Spring Extension Investigation

This section covers Hooke's Law investigation using springs and weights. The aqa required practicals physics curriculum emphasizes understanding elastic behavior.

Definition: Hooke's Law states that extension is directly proportional to applied force within the elastic limit.

Example: Measuring spring extension using different weights and plotting force-extension graphs.

Highlight: The limit of proportionality marks where the linear relationship between force and extension ends.

Vocabulary: Extension - The increase in length from the original position.

Waves in a Tank Practical

This practical explores wave properties in water, essential for understanding waves in a tank water practical gcse physics paper 2 questions.

Definition: Wave speed equals frequency multiplied by wavelength $v=fλ$.

Example: Using an oscillating paddle to create water waves and measure their properties.

Highlight: Wave speed remains constant in the same medium despite changes in frequency or wavelength.

Vocabulary: Oscillating paddle - A device that moves up and down to generate waves.

Waves in a Solid Practical

This experiment investigates wave behavior in strings, complementing the waves in a solid required practical curriculum requirements.

Definition: Standing waves form when waves reflect and interfere in a string under tension.

Example: Using a frequency generator to create vibrations in a taut string.

Highlight: The relationship between frequency and wavelength demonstrates inverse proportionality.

Vocabulary: Node - Points in a standing wave where there is no displacement.

Surfaces and Radiation Investigation

This practical examines how different surfaces interact with infrared radiation, crucial for understanding heat transfer.

Definition: Infrared radiation is electromagnetic radiation that transfers heat energy.

Example: Comparing heat absorption and emission rates between matt black and shiny surfaces.

Highlight: Matt black surfaces are both better absorbers and emitters of radiation.

Vocabulary: Emit - To give off or release energy in the form of radiation.

Force and Acceleration Practical

This practical demonstrates the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration using a trolley system. Students investigate force and acceleration required practical method through systematic measurements.

Definition: Newton's Second Law states that acceleration is directly proportional to force and inversely proportional to mass $F=ma$.

Example: Using a data logger and light gates to measure velocity changes when different masses are added to a trolley.

Highlight: The acceleration-force graph shows a linear relationship, demonstrating direct proportionality.

Vocabulary: Data logger - An electronic device that automatically records data over time from connected sensors.