Category: Practical Physics

IGCSE Prescribed Practical: Measuring the Speed of Sound in Air with a Resonance Tube

IGCSE Prescribed Practical: Measuring the Speed of Sound in Air with a Resonance Tube

Join us in exploring the fascinating world of sound waves as we measure the speed of sound in air using a resonance tube in this IGCSE Prescribed Practical experiment. Gain a deeper understanding of the principles of physics, resonance, and the factors that affect the speed of sound. Follow our step-by-step guide to set up the experiment, create a standing wave, and calculate the speed of sound. This hands-on experience is perfect for students and science enthusiasts alike, seeking to unravel the mysteries of sound and its behavior in different media.

IGCSE Prescribed Practical: Exploring the Relationship between Force and Acceleration in Physics

IGCSE Prescribed Practical: Exploring the Relationship between Force and Acceleration in Physics

In this IGCSE Prescribed Practical, we investigate the relationship between force and acceleration using a trolley on an inclined plane. Through this engaging physics experiment, you will learn how to apply Newton's Second Law of Motion and the kinematic equation to calculate the acceleration and force acting on the trolley. Understanding the relationship between force and acceleration is essential in physics and has numerous real-world applications in engineering and everyday life. Follow our comprehensive guide to perform the experiment and deepen your understanding of these fundamental physics concepts.

IGCSE Prescribed Practical: Investigating Resistivity of a Wire for Physics

IGCSE Prescribed Practical: Investigating Resistivity of a Wire for Physics

In this IGCSE Prescribed Practical, we delve into the exciting world of resistivity as we investigate the resistivity of a wire. Through this hands-on physics experiment, you will learn how to measure the wire's resistance, length, and diameter and use these values to calculate its resistivity. Understanding resistivity is essential for selecting the right materials for various applications in physics and engineering. Follow our step-by-step guide, enhance your physics knowledge, and ace your IGCSE practical exam!

Enthalpy – Thermometric titration

Enthalpy – Thermometric titration

Thermometric titration is a powerful technique used to determine the concentration of acids and bases by measuring the temperature change during a chemical reaction. In this article, we explore the process of thermometric titration and how it is used to calculate the enthalpy change of neutralization for hydrochloric acid and ethanoic acid using a standard solution of sodium hydroxide. We outline the required materials, the titration procedure, and the calculation process involved. Additionally, we answer common questions about the enthalpy change of neutralization, the experimental results for hydrochloric acid, and the heats of neutralization for weak acids and bases.

Enthalpy – Student Design

Enthalpy – Student Design

In this experiment, students will have the opportunity to develop their practical and analytical skills, which are essential for the IA internal assessment or practical exams. By investigating the enthalpy change that occurs when solid ammonium chloride dissolves in water, students will learn how to conduct a scientific experiment using calorimetry techniques. This experiment will also allow students to calculate the enthalpy change and analyze their results, which will help them to understand the importance of accuracy and precision in scientific measurements. By engaging in this experiment, students will gain valuable experience in carrying out practical chemistry experiments and will be better equipped to succeed in their internal assessments or practical exams.

Enthalpy – Combustion of alcohols (Determination of the heat capacity of the apparatus)

Enthalpy – Combustion of alcohols (Determination of the heat capacity of the apparatus)

In this experiment, the aim is to determine the heats of combustion of alcohols, specifically butan-1-ol. The experiment involves burning a measured mass of an alcohol in a spirit lamp and transferring the heat energy released to a calorimeter containing water. From the resulting temperature rise, the heat of combustion can be calculated. The apparatus used must be calibrated using an alcohol with a known heat of combustion due to factors such as the heat energy lost to the surrounding air and the heat capacity of the calorimeter. Safety precautions must also be taken due to the flammability and potential toxicity of the alcohols. The experiment provides an opportunity to calculate the specific heat capacity of the calorimeter and determine the enthalpy change of butan-1-ol. Calculations can be made to determine the percentage difference between experimental values and data book values and to explain why there may be a difference.