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1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
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Physics
5 Dec 2025
205
6 pages
Lottie @lottie_and_willowpony
Physics practicals can seem daunting, but they're actually brilliant ways to see how electricity and energy work in... Show more
Ever wondered why some materials heat up faster than others? Specific heat capacity tells us exactly how much energy different materials need to warm up.
First, you'll calculate the power of your heating element using P = VI (voltage times current). Then work out the total energy transferred using E = Pt, where t is time in seconds.
The magic happens when you plot your temperature readings against energy on a graph. The gradient of the straight line section equals ΔΘ/ΔE, and your final specific heat capacity is simply 1 divided by (gradient × mass).
Quick Tip Keep your units consistent - use joules for energy, seconds for time, and kilograms for mass to get the right answer every time.
This practical lets you compare how quickly different materials heat up - perfect for understanding why metal spoons get hot in soup whilst wooden ones don't!
You'll need a block of material (like copper), some insulation, a thermometer, power supply, ammeter, and stopwatch. Start by measuring the block's mass, then wrap it in insulation and insert both the thermometer and heater.
Set your power supply to 10V and record the temperature every minute for 10 minutes. The insulation is crucial - it stops heat escaping and messing up your results.
Try different materials like aluminium or steel to see how their heating rates compare. Each material has its own unique specific heat capacity value.
Safety Note Those blocks get properly hot, so use tongs when handling them and let everything cool down before packing away.
This brilliant experiment shows you exactly how a wire's length affects its electrical resistance - knowledge that engineers use when designing circuits.
Set up your wire with crocodile clips at 0cm, then gradually move the second clip to different lengths. Each time, close the switch briefly to record current and potential difference (don't leave it on too long or the wire heats up).
Calculate resistance using R = V/I for each length. When you plot your graph, you should get a lovely straight line through the origin, proving that resistance and length are directly proportional.
If your line doesn't go through zero, you've got a systematic error - probably because your first clip wasn't exactly on the 0cm mark.
Pro Tip Work quickly with each measurement to prevent the wire heating up, which would change its resistance and skew your results.
This practical shows you which insulating materials are best at keeping your tea warm - the same principle behind thermal flasks and house insulation.
Start with freshly boiled water in a sealable container. Measure the water's mass and initial temperature, then seal it up and wait exactly 5 minutes. The temperature drop tells you how much heat energy escaped.
Repeat the experiment wrapping your container in different materials like newspaper, bubble wrap, or wool. Always use the same mass of water and the same timing for fair comparisons.
The material that gives you the smallest temperature drop is your best thermal insulator. You'll be amazed at how much difference the right material makes!
Safety First Handle that boiling water carefully - use a kettle with a good spout and keep the container on a stable surface.
This experiment reveals how different electrical components behave when you change the voltage - essential knowledge for understanding everything from LED lights to phone chargers.
Set up your test circuit with a variable resistor to control the current and voltage. Take several readings from your ammeter and voltmeter, then repeat each measurement twice for accuracy.
Here's the clever bit swap your battery connections around to reverse the current direction and take more readings. This shows you how components behave with both positive and negative voltages.
Plot current against voltage for each component you test. Different components give completely different graph shapes, which tells you loads about how they work.
Remember Calculate resistance at different points using R = V/I - you'll notice some components have changing resistance values.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore essential electric circuit components including switches, resistors, thermistors, and diodes. This summary covers their functions, characteristics, and applications in circuits, making it a valuable resource for physics students. Ideal for exam preparation and understanding circuit design.
PhysicsExplore the essential concepts of electricity, including current, potential difference, and resistance. This summary covers key topics such as Ohm's Law, series and parallel circuits, and the behavior of various components like diodes and thermistors. Ideal for physics students seeking a clear understanding of electrical principles.
PhysicsExplore essential experiments in Physics, focusing on thermal insulation, specific heat capacity, and resistance. This summary covers practical setups, methodologies, and key concepts like Ohm's Law, thermal insulators, and density calculations. Ideal for AQA GCSE students preparing for Paper 1.
PhysicsExplore essential GCSE Physics practicals covering resistance, series and parallel circuits, density calculations, and specific heat capacity. This comprehensive guide includes key concepts, apparatus used, and potential exam questions to enhance your understanding and preparation for Paper 1.
PhysicsExplore the fundamentals of electric circuits, including current flow, resistance, and circuit components. This summary covers key concepts such as Ohm's Law, types of resistors, and practical investigations into resistance. Ideal for GCSE students preparing for exams.
PhysicsExplore the current and voltage characteristics of circuit components through hands-on experiments. This practical guide covers the investigation of resistors, filament lamps, and diodes, detailing how to measure current and potential difference, analyze Ohm's Law, and understand the effects of temperature on resistance. Ideal for physics students preparing for practical assessments.
PhysicsApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Lottie
@lottie_and_willowpony
Physics practicals can seem daunting, but they're actually brilliant ways to see how electricity and energy work in real life. These required practicals will help you understand everything from why your phone charger gets warm to how different materials conduct... Show more
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Ever wondered why some materials heat up faster than others? Specific heat capacity tells us exactly how much energy different materials need to warm up.
First, you'll calculate the power of your heating element using P = VI (voltage times current). Then work out the total energy transferred using E = Pt, where t is time in seconds.
The magic happens when you plot your temperature readings against energy on a graph. The gradient of the straight line section equals ΔΘ/ΔE, and your final specific heat capacity is simply 1 divided by (gradient × mass).
Quick Tip: Keep your units consistent - use joules for energy, seconds for time, and kilograms for mass to get the right answer every time.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This practical lets you compare how quickly different materials heat up - perfect for understanding why metal spoons get hot in soup whilst wooden ones don't!
You'll need a block of material (like copper), some insulation, a thermometer, power supply, ammeter, and stopwatch. Start by measuring the block's mass, then wrap it in insulation and insert both the thermometer and heater.
Set your power supply to 10V and record the temperature every minute for 10 minutes. The insulation is crucial - it stops heat escaping and messing up your results.
Try different materials like aluminium or steel to see how their heating rates compare. Each material has its own unique specific heat capacity value.
Safety Note: Those blocks get properly hot, so use tongs when handling them and let everything cool down before packing away.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This brilliant experiment shows you exactly how a wire's length affects its electrical resistance - knowledge that engineers use when designing circuits.
Set up your wire with crocodile clips at 0cm, then gradually move the second clip to different lengths. Each time, close the switch briefly to record current and potential difference (don't leave it on too long or the wire heats up).
Calculate resistance using R = V/I for each length. When you plot your graph, you should get a lovely straight line through the origin, proving that resistance and length are directly proportional.
If your line doesn't go through zero, you've got a systematic error - probably because your first clip wasn't exactly on the 0cm mark.
Pro Tip: Work quickly with each measurement to prevent the wire heating up, which would change its resistance and skew your results.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This practical shows you which insulating materials are best at keeping your tea warm - the same principle behind thermal flasks and house insulation.
Start with freshly boiled water in a sealable container. Measure the water's mass and initial temperature, then seal it up and wait exactly 5 minutes. The temperature drop tells you how much heat energy escaped.
Repeat the experiment wrapping your container in different materials like newspaper, bubble wrap, or wool. Always use the same mass of water and the same timing for fair comparisons.
The material that gives you the smallest temperature drop is your best thermal insulator. You'll be amazed at how much difference the right material makes!
Safety First: Handle that boiling water carefully - use a kettle with a good spout and keep the container on a stable surface.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This experiment reveals how different electrical components behave when you change the voltage - essential knowledge for understanding everything from LED lights to phone chargers.
Set up your test circuit with a variable resistor to control the current and voltage. Take several readings from your ammeter and voltmeter, then repeat each measurement twice for accuracy.
Here's the clever bit: swap your battery connections around to reverse the current direction and take more readings. This shows you how components behave with both positive and negative voltages.
Plot current against voltage for each component you test. Different components give completely different graph shapes, which tells you loads about how they work.
Remember: Calculate resistance at different points using R = V/I - you'll notice some components have changing resistance values.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
7
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore essential electric circuit components including switches, resistors, thermistors, and diodes. This summary covers their functions, characteristics, and applications in circuits, making it a valuable resource for physics students. Ideal for exam preparation and understanding circuit design.
PhysicsExplore the essential concepts of electricity, including current, potential difference, and resistance. This summary covers key topics such as Ohm's Law, series and parallel circuits, and the behavior of various components like diodes and thermistors. Ideal for physics students seeking a clear understanding of electrical principles.
PhysicsExplore essential experiments in Physics, focusing on thermal insulation, specific heat capacity, and resistance. This summary covers practical setups, methodologies, and key concepts like Ohm's Law, thermal insulators, and density calculations. Ideal for AQA GCSE students preparing for Paper 1.
PhysicsExplore essential GCSE Physics practicals covering resistance, series and parallel circuits, density calculations, and specific heat capacity. This comprehensive guide includes key concepts, apparatus used, and potential exam questions to enhance your understanding and preparation for Paper 1.
PhysicsExplore the fundamentals of electric circuits, including current flow, resistance, and circuit components. This summary covers key concepts such as Ohm's Law, types of resistors, and practical investigations into resistance. Ideal for GCSE students preparing for exams.
PhysicsExplore the current and voltage characteristics of circuit components through hands-on experiments. This practical guide covers the investigation of resistors, filament lamps, and diodes, detailing how to measure current and potential difference, analyze Ohm's Law, and understand the effects of temperature on resistance. Ideal for physics students preparing for practical assessments.
PhysicsApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
