GRADE 11 PHYSICS PRACTICAL EXAM STUDY MATERIAL – 2023 -24

Qn.1. You are provided with a Vernier Calipers and a spherical bob. Find first the
least count of the Vernier. Determine the diameter of the spherical bob using the
calipers. Take at least six readings and find the mean values for them. Then using
an appropriate formula, calculate the volume of the spherical bob.

Vernier Calipers

AIM:
To measure diameter and hence volume of a small spherical body using Vernier Caliper.
APPARATUS:
Vernier Caliper, a solid spherical body.
Formula :
4 𝑑3
Volume of the spherical body 𝑉= (𝜋 )
3 8

where 𝑑 is the diameter of the spherical body.

OBSERVATIONS:

Least count or Vernier Constant:

1M.S.D. = 1 mm
10 V.S.D. = 9 M.S.D.
1V.S.D. = 9/10 M.S.D. = 0.9 mm
Vernier Constant, V.C. = 1 M.S.D. - 1 V.S.D.
= (1 - 0.9) mm = 0.1 mm
∴ V.C. or L.C. = 0.01 cm.

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To find the diameter of the wire (D)
Zero error : NIL

Vernier Scale
Main Scale Vernier Scale Total Reading
Serial Reading (VSR)
Reading (MSR) Coincidence – VSC = MSR + VSR
No. VSR = VSC X V.C.
(cm) (div) (cm)
(cm)
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Mean

CALCULATION:
[Use the formula and calcuate the volume]

RESULT:
Diameter of the given spherical body = ____________ cm
Volume of the given spherical body = ____________ cm3
PRECAUTIONS:

• The object being measured should be held gently, without much force on the jaws of the
caliper so it won't break while handling.
• The scales of the caliper should be moved slowly and smoothly and the locking keys
shouldn't be too tight for accurate measurement.

SOURCES OF ERROR:

• While gripping the object to be measured, application of excessive force on the jaws will
lead to an error.
• Eyes should be in a straight line directly above the marking on Vernier calliper. Otherwise it
will cause parallax error because it is viewed from an angle.
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 Qn.2 Find the least count of the given screw gauge. Determine the diameter of
the wire by taking at least six readings by gripping the wire at six different places.
Find the mean diameter of the wire. Find the volume of the wire by finding its
length.
Screw Gauge
Aim:
To measure diameter of a given wire using screw gauge and hence to find its volume.
Apparatus: Screw gauge, given metallic wire.

Formula :
𝑑2
Volume of the wire 𝑉= 𝜋 ( )𝑙
4

where 𝑑 is the diameter of the wire.

Observations: -
1. Determination of Least Count of the Screw Gauge
L.S.D. = 1 mm

Number of full rotations given to screw 𝑛 = 10

Distance moved by the screw 𝑑 = 10 mm

𝑑 10𝑚𝑚
Hence, pitch 𝑝 = = = 1 mm
𝑛 10
Number of divisions on circular scale = 100
1𝑚𝑚
Hence, least count (LC) = = 0.01𝑚𝑚
100
Note : If the number of division on circular scale is 50, then pitch will vary accordingly.

2. Zero Error
Mean zero error (e) = ……. mm
Mean zero correction (ZC) = - e ….... mm.

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3. To find the diameter of the wire (D)

Linear/Pitch scale Circular Scale Observed Reading – OR Correct reading – CR

Serial
Reading (PSR) Coincidence – CSC OR = PSR + (CSC × LC) CR = OR ± ZC
No
(mm) (div) (mm) (mm)
1
2
3
4
5
Mean

CALCULATION:

[Use the formula and calcuate the volume]

RESULT:
Diameter of the given wire = ____________ mm
Volume of the given wire = ____________ mm3

PRECAUTIONS:

• The screw should always be rotated by ratchet and not by cap to avoid undue pressure.
• To avoid back-lash error in the screw, the screw should be moved in the same direction.

SOURCES OF ERROR:

• The screw may have friction.

• Circular scale divisions may not be of equal size.

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Qn3. Using the parallelogram law of vectors, determine the weight of the given
body. Take at least three sets of readings.
Parallelogram Law Of Vectors
Aim: To find the of a given body using parallelogram law of vectors.
Apparatus Required: Parallelogram law of forces apparatus (Gravesand's apparatus), plumb line,
two hangers with slotted weights, a body (a wooden block) whose weight is to be determined,
thin strong or thread, white drawing paper sheet, drawing pins, mirror strip, sharp pencil, half
metre scale, set squares, protractor
Diagram:

Formula:
If the body of unknown weight S suspended from middle hanger, balances weights P and Q
suspended from other 2 hangers, the unknown weight can be calculated from the following
formula.

Unknown weight = Magnitude of the resultant force 𝑆 = √𝑃2 + 𝑄 2 + 2PQ cosθ

Where P – magnitude of force P that corresponds to weight 1
Q – magnitude of force Q that corresponds to weight 2
𝜃 – angle between the two forces P & Q

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OBSERVATION:
To find unknown weight of the given body
Let 1 cm = ---------- gwt (say n gwt)

Forces = weight
of hanger +
Length of the sides (cm) Resultant Force
slotted weights
S.No. (gwt) 𝜃 = < 𝐴𝑂𝐵 𝑅 = 𝑂𝐶 × 𝑛
(gwt)
P Q OA OB OC

1.

2.

3.

CALCULATIONS:

RESULT:
The unknown weight of the given body by
i. Parallelogram law of vector = gwt
ii. Using diagram = gwt
PRECAUTIONS:
1. Hangers should not touch the board or table.
2. Weights should be adjusted so that point O lies in the middle of the paper.
SOURCES OF ERROR:
1. Pulleys may have friction.
2. Slight error in marking may result in large error.
Note : 1 gwt or 1 gram-weight is nothing but the force exerted by a body of mass 1gm under the
effect of gravity.

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Qn.4 Determine the coefficient of dynamic friction, using the given set up. At
least six readings are to be taken. Tabulate the readings accordingly to determine
the mean coefficient of friction. Draw a graph between force of friction and
normal reaction. Also find from the graph the value of 𝝁𝒌 .
DYNAMIC FRICTION
Aim: To study the relationship between force of limiting friction and normal reaction and find
the coefficient of friction between the block and horizontal surface by plotting the graph.
Apparatus Required: Horizontal plane tabletop fitted with a frictionless pulley at one end,
pan, spring balance, thread, wooden block, etc.
Model Graph:

Formula:

Within elastic limit 𝐹 = 𝜇 𝑅

where 𝐹 − Force of friction
𝑅 − Normal reaction
𝜇 − Coefficient of friction

OBSERVATIONS:
Weight of the wooden block 𝑊 = gwt
Weight of the pan 𝑃 = gwt

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To find 𝝁 :

Total weight Pulling

Weight on the Total weight being
Weight on the block and the
wooden block pulled 𝑊 + 𝑤 =
S.No. the pan 𝑝 weight 𝑃 + 𝑝 =
𝑤 Normal Reaction 𝑅
(gwt) Limiting Friction 𝐹
(gwt) (gwt)
(gwt)
1. 0
2. 10
3. 20
4. 30
5. 40
6. 50
7. 60
8. 70
9. 80
10. 90
11. 100

Calculation:
[Show the calculation of slope here.]

RESULT:
The graph between F and R is a straight line which shows that the magnitude of the limiting
force of friction F is directly proportional to the normal reaction R.
The value of coefficient of friction by graph =

PRECAUTIONS:
1. Tapping should be gentle.
2. The weight in the pan should be increased in small steps.

SOURCES OF ERROR:

1. The pulleys may not be frictionless.

2. The plane may not be exactly horizontal.

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Qn.5 Using the given sonometer, establish the relationship between frequency and
resonating length of the wire under constant tension. Plot the necessary graph and
interpret the result.
SONOMETER – LAW OF LENGTH

Aim:
To study the relation between frequency and length of the given wire under constant tension
using sonometer
Apparatus Required:
A sonometer, set of four tuning forks of different frequencies, hanger with slotted weights, paper
rider and meter scale.
Theory :
Law of Length :
If mas per unit length ‘m’ and tension T of a given string are kept constant, then the frequency of
vibration produced in stretched string is inversely proportional to its length.
1
(ie) Frequency 𝑛 ∝
𝑙
Or 𝑛 𝑙 = constant
Model graph:

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Observation:

To prove 𝒏 𝒍 is a constant:
Constant tension on the wire T = ------ N

Resonant length of the wire (cm)

Frequency of 1
S.No. tuning fork - 𝑛
𝑛𝑙
Length Length Mean 𝑙 (Hzcm)
(Hz) increasing decreasing length (cm-1)
𝑙1 𝑙2 𝑙

1.

2.

3.

4.

Calculation:

Result:
1. The product of resonant length 𝑙 and the frequency 𝑛 is constant. This verifies that
1
𝑛 ∝ .
𝑙
1 1
2. The graph between 𝑛 and is a straight line, which proves that 𝑛 ∝ .
𝑙 𝑙
Thus the law of length of transverse vibrations of strings is verified.

Precautions:

1. While finding resonant length, start with a small distance between the bridges.
2. The paper rider should always be kept in the middle of the wire between the bridges.

Sources of error:

1. Wire may not have uniform area of cross section.

2. Bridges may not be sharp.

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Qn.6 Determine the force constant for the given spring, using the load extension
graph. Take at least eight readings by successively finding the extension for every
10 gram.
FORCE CONSTANT OF A HELICAL SPRING
Aim:
To find the force constant of a helical spring by plotting a graph between load and extension.
Apparatus Required:
Helical spring, a rigid support, a fine pointer, a hook, slotted weights and a vertical wooden
scale.
Model Graph:

Formula:

Within elastic limit 𝐹 = 𝑘 𝑥

where 𝐹 − Force applied
𝑥 − extension produced
𝑘 − force constant of the spring

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OBSERVATIONS:

To find 𝒍 :

Least count of vertical scale = 0.1 cm.

Load on hanger W Reading of position of pointer tip (cm)

= Applied force F Extension Extension
S.No. Mean 𝑙 𝑙
Loading Unloading 𝑥+𝑦
F (in x y 𝑧= (cm) (m)
F (in N)
gwt) 2
1. 0 0

2. 10 0.1

3. 20 0.2

4. 30 0.3

5. 40 0.4

6. 50 0.5

7. 60 0.6

8. 70 0.7

9. 80 0.8

10. 90 0.9

11. 100 1.0

RESULT
The force constant of the given spring = …………. N/m

PRECAUTIONS
1. The spring should not be loaded beyond the elastic limit of the spring.
2. Adjust the position of the vertical scale so that pointer moves in front of the graduations
freely without touching the scale.

SOURCES OF ERROR
1. The support may not be rigid.
2. The slotted weights may not have correct weight.

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Qn.7 Using a simple pendulum, plot its L-T2 graph and use it to find the effective length of
second’s pendulum.

Aim:
Using a Simple Pendulum plot L – T2 graph, hence find the effective length of second's
pendulum using appropriate graph.

Apparatus Required:

Clamp stand; a split cork; a heavy metallic (brass/iron) spherical bob with a hook, a
long, fine, strong cotton thread/string (about 2.0 m), stop-watch and metre scale.
Theory :
The simple pendulum executes Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) as the acceleration of
the pendulum bob is directly proportional to its displacement from the mean position
and is always directed towards it.

The time period (T) of a simple pendulum for oscillations of small amplitude, is given by
the relation
𝐿
𝑇 = 2𝜋√
𝑔

where 𝐿 is the length of the pendulum, and 𝑔 is the acceleration due to gravity at the
place of experiment.
The above equation can be rewritten as
𝐿
𝑇 2 = 4𝜋 2
𝑔

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Observations:

Radius (r) of the pendulum bob (given) = ... cm

Least count of the metre scale = ... mm = ... cm
Least count of the stop-watch/clock = ... s

Effective Time for 30 seconds Time Period

Length of the 𝑇2
S.No. length 𝑇 = 𝑡/30
thread 𝑙’ (cm) 𝑡1 𝑡2 Mean 𝑡 𝑠2
𝑙 = 𝑙′ + 𝑟 s
1 120
2 110
3 100
4 90
5 80
6 70

Calculations:

Result:
1. The graph L versus T2 is a straight line.
2. The effective length of second's pendulum from L versus T2 graph is ... … cm
Precautions:

1. The amplitude of the pendulum should be small.

2. The bob should move along a straight line and it should not have any spin
during the oscillation.
Sources of error:

1. The thread may not be extensible.

2. The suspension support may not be rigid.

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Qn.8 Determine the velocity of sound in air at room temperature using a resonance tube.

im:
To determine the velocity of sound in air at room temperature using a resonance tube.

Apparatus Required:
Resonance tube apparatus, a tuning fork of known frequency (preferably of 480 Hz or
512 Hz), a rubber pad, a thermometer, beaker and water.

Observation:
Temperature of the room θ = ... oC

Length 𝒍𝟏 for the first Length 𝒍𝟐 for the first Velocity of

Frequency
of the resonance position (cm) resonance position (cm) sound
S.No. Water Water Water
tuning Water
level Mean 𝑙1 level level Mean 𝑙2 𝒗 = 𝝂(𝒍𝟐 − 𝒍𝟏 )
fork (Hz) level falling
rising falling rising
1
𝑣1 2
1
𝑣2 2
Mean
Calculations :
Result :
The velocity of sound 𝑣 in air at room temperature = ------------- ms-1

Precautions :

1. The resonance tube should be kept vertical using the levelling screws.
2. Striking of tuning fork on rubber pad must be done very gently.
Sources of error:
1. The air inside the tube may not be completely dry and the presence of water vapours
in
the air column may exhibit a higher value of velocity of sound.
2. Resonance tube must be of uniform area of cross-section.

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 OLAB LINKS

• Watch videos to be familiar with the procedure. Go through VIVA

questions as well from there.

1. Screw Gauge – Finding volume of the given wire

2. Vernier Calipers – Finding volume of the spere
3. Parallelogram Law of Vectors – unknown weight of the given body
4. Dynamic Friction – Coefficient of friction
5. Helical Spring – Force constant
6. Sonometer – Law of length
7. Simple Pendulum
8. Resonance tube – Velocity of sound

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 Marking Scheme

MAXIMUM
S.NO. ITEM
MARKS

1 Two Experiments 7+7

Practical Record
2 5
(Experiments & Activities)

3 Investigatory Project 5

Viva on experiments, activities &

4 6
project

Total 30

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