OCR · GCSE · Physics
Course version: J249 · Version from Sept 2018
Use of appropriate apparatus to make and record a range of measurements…
Full specification wording
Energy: Use of appropriate apparatus to make and record a range of measurements accurately, including length, area, mass, time, volume and temperature.
In energy practical work you choose the right instrument for each quantity and record readings accurately.
Checked against the OCR J249 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
In energy practical work you choose the right instrument for each quantity and record readings accurately. Length uses a ruler or tape measure read to the nearest division; area is calculated from measured lengths (for example length × width) and recorded in m²; mass uses a balance in kilograms or grams; time uses a stopwatch or timer in seconds; volume uses a measuring cylinder read at the meniscus in cm³ or ml; temperature uses a thermometer in °C. Accuracy means reading at eye level, choosing a scale that suits the size of the quantity, and recording with a sensible number of significant figures and correct units.
What earns the marks
- Selects a ruler or tape measure for length and reads it at eye level to the nearest division.
- Calculates area from measured lengths and records it in square units such as m².
- Uses a balance for mass and a stopwatch or timer for time, recording each with correct units.
- Reads a measuring cylinder at the meniscus for volume and a thermometer for temperature, recording units such as cm³ and °C.
- Records each measurement with a sensible number of significant figures and the correct unit.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Records a number without a unit.
Put it right: Attach the correct unit such as m, m², kg, s, cm³ or °C.
Reads a measuring cylinder away from the meniscus or at an angle.
Put it right: Read at eye level at the meniscus.
Uses an instrument whose scale is too coarse for the quantity.
Put it right: Choose a scale that suits the size being measured.
Exam tips
- Match each quantity to its instrument before taking any reading.
- State units for every recorded value, including square units for area.
- Read scales at eye level and quote readings to a sensible number of significant figures.
Try the lesson
The start of the Energy: Use of appropriate apparatus to make and record a range of measurements accurately, including length, area, mass, time, volume and temperature. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
A student needs to measure the temperature of a beaker of warm water accurately. Which piece of apparatus is most suitable?
Listen
In energy practical work you choose the right instrument for each quantity and record readings accurately. Length uses a ruler or tape measure read to the nearest division; area is calculated from measured lengths (for example length × width) and recorded in m²; mass uses a balance in kilograms or grams; time uses a stopwatch or timer in seconds; volume uses a measuring cylinder read at the meniscus in cm³ or ml; temperature uses a thermometer in °C. Accuracy means reading at eye level, choosing a scale that suits the size of the quantity, and recording with a sensible number of significant figures and correct units. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Selects a ruler or tape measure for length and reads it at eye level to the nearest division. Calculates area from measured lengths and records it in square units such as m². Uses a balance for mass and a stopwatch or timer for time, recording each with correct units. Reads a measuring cylinder at the meniscus for volume and a thermometer for temperature, recording units such as cm³ and °C. Exam tip: Match each quantity to its instrument before taking any reading.
Key words
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Accuracy
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Area
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Meniscus
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Significant figures
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See every definition
- Accuracy
- Reading at eye level, choosing a scale that suits the size of the quantity, and recording with a sensible number of significant figures and correct units.
- Area
- Calculated from measured lengths, for example length × width, and recorded in m².
- Meniscus
- The point at which a measuring cylinder is read for volume, in cm³ or ml.
- Significant figures
- A sensible number of these is used when recording each measurement, together with the correct unit.
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