Flashcards on Electrical Measurements and Experimental Physics
Electrical Measurements & Experimental Physics Guide
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Physics laboratory equipment
8 cards
Card 1
Question: Why must you interpret circuit diagrams before building an electrical experiment circuit?
Answer: To plan and build the circuit correctly and to know the circuit symbols so you aren't stumped before starting.
Card 2
Question: How should an analogue or digital voltmeter be connected to measure potential difference across a component?
Answer: Connect the voltmeter in parallel across the component; choose the appropriate unit (V or mV) and connect red (positive) and black (negative) leads to
Card 3
Question: How should an ammeter be connected to measure current through a component?
Answer: Connect the ammeter in series with the component on the same branch; choose the appropriate unit and connect using the red and black ports.
Card 4
Question: What ports and dial settings are used on a multimeter to measure voltage and current?
Answer: Plug the red lead into the port labelled 'V' to measure voltage and into the port labelled 'A' or 'mA' to measure current; turn the dial to the releva
Card 5
Question: What does a light gate measure and how does it detect an object passing through?
Answer: A light gate measures time intervals to determine speed and acceleration; it sends a beam of light to a detector and detects when the beam is interrup
Card 6
Question: How do you use a light gate and software to measure the speed of an object?
Answer: Connect the light gate to a computer, input the object's length into the software, and the software uses the time the beam is interrupted to calculate
Card 7
Question: How can a light gate be used to measure acceleration?
Answer: Use an object that interrupts the beam twice in quick succession (e.g. card with a gap); the light gate measures speeds for each section and the softw
Card 8
Question: What practical detail about voltmeter and ammeter leads can help ensure correct connections?
Answer: The leads are usually colour-coded red (positive) and black (negative) and correspond to the red and black ports on the meter.