, a stop-watch/
stop-clock, burner, parraffin wax, cork with a hole to fit the boiling
tube and hold a thermometer vertically.

P RINCIPLE
Matter exists in three states – solid, liquid and gas.
On heating a solid expands and its temperature increases. If we
continue to heat the solid, it changes its state.
The process of conversion of solid to a liquid state is called melting.
The temperature at which the change takes place is called melting
point. Melting does not take place instantaneously throughout
the bulk of a solid, the temperature of solid-liquid remains
y
constant till the whole solid changes into
liquid. The time for melting depends upon the
nature and mass of solid.
A liquid when cooled freezes to solid state at the
same temperature as its melting point. In this case
Temperature (°C)

TM
also the temperature of liquid-solid remains
constant till all the liquid solidifies.

TR Paraffin wax is widely used in daily life. We can

determine the melting point of wax by plotting
a cooling curve. The temperature of molten
wax is recorded at equal intervals of time. First
x
0 the temperature of wax falls with time then
Time (min)
becomes constant at TM, the melting point,
when it solidifies. On further cooling the
Fig. A 8.1: Cooling curve
temperature of solid wax falls to room
152 temperature TR as shown in Fig. A 8.1.
 ACTIVITY 8
UNIT NAME

P
ROCEDURE
1. Note the least count and range of the thermometer.
2. Note the least count of the stop-clock.
3. Record the room temperature.
4. Set up the tripod, bur ner, heating
arrangement as shown in Fig A 8.2.
5. Adjust the boiling tube and the thermometer
such that the graduation marks could be
easily read by you.
6. Heat the water and observe the state of wax.
Continue to heat till all the wax melts, note
the approximate melting point.
7. Continue to heat the wax in the water bath Fig. A 8.2: Experimental set up
till the temperatue is atleast 20°C above the
approximate melting point as observed in Step 6.
8. Turn off the burner, and carefully raise the clamp to remove the
boiling tube from the water bath.
9. Record readings of temperature after every 2 minutes.
10. Plot a graph of temperature of wax versus time, (temperature on
y – axis).
11. From the graph
(i) determine the melting point of wax.
(ii) mark the time interval for which the wax is in liquid state/solid state.

O
BSERVATIONS
Least count of thermometer = ... °C
Thermometer range ... °C to ... °C
Room temperature = ... °C
Least count of stop clock = ... s
Table A 8.1: Change in temperature of molten wax with time

S. time temperature
No. s °C
1
2
3
4
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R ESULT
The cooling curve of molten wax is shown in the graph. From the
graph (i) the melting point of wax is ... °C and (ii) the wax remains in
liquid state for ... s and in solid state for ... s.

P RECAUTIONS
1. The boiling tube with wax should never be heated directly on
a flame.
2. The stop clock should be placed on the right hand side of the
apparatus as it may be easy to see.
3. Wax should not be heated more than 20°C above its melting point.

S
OURCES OF ERROR
Simultaneous recording of temperature and time may give rise to
some errors.

S
ELF ASSESSMENT
1. Why should we never heat the wax directly over a flame?
2. Why is water bath used to melt the wax and heat it further?
3. What is the maximum temperature to which molten wax can be
heated in a water bath?
4. Would this method be suitable to determine the melting point of
plastics? Give reason for your answer.
5. Will the shape of the curve for coding of hot water be different
than that for wax?

SUGGESTED ADDITIONAL EXPERIMENTS/ACTIVITIES

1. Find melting point of ice.

2. Study the effect of addition of colour/fragrance on the melting point

of a given sample of colour less wax. Find the change in melting
point of wax by adding colour/fragrance in different proportions.

154
 ACTIVITY
UNIT NAME

ACTIVITY 9
AIM
To observe and explain the effect of heating on a bi-metallic strip.

APPARATUS AND MATERIAL REQUIRED

A iron-brass bi-metallic strip with an insulating (wooden) handle;
heater/burner.

D ESCRIPTION OF THE DEVICE

A bi-metallic strip is made of
two bars/strips of different
metals (materials), but of same
dimensions. These metallic
bars/strips (A and B) are
put together lengthwise and
firmly rivetted. An insulating
(wooden) handle is also fixed
at one end of the bi-metallic
strip. A bi-metallic strip can
be made by selecting metals
(materials) with widely
different values of coefficients
of linear thermal expansion.
The bi-metallic strip is
straight at room temperature, Fig. A 9.1: A bi-metallic strip in (a) straight, and (b)
as shown in position (a) of bent positions
Fig. A 9.1. When the bi-metallic
strip is heated, both metallic pieces expand to different extents
because of their different linear thermal expansivities, as shown
in position (b) of Fig. A 9.1. As a result, the bimetallic strip
appears to bend.

P RINCIPLE
The linear thermal expansion is the change in length of a bar on
heating. If L 1 and L2 are the lengths of rod/bar of a metal at
temperatures t1°C and t2°C (such that t2 > t1), the change in length 155
LABORATORY MANUAL
LABORATORY MANUAL

(L2 – L1) is directly proportional to the original length L1 and the rise
in temperature (t2 – t1).

(A 9.1) Then, (L2 – L1) = α L1 (t2 – t1)

(A 9.2) or L2 = L1 [1 + α (t2 – t1)]

(A 9.3) and α = (L2 – L1)/(t2 – t1)

where α is the coefficient of linear thermal expansion of the material

of the bar/rod.
The coefficient of linear thermal expansion (α) is the increase in length
per unit length for unit degree rise in temperature of the bar. It is
expressed in SI units as K–1.

P
ROCEDURE
1. Light a burner or switch on the electric heater.
2. Keep the bi-metallic strip in the horizontal position by holding it
with the insulated handle and heat it with the help of burner/
heater. Note which side of the bi-metallic strip is in direct contact
of heat source.
3. Observe the effect of heating the strip. Note carefully the direction
of the bending of the free end of the bi-metallic strip, whether it is
upwards or downwards?
4. Identify the metal (A or B) which is on the convex side of the
bi-metallic strip and also the one which is on its concave side.
Which one of the two metals/materials strips have a larger
thermal expansion? (The one on the convex side of the bi-
metallic strip will expand more and hence have larger linear
thermal expansion).
5. Note down the known values of coefficient of linear thermal
expansion of two metals (A and B) of the bi-metallic strip. Verify
whether the direction of bending (upward or downward) is on
the side of the metal/material having lower coefficient of linear
thermal expansion.
6. Take the bi-metallic strip away from the heat source. Allow the
strip to cool to room temperature.
7. Repeat the Steps 1 to 6 to heat the other side of the bi-metallic
strip. Observe the direction of bending of the bi-metallic strip.
What change, if any, do you observe in the direction of
bending of the strip in this case relative to that observed
earlier in Step 3?
156
 ACTIVITY 9
UNIT NAME

R ESULT
The bending of a bi-metallic strip on heating is due to difference in
coefficient of linear expansion of the two metals of the strip.

P RECAUTIONS
The two bars (strips) should be firmly rivetted near their ends.

D ISCUSSION
The direction of bending of the bi-metallic strip is towards the side of
the metal which has lower value of linear thermal expansion.

S
ELF ASSESSMENT
1. You have been given bars of identical dimensions of following
metals/materials along with their α - values, for making a bi-
metallic strip:
Aluminium (α = 23 × 10–6 K–1); Nickel (α = 13 × 10–6 K–1)
Copper (α = 17 × 10–6 K–1); Invar (α = 0.9 × 10–6 K–1)
Iron (α = 12 × 10–6 K–1); Brass (α = 18 × 10–6 K–1)
which pair of metals/materials would you select as best choice
for making a bi-metallic strip for pronounced effect of bending?
Why?
2. What would be the effect on the bending of the bi-metallic strip if
it is heated to a high temperature?
3. Name a few devices in which bi-metallic strips are generally used
as a thermostat?

SUGGESTED ADDITIONAL EXPERIMENTS/ACTIVITIES

Design fire alarm circuit using a bi-metallic strip.

157
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ACTIVITY 10
AIM
To study the effect of heating on the level of a liquid in a container and
to interpret the observations.

APPARATUS AND MATERIAL REQUIRED

A round bottom flask of 500 mL capacity, a narrow tube about 20 cm
long and of internal diameter 2mm, a rubber cork, glycerine, hot water,
a stand for holding the flask, a strip of graph paper, a thermometer.

P RINCIPLE
A container is required to keep the liquid. When we heat the liquid, the
container also gets heated. On being heated, liquid and container both
expand. Therefore, the observed expansion of liquid is its apparent
expansion, i.e. (the expansion of the liquid) – (the expansion of the
container). For finding the real expansion of the liquid, we must take
into account the expansion of the container. Real expansion = apparent
expansion of the liquid + expansion of the container.

P ROCEDURE
1. Fill the flask with glycerine upto the brim. Close
its mouth with a tight fitting cork having a long
narrow tube fixed in it. Glycerine will rise in
the tube; mark the level of the glycerine in
the tube as A. Set the apparatus as shown in
Fig. A 10.1.
2. Place the flask in the trough filled with hot water
and hold the flask in position with the help of a
stand as shown.

O BSERVATION
It is observed that as the flask is immersed in hot
Fig.A 10.1: Expansion of liquid (glycerine)
water, the level of glycerine in the tube first falls down
to a point, say B, and then rises up to a level C.
158
 ACTIVITY 10
UNIT NAME

D ISCUSSION
The level falls from A to B on account of expansion of the flask on
coming in contact with hot water. This fall is equal to the expansion
of the container. After some time glycerine also gets heated and
expands. Finally, the glycerine level attains a stationary level C.
Obviously the glycerine has expanded from B to C. B C gives the real
expansion and A C is the apparent expansion.

S
ELF ASSESSMENT
Water in a flask is heated in one case from 25°C to 45°C and in another
case, from 50°C to 70°C. Will the apparent expansion/real expansion
be the same in the two cases?

SUGGESTED ADDITIONAL EXPERIMENTS/ACTIVITIES

Take equal volume of water in a glass tumbler and a steel tumbler having
similar shape and size. Cover them both with thermocol sheet and insert
a narrow bore tube in each. Heat both from 25°C to 50°C and study the
apparent/real expansion in both cases. Are they equal? Give reason for
your answer.

159
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ACTIVITY 11
AIM
To study the effect of detergent on surface tension of water by
observing capillary rise.

APPARATUS AND MATERIAL REQUIRED

A capillary tube, a beaker of 250 mL, small quantity of solid/liquid
detergent, 15/30 cm plastic scale, rubber band, stand with clamp
and water.

P RINCIPLE
Substances that can be used to separate grease, dust and dirt
sticking to a surface are called detergents. When added to water
detergents lower its surface tension due to additional
intermolecular interactions.
The lowering of surface tension by addition of
detergent in water can be observed by capillary rise
method.
For a vertically placed capillary tube of radius r in
a water - filled shallow vessel, the rise of water in
capillary tube h (Fig. A11.1) is given by:
2 S cosθ
h=
ρ gr
Or
h ρ gr
Fig. A 11.1: Rise of water in capillary tube S=
2cosθ
where S is the surface tension of the water vapour
film; θ is the contact angle (Fig. A11.1), ρ is the
density of water and g is the acceleration due to gravity. For pure
or distilled water in contact with a clean glass capillary tube θ ≈ 8°
or cos θ ≈ 1. Thus,
1
S= h ρ gr
160 2
 ACTIVITY 11
UNIT NAME

Using this result, the surface tension of different detergent solutions

(colloidal) in water can be compared. In a detergent solution, the
capillary rise (or the surface tension) would be lower than that for
pure and distilled water. And an increase in detergent’s concentration
would result in a further lowering the rise of solution in the capillary.
A detergent for which the capillary rise is minimum (or the one that
causes maximum lowering of surface tension), is said to have better
cleansing effect.

P
ROCEDURE
1. Take a capillary tube of uniform bore. Clean and rinse it with
distilled water. Also clean and rinse the beaker with water. Pour
water to fill the beaker up to half. Make sure that the capillary
tube is dry and free from grease, oil etc. Also check that the top
of the capillary tube is open and not blocked by anything.
2. Take a plastic scale and mount the capillary tube on it using
rubber bands.
3. Hold the scale with capillary in vertical position with the help of a
clamp stand.
4. Place the half filled beaker below the lower end of the scale and
gradually lower down the scale till its lower end get immersed
below the surface of water in the beaker as shown in Fig. A 11.2.
5. Read the position of the water level inside and outside the capillary
tube on the scale. Let the positions be h2 and h1 respectively. The
rise of water in the capillary is h = h2 – h1.
6. Rinse the capillary thoroughly in running water and dry it.
7. Take a little quantity of the given
detergent and mix it with water in Rubber
the beaker. band
Capillary tube

8. Repeat the experiment with

Scale
detergent solution and find h2
capillary rise again. Let it be h′ .
h
Note Rubber
band
h1
The concentration of detergent must
not be made high, otherwise the
density of solution (colloidal) will Water with
change substantially as compared detergent
to water. Moreover, the value of
angle of contact between the surface
Fig. A 11.2: To study capillary rise in water
of glass and solution may also
and detergent mixed in it
change substantially.
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O BSERVATIONS
The height to which water rose in the capillary h = ... cm
The height to which the detergent solution rose in the capillary
h′ = ... cm.

R ESULT
The capillary rise of detergent solution h′ is less than the capillary rise
of water, h.

P RECAUTIONS
1. The inner surface of the beaker and the part of capillary tube to
be immersed in water or solution in the beaker should not be
touched by hand after cleaning them. This is essential to avoid
contamination by the hand.
2. To wet the inside of the capillary tube freely, it is first dipped well
down in the water and then raised and clamped. Alternatively,
the beaker may be lifted up and then put down.

S
OURCES OF ERROR
1. Contamination of liquid surface as also of the capillary tube cannot
be completely ruled out.
2. The tube may not be at both ends or its one end may be open
blocked.

D ISCUSSION
Can you also think of materials, which have a property of increasing
the surface tension of a liquid? If yes, what are these?
[Hint: There are some polymeric materials which can increase the
surface tension of water. Such materials are called hydrophilic.
These have immense use in pumping out oil from the ground with
less power.]

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ACTIVITY 12
AIM
To study the factors affecting the rate of loss of heat of a liquid.

APPARATUS AND MATERIAL REQUIRED

Two copper calorimeters of different sizes (one small and another
big); two copper calorimeters of same size (one painted black and
the other highly polished), two tumblers of same size (one metallic
and another plastic); two thermometers having a range of - 10° C to
110° C and least count 0.5 °C, stop watch/clock, cardboard lids for
calorimeters, two laboratory stands, a pan to heat water; a measuring
cylinder, a plastic mug.

P RINCIPLE
Hot bodies cool whenever placed in a cooler surrounding.
dQ
Rate of loss of heat is given by
ds

Q = mass × specific heat capacity(s) × temperature (θ ) = msθ

dQ dθ
= ms
dt dt

hence rate of loss of heat is proportional to rate of change of

temperature.
The rate of loss of heat of a body depends upon (a) the difference in
temperature of the hot body and its surroundings, (b) area of the
surface losing heat, (c) nature of the surface losing heat and (d) material
of the container.

P ROCEDURE
(A). Effect of area of surface on rate of loss of heat.
1. Note the room temperature, least count of the two thermometers
(TA and TB).
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2. Take the big (A) and small (B)

calorimeters.

3. Heat water in the pan up to

nearly 80°C (no need to boil
the water).

4. Pour 100 mL of hot water in

calorimeter (A) and also in
calorimeter (B). This should be
done carefully and with least time
loss. One can use a plastic mug
to pour 100 mL of hot water in a
measuring cylinder.

5. Insert a thermometer in each

of the two calorimeters. Use
stands to keep the thermometers
Fig. A 12.1: Experimental set up for studying the
vertical. Also ensure that the
effect of surface area on cooling thermometer bulb is well
inside the hot water in the
calorimeters (Fig. A 12.1).

6. Note the temperature of the

water in the two calorimeters
initially at an interval of 1
minute till the temperature of
water in the calorimeter is about
40–30°C above the room
temperature and thereafter at
intervals of 2 minutes when the
temperature of hot water is
about 20–10°C above room
temperature.

7. Record your observation in

Table A 12.1. Plot graphs
between θ A versus time and θ B
Fig. A 12.2: Cooling curve for water cooled versus time for both the
in calorimeters A and B.
calorimeters on the same graph
Surface area of water is more
for calorimeter B than for the
paper (Fig. A 12.2).
calorimeter A
8. Determine the slope of θ versus t
graph after 5 minute interval.

OBSERVATIONS
Least count of thermometer = ... °C
Room temperature = ... °C
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Table A 12.1: Effect of area of surface on rate of cooling

Calorimeter A (Big) Calorimeter B (Small)

S. Time Temp θA S. Time Temp θB

No. (min) (oC) No. (min) (oC)

B. Effect of nature of surface of container on rate of cooling of

a liquid
1. Use the two identical small calorimeters; one with black (A)
and the other with highly polished (B) surfaces.

2. Repeat Steps 3 to 8 as in part A.

Table A 12.2: Effect of nature of surface on rate of cooling

Calorimeter Black (A) Calorimeter White (B)

S. Time Temp θA S. Time Temp θB

No. (min) (oC) No. (min) (oC)

C. Effect of material of container on rate of cooling of a liquid

1. Use the metallic tumbler (A) and the plastic tumbler (B) instead of
calorimeters.
2. Repeat Steps 3 to 8 as in part A. Record your observations in a
table similar to Table A 12.1.

R
ESULT
From the six graphs plotted on 3 graph sheets complete the following:
1. The rate of cooling is ... °C/min in the larger calorimeter as
compared to the smaller calorimeter.
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2. Least rate of cooling is ... °C/min observed in calorimeter ... part

A/B/C.
3. Black surfaces radiate ... heat as compared to white or polished
surface in the same time when heated to the same temperature.
4. Plastic mugs are preferred for drinking tea, as the rate of cooling
of a liquid in them is ...

P
RECAUTIONS
1. θA, θB and time recordings are to be done simultaneously so a set-
up that allows both thermometers could be read quickly and at
the same time should be planned.
2. The lid of the calorimeter should be covered with insultating
material to make sure that the heat is lost (cooling takes place)
only from the calorimeter surface.
3. All three activities should be performed under similar conditions
of wind and temperature of the surrounding to reduce their effect
on the rate of cooling.

D ISCUSSION
1. The rate of cooling in summers is lower than in winters. Give a
reason for your answer.
2. Surface of metallic kettles are often polished to keep the tea warm
for a long time.
3. Why does the rate of cooling decrease when the temperature of
liquid is closer to the room temperature?

SUGGESTED ADDITIONAL EXPERIMENTS/ACTIVITIES

1. Compare the effectiveness of disposable thermocole tumblers with

that of glass for taking tea.

2. Study the rate of cooling of tea contained in a stainless steel (metallic)

teapot and a ceremic teapot.

3. Compare the rate of cooling of tea in a cup and in a saucer.

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ACTIVITY 13
AIM
To study the effect of load on depression of a suitably clamped metre
scale loaded (i) at its end; and (ii) in the middle.
A. Bending of a metre scale loaded at its end

APPARATUS AND MATERIAL REQUIRED

Metre scale (or a thick wooden strip of about 1 m length), thread,
slotted weights with hanger (10 g, 20 g, 50 g, 100 g), another
graduated scale to be used to measure depression, a pin, cellotape
and clamp.

T HEORY
The depression 'y' of a cantilever of length 'L' clamped at one end and
loaded at the free end with a load M (weight Mg) is given by relation
MgL3
y=
3Y (bd 3 /12 )
where L, b and d are length, width and thickness of the rectangular
cantilever respectively and Y is the modulus of elasticity of the material
of the rod.

4 MgL3
or y =
Y bd 3

The readings of depression ‘y’ of the cantilever, in this case with

variation of load suspended at the other end, are taken. The variation
of depression with load is expected to be linear.

P ROCEDURE
1. Clamp the metre scale firmly to the edge of the table. As shown in
Fig. A 13.1 ensure that the length and breadth of the scale are in
horizontal plane and 90 cm of the length of the scale is projected
out. Fix a pin with a tape at the free end of the metre scale along
its length to act as a pointer.
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2. Fix a graduated scale vertically near the

Rigid but
adjustable 1 free end of the clamped metre scale and
G clamp Beam 2 note its least count. Ensure that the pointed
3 end of the pin is just above the graduation
y
4 marks of the scale but do not touch it.
5 3. Read the pointer 'p' when metre scale
6 cantilever is without any load.
Load (Mg)
4. Suspend a hanger of known mass for
keeping slotted weights to depress the free
end of the cantilever.
5. Read the pointer on vertical scale and record
Fig. A 13.1: Experimental set up to study the observation.
depression of metre scale (used as
cantilever) with load suspended at 6. Keep on adding 20 g masses to the hanger
free end of the cantilever and record the reading of the pointer
everytime when it stops vibrating.

7. After taking 6-7 observations with increasing load, gradually

remove the slotted weights one by one and record the reading
while unloading.
8. Plot a graph between the depression and the load.

O
BSERVATIONS
Length of the cantilever L = ... cm

Width of the metre scale cantilever b = ... cm

Thickness of the metre scale d = ... cm

Reading of the free end of the cantilever with no load, l0= ... cm

Table A 13.1: Effect of load on depression of cantilever

S . Load M Reading of free end of Depression

No. (g) cantilever y = lm – lo
l1 (cm) when l2 (cm) when Mean
load is load is l1 + l 2
increasing decreasing lm =
2
(cm)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

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R ESULT
The depression 'y' is directly proportional to the load M.

P RECAUTIONS
1. The beam should be rigidly clamped at one end.
2. Loading and unloading of the slotted weights should be done
carefully without disturbing the position of the hanger on
the beam.
3. The vertical scale should be adjusted close to the pointer in such
a way that the pointer moves along it freely.

S OURCES OF ERROR
1. The scale should not be loaded beyond its elastic limit.

(This can be easily checked by comparing the zero load reading

after removing the maximum suspended load with that taken at
the beginning of the experiment).

2. There should be no vibratory motion of the beam when reading is

recorded.

3. While noting down the observation, the eye should be normal to

the tip of the pin and the graduated scale.

4. Observations should be repeated while removing masses.

B. Bending of metre scale loaded in the middle

APPARATUS AND MATERIAL REQUIRED

Metre scale, two wedges to rest the ends of the metre scale, thread,
slotted weights 200 g each, hanger for slotted weights, a graduated
scale with a stand to hold the scale vertical, a plane mirror, a pointer
and plasticine.

D ESCRIPTION OF THE DEVICE

Fig. A 13.2 shows the arrangement. A horizontal metre scale is held
on two wedges, a hanger is provided at the middle of the metre scale
for applying load. A pointer is fixed at the mid point to measure the
dipression. A graduated (least count 1 mm) scale with a plane mirror
strip attached to it is held in vertical position in a stand behind the
horizontal metre scale.
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Plane mirror for taking reading

Scale 1 without any parallex
2
3 Depression Beam
4
5
Wedge 6 Wedge
W
Hanger with weights
in middle of beam

Fig. A 13.2: Experimental set up to study depression,

i.e., sag of a beam with load in the middle

T
HEORY
Let a beam be loaded at the centre and supported near its ends as
shown in Fig A 13.2. A bar of length 'L', breadth 'b' and thickness 'd'
when loaded at the centre by a load 'W' sags by an amount given by

W l3
y=
4b d 3 Y

where 'Y' is the Young’s modulus of the material of the rod/ beam, W,
the load (= mg), where 'm' is the mass of the hanger with weights.
The depression 'y' is directly proportional to the load.

P ROCEDURE
1. Place the metre scale on two wedges with (5–10 cm) length
projecting out on either side. Metre scale supported at both ends
is like a beam.
2. Tie a loop of thread in the middle of the load such that a hanger
to support slotted weights each of 200 g can be suspended on
it. Ensure that the thread is tied tightly with the rod and does
not slip.
3. Place a graduated scale (with least count 0.1 cm) vertically in a
stand at the centre of the metre scale used as beam. To facilitate
readings the vertical scale should be kept on the far side of the
metre scale. Fix a pin to the hanger such that its pointed end is
close to the edge of the vertical scale which has graduation marks
on it.
4. Suspend the hanger of mass 200 g and record the position of the
pointer fixed to the hanger. The mirror strip on the vertical scale
should be used to remove any parallax.
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5. Keep on adding 200 g slotted masses to the hanger and record

the readings of the pointer each time.
6. Take about six observations.
7. Now, remove masses of 200g one by one recording the position of
the pointer each time while unloading.
8. Calculate the depression for the load M gram and hence depression
per unit load.
9. Plot a graph between the values of depression y against
corresponding values of load and interpret the result.

O BSERVATIONS
Width of the beam, b =
Thickness of the beam, d =
Length of the beam between the wedges, L =
Table A 13.2 Depression of the beam for different loads

S. Load Reading of the centre of Depression Depression Mean y/M

No. M (g) cantilever for load M per unit (cm/g)
(g), y (cm) load y/M
(cm/g)
Load Load Mean
increasing decreasing reading
r′1 (cm) r′2 (cm) r1′ + r2′
r=
2
(cm)
1 0 r0 0
2 200 r1 r1 – r0
3 400 r2 r2 – r0
4
5
6

R ESULT
The depression of the metre scale at its middle is ... mm/g. The
depression 'y' is directly proportional to the load M.

S
OURCES OF ERROR
1. The rod should not be loaded beyond elastic limit.
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2. There should be no vibratory motion of the rod when reading is

recorded.
3. While taking readings, the eye should be normal to tip of the
pointer and the metre scale.
4. The beam should be of uniform thickness and density throughout
its length.
5. The masses used must have standard value as engraved on them.

P
RECAUTIONS
1. The beam should be symmetrical on the knife edges.
2. Loading and unloading of the slotted weights should be done
carefully without disturbing the centre point.
3. Mirror strip used to eliminate parallax error should not disturb
the experimental setup.

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