:1.5 Scientific Investigations (Physics): Misc. Notices:

As I have mentioned in the previous post, the 1.5 Scientific Investigations notes dated on Feb 2, 2009; Monday. Deepest thanks goes to Hilman for providing the neatly-written notes.

Tuesday <----> Feb 3, 2009

1.5 Scientific Investigations

The process of scientific investigation

a) Inference

b) Hypothesis

c) Aim

d) Variable + Operational Definition

e) Apparatus

f) Procedure

g) Observation

h) Analysis

i) Discussion

j) Conclusion

A) Inference

1. Inference is an early conclusion to what is observed. The conclusion can be correct or incorrect.

2. Example: When the length of a simple pendulum increases, the period oscillation also increases.

B) Hypothesis

1. Making a smart guess or tentative explanation about the phenomenon based on the observation.

2. Example: The longer the length of a simple pendulum, the longer will the period of oscillation be.

C) Aim

1. When an experiment is carried out, an aim has to be stated so that all the investigating effort is centred on the main subject.

2. Example: To find the relationship between the length of a simple pendulum and the square of its period oscillation.

D) Variable

1. A variable is a factor that affects the results of an experiment.

- Manipulated variable: A primary variable which causes other secondary variables to change.

- Responding variable: A secondary variable which changes in response to the change in the manipulated variable.

- Fixed variable: A variable which is always constant throughout the experiment.

2. Example: a) Manipulated variable: Length

<------------>b) Responding variable: Period, T

<------------>c) Fixed variable: Mass of the pendulum bob

E) Operational definition

1. Operational definition is required to define the manipulated and responding variable to be measured.

2. Example: Measure the length of a simple pendulum using a metre ruler. Measure the period of oscillation by using a stopwatch.

F) Apparatus

1. Needed to be listed according to its specifications so as to ensure the success of the experiment.

2. Example: Retort stand, pendulum bob, string, metre ruler, stopwatch.

G) Procedure

1. The sequence of action or operation in order to carry out the experiment according to the instructions given.

2) Example:

i- Set up the apparatus as shown in Figure 1.

ii- The description of procedure must be in past passive tense, for instance:

"Measure the period of oscillation of the simple pemdulum using a stopwatch" must be written as "The period of oscillation of the simple pendulum was measured by using a stopwatch".

H) Observation

1. The listing and tabulation of all data obtained in the experiment.

2. Example:

________________________

|Length of string (cm)|   T1  |   T2  |

|_________________________|

|<----40.0------------->| 25.5 | 25.1 |

|<----50.0------------->| 28.1 | 28.2 |

________________________

* Deepest regrets for any inconvenience caused.

I) Analysis

1. Analysis of data can be carried out by plotting graph, followed by the interpretation of graph or calculation to obtain the required value.

2. Various precautions in plotting graph taken into consideration.

- All axes must be labelled.

- The graph must be labelled by a header.

- The manipulated variable should be plotted on the x-axis while the responding variable should be plotted on the y-axis.

J) Discussion

1. Discussion need to be stated to find out whether the results obtained support the stated hypothesis. Precautions of the experiment can be suggested to overcome the weakness, to reduce experimental errors or to improve the results of the experiment.

2. Example: In order to improve the experimental results, make sure that the amplitude of oscillation of the simple pendulum oscillates in a vertical plane only.

K) Conclusion

1. A conclusion is stated concerning the results of the experiment.

2. By comparing with the aim stated, this will be determine whether the hypothesis is accepted or not.

3. Example: The length of a simple pendulum is directly proportional to the square of the period of oscillations.

____________________________________________________

:::Notices:::

1. Those who have yet to pay the RM3 for the photo, please do so.

The 4 who haven't pay up yet are:

a) Akhilash

b) Alvin

c) Ameer

d) Vinod

2. Please bring the SPBT verification form(s) as well as the PIBG meeting form tomorrow.

3. Finish up all your BM homework (Tatabahasa & KOMSAS) by tomorrow. Pass it to me after you're done. If you wish to send it later, do so at your own risk.

4. Please bring a book tomorrow for the reading corner. All books are accepted except those rated 18+ and/or contain obscene images.

p/s: To AJK's.

Arina---> Reminder: Please bring the batik cloth tomorrow.

---> Please update me about the situation of the notice boards. Those boards need to filled by this week. I'm planning to finish it on Friday so I'll ask Mr Shukur if he's free on that particular day. Please inform me of your presence ASAP.