Page 26 - Physics

Physics for Secondary Schools

Acti vity 1.3 Acti vity 1.4
Aim: To apply the scientifi c
In this activity, you are required to investigation method
design your experiment. Use the to test the accuracy of
information provided below and the stopwatches.
scientifi c method fl ow chart shown in Materials: Sellotape, table, pendulum

Figure 1.22 to design your scientifi c bob, string, retort stand,
experiment. The following are basic analogue stopwatch,
steps to follow when designing your digital stopwatch
experiment. Procedure:

1. Ask a question to which you want 1. Arrange a simple pendulum system
to fi nd answer. as shown in Figure 1.23.
2. Write down your hypothesis.
3. Identify important variables of your

investigation; those that are relevant String
and you can measure or observe. Length l
4. Decide on the independent and
dependent variables in your Pendulum

experiment and variables that must Retort stand bob
be kept constant.
5. Design the experiment that you will Table
use to test your hypothesis:
Figure 1.23
(a) State the aim of the experiment.
2. Pull the bob slightly to one side then
(b) List all the apparatus release it so that it swings back and
(equipment) that will be used forth.

in your experiment. 3. Using analogue stopwatch, measure
(c) Write the method that will be the time the pendulum takes to swing
used to test your hypothesis – back and forth.
in the correct sequence, with 4. Record your observation for one
complete oscillation.
each step of the experiment 5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 using the digital
numbered. stopwatch instead of the analogue

(d) Indicate how the results should one.
be presented and what data are Questions
required. With reference to the pendulum bob,
use the scientifi c method outlined

20
Student’s Book Form One

Physics Form 1 Final.indd 20 16/10/2024 20:55