OCR · A-Level · Biology
Course version: H420 · Version from Sept 2025
(a) use of appropriate apparatus to record a range of quantitative…
Full specification wording
Use of apparatus and techniques: (a) use of appropriate apparatus to record a range of quantitative measurements (to include mass, time, volume, temperature, length and pH)
For each quantity you select equipment with an appropriate range and resolution: a top-pan or analytical balance for mass, a stopwatch or datalogger for time, a measuring cylinder, burette or…
Checked against the OCR H420 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 14
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
For each quantity you select equipment with an appropriate range and resolution: a top-pan or analytical balance for mass, a stopwatch or datalogger for time, a measuring cylinder, burette or pipette for volume, a thermometer or temperature probe for temperature, a ruler, callipers or graticule for length, and a pH meter or indicator for pH. You then read the instrument correctly, record the value with its unit and an appropriate number of significant figures, and note uncertainty. Assessment uses practical-based multiple-choice questions testing apparatus choice, correct reading and unit handling.
What earns the marks
- Select apparatus whose range and resolution suit the quantity being measured, for example an analytical balance for small masses and a measuring cylinder or burette for volumes.
- Read the instrument correctly, including the meniscus for volume and the scale division for length, and record the value with the correct unit.
- Record measurements to an appropriate number of significant figures consistent with the resolution of the apparatus.
- Estimate and state uncertainty in a measurement, and recognise when a datalogger or probe improves precision for time or temperature.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Choosing apparatus by habit rather than by range and resolution.
Put it right: Match the instrument to the size and precision of the quantity, such as a pipette for a fixed accurate volume.
Recording a value without its unit or with too many significant figures.
Put it right: Include the unit and round to the resolution of the instrument.
Confusing the reading of a meniscus or scale.
Put it right: Read the bottom of the meniscus at eye level and identify the smallest scale division before recording.
Exam tips
- Identify the quantity being measured first, then eliminate apparatus options that lack the required range or resolution.
- Check units and significant figures in every option before choosing an answer.
- Remember that pH is measured on a logarithmic scale, so a pH meter reading is not a linear measurement of hydrogen ion concentration.
Try the lesson
The start of the Use of apparatus and techniques: (a) use of appropriate apparatus to record a range of quantitative measurements (to include mass, time, volume, temperature, length and pH) lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
A student needs to measure the volume of 25 cm³ of dilute hydrochloric acid as accurately as possible. Which apparatus is most appropriate?
Listen
For each quantity you select equipment with an appropriate range and resolution: a top-pan or analytical balance for mass, a stopwatch or datalogger for time, a measuring cylinder, burette or pipette for volume, a thermometer or temperature probe for temperature, a ruler, callipers or graticule for length, and a pH meter or indicator for pH. You then read the instrument correctly, record the value with its unit and an appropriate number of significant figures, and note uncertainty. Assessment uses practical-based multiple-choice questions testing apparatus choice, correct reading and unit handling. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Select apparatus whose range and resolution suit the quantity being measured, for example an analytical balance for small masses and a measuring cylinder or burette for volumes. Read the instrument correctly, including the meniscus for volume and the scale division for length, and record the value with the correct unit. Record measurements to an appropriate number of significant figures consistent with the resolution of the apparatus. Estimate and state uncertainty in a measurement, and recognise when a datalogger or probe improves precision for time or temperature. A common slip: Choosing apparatus by habit rather than by range and resolution. Instead, match the instrument to the size and precision of the quantity, such as a pipette for a fixed accurate volume. Exam tip: Identify the quantity being measured first, then eliminate apparatus options that lack the required range or resolution.
See it
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Apparatus selection by range and resolution
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Accurate reading of scales and menisci
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Correct units and significant figures
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Apparatus selection by range and resolution
- Choosing equipment whose range and resolution suit the quantity being measured, rather than choosing by habit.
- Accurate reading of scales and menisci
- Reading the instrument correctly, including the bottom of the meniscus at eye level and the smallest scale division before recording.
- Correct units and significant figures
- Recording the value with its unit and rounding to an appropriate number of significant figures consistent with the resolution of the apparatus.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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