Experiments to know · 3 min read · HSC Physics

The investigations to know: method, graph and error.

For each investigation your syllabus asks you to conduct: what you change, what you graph, and what goes wrong.

Module 5 · Projectiles
Projectile launchChange the launch angle or speed; measure the range. Range peaks near 45° on level ground. Errors: launch height and release timing.
Module 5 · Circular motion
Uniform circular motionChange speed, radius or mass; measure the force. Plot F against v²: a straight line through the origin, gradient m/r.
Module 6 · Motor effect
The motor effectA wire in a magnet on a balance: F = Δm·g. Plot F against current; the gradient is lB.
Module 6 · Parallel wires
Two parallel wiresChange one current or the spacing; measure the force, often with a balance. Force against one current is a straight line (same current in both: plot force against I²). Same direction attracts.
Module 7 · Speed of light
Measuring the speed of lightKnow a historical method (Fizeau's toothed wheel) and a modern one, like chocolate in a microwave: melted spots are half a wavelength apart, so c = f × 2d.
Module 7 · Interference
Interference patternsShine a laser through a double slit or grating; measure where the bright fringes fall. Use d sin θ = mλ to find the wavelength.
Module 7 · Polarisation
Malus' lawShine light through two polarisers and turn the second one; measure the intensity at each angle. Plot I against cos²θ: a straight line through the origin.

Quick checklist