OCR · A-Level · Physics
Course version: H556 · Version from Sept 2015
(a) how to use a wide range of practical apparatus and techniques correctly
Full specification wording
Implementing: (a) how to use a wide range of practical apparatus and techniques correctly
Implementing practical work means using apparatus correctly and safely to collect reliable measurements.
Checked against the OCR H556 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 2
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Implementing practical work means using apparatus correctly and safely to collect reliable measurements. You should be able to select and set up equipment such as a micrometer, vernier calliper, top-pan balance, ammeter, voltmeter, oscilloscope, signal generator, light gate, thermometer and data logger, and use techniques such as zeroing a balance, reading a meniscus at eye level, connecting meters in the correct circuit positions, and clamping apparatus securely. Correct use includes choosing a suitable range before measuring, avoiding parallax, checking for zero error, and recording values with the appropriate precision and unit. The skill is assessed through your ability to carry out these techniques accurately and to describe or recognise correct procedure in written questions.
What earns the marks
- Selects apparatus appropriate to the quantity being measured and the precision required.
- Uses instruments correctly, including zeroing, checking for zero error and reading scales without parallax.
- Connects electrical meters correctly, with an ammeter in series and a voltmeter in parallel with the component.
- Records measurements with the correct unit and a precision consistent with the instrument used.
- Follows safe and secure practical technique, such as clamping apparatus and avoiding overheating.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Connecting a voltmeter in series with a component.
Put it right: Connect the voltmeter in parallel with the component being measured.
Reading a scale at an angle, causing parallax error.
Put it right: View the scale or meniscus directly at eye level.
Recording more decimal places than the instrument can justify.
Put it right: Match the recorded precision to the resolution of the instrument.
Exam tips
- Before measuring, check the instrument range and zero, and choose a scale that gives a readable deflection.
- State the unit with every measurement and keep the precision consistent with the instrument.
- For circuit questions, check meter positions and polarity before describing the procedure.
Try the lesson
The start of the Implementing: (a) how to use a wide range of practical apparatus and techniques correctly lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Listen
Implementing practical work means using apparatus correctly and safely to collect reliable measurements. You should be able to select and set up equipment such as a micrometer, vernier calliper, top-pan balance, ammeter, voltmeter, oscilloscope, signal generator, light gate, thermometer and data logger, and use techniques such as zeroing a balance, reading a meniscus at eye level, connecting meters in the correct circuit positions, and clamping apparatus securely. Correct use includes choosing a suitable range before measuring, avoiding parallax, checking for zero error, and recording values with the appropriate precision and unit. The skill is assessed through your ability to carry out these techniques accurately and to describe or recognise correct procedure in written questions. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Selects apparatus appropriate to the quantity being measured and the precision required. Uses instruments correctly, including zeroing, checking for zero error and reading scales without parallax. Connects electrical meters correctly, with an ammeter in series and a voltmeter in parallel with the component. Records measurements with the correct unit and a precision consistent with the instrument used. A common slip: Connecting a voltmeter in series with a component. Instead, connect the voltmeter in parallel with the component being measured. Exam tip: Before measuring, check the instrument range and zero, and choose a scale that gives a readable deflection.
Key words
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Apparatus selection
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Correct measurement technique
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Electrical meter connections
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Precision, units and safety
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See every definition
- Apparatus selection
- Choosing equipment appropriate to the quantity being measured and the precision required, such as a micrometer, vernier calliper, top-pan balance, ammeter, voltmeter, oscilloscope, signal generator, light gate, thermometer or data logger.
- Correct measurement technique
- Using instruments correctly, including zeroing a balance, checking for zero error, reading a meniscus at eye level to avoid parallax, and choosing a suitable range before measuring.
- Electrical meter connections
- Connecting an ammeter in series and a voltmeter in parallel with the component, checking meter positions and polarity before describing the procedure.
- Precision, units and safety
- Recording values with the correct unit and a precision consistent with the instrument used, and following safe and secure technique such as clamping apparatus and avoiding overheating.
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