Class 10 Physics Practicals

1. Dependence of Potential Difference Across a Resistor on Current with Graph

2. Determination of Focal Length of Concave Mirror and Convex Lens
3. To Determine the Equivalent Resistance of Resistors When Connected in Series and in Parallel
4. To Find Image Distance for Varying Object Distances of a Convex Lens with Ray Diagrams
5. Tracing Path of a Ray of Light Passing Through a Glass Slab
6. Tracing the Path of the Rays of Light Through a Glass Prism
 [Link]. 1 Dependence of Potential Difference Across a Resistor on Current with Graph
Circuit Diagram

Observation Table

i) Least count of ammeter and voltmeter

[Link] Ammeter (A) Voltmeter (V)

1 Range 0-0.5 A 0-0.1 V

2 Least count 0.01 A 0.01 V
3 Zero error (e) 0 0
4 Zero correction 0 0

ii) For the reading of ammeter and voltmeter

[Link] Current in Ampere (I) Potential difference Resistance in
in volts (V) ohms
(ammeter reading) (voltmeter reading) R = V/I (Ω)
Observed Corrected Observed Corrected
1 0 0.02 0 0.04 R1= 2Ω
2 0 0.03 0 0.06 R2= 2Ω
3 0 0.04 0 0.08 R3= 2Ω

Graph
 [Link]. 1 Dependence of Potential Difference Across a Resistor on Current with Graph
Aim
To study the dependence of potential difference (V) across a resistor on the current (I) passing
through it and determine its resistance. Also, plot a graph between V and I.

Theory
What is Ohm’s law?
The potential difference V across the metallic wire is directly proportional to the current flowing
through it, provided its temperature is constant. This is known as Ohm’s law.
V∝I.
∴ V=IR, where R is the resistance, which is constant for a given metallic wire.
What are the factors affecting resistance?
 The nature of the resistor.
 With an increase in length, the resistance also increases. So resistance of a wire is directly
proportional to its length.
 With an increase in the cross-sectional area, the resistance decreases. So resistance is inversely
proportional to the cross-sectional area of the wire.

Materials Required
1. An insulated copper wire
2. A key
3. An ammeter
4. A voltmeter
5. A rheostat
6. A resistor
7. A piece of sandpaper
Procedure
1. Arrange the devices as shown in the circuit diagram.
2. Connect the devices with the connecting wires keeping the key open.
3. The positive terminal of the battery should be connected to the positive terminal of the
ammeter.
4. Before connecting the voltmeter in the circuit, check for +ve and -ve terminals.
5. Check for ammeter and voltmeter reading once the circuit is connected and also adjust the
slider of rheostat after inserting the key.
6. For current I and voltmeter V, record three different readings using a slider.
7. Record the observations in the observation table.
8. Using the formula R=V/I, calculate the resistance.
9. To plot the graph between V and I, take V on the x-axis and I on the y-axis.
[Link] pure metals, resistance increases with an increase in temperature.
Conclusions
1. For all the three readings, the R-value is the same and constant.
2. The ratio of potential difference V and current I is the resistance of a resistor.
3. With the help of the graph between V and I, Ohm’s law is verified as the plot is a straight line.
[Link]. 2 Determination of Focal Length of Concave Mirror and Convex Lens

Experimental Setup

Observation Table

[Link] Position of concave Position of Focal length =

mirror (M) screen (S) (M-S)
cm
1 60 cm 50 cm 10 cm
2 60 cm 50 cm 10 cm
3 60 cm 50 cm 10 cm

Calculation

Following is the mean value of the focal length of concave mirror:

𝐟𝟏+𝐟𝟐+𝐟𝟑
cm = 10 cm
𝟑
[Link]. 2 Determination of Focal Length of Concave Mirror and Convex Lens
Aim
To determine the focal length of:
 Concave mirror
 Convex lens by obtaining the image of a distant object.

Theory
How to Find Focal Length of Concave Mirror?
 A concave mirror is defined as the spherical mirror whose reflecting surface is curved inwards
and follows laws of reflection of light.
 The light rays coming from a distant object can be considered to be parallel to each other.
 If the image formed is real, inverted and very small in size, then the parallel rays of light meet
the point in the front of the mirror.
 The image formed by the convex lens is real and can be obtained on the screen.
 f is used to denote the difference between the principal axis P and the focus F of the concave
mirror.
How to Find the Focal Length of Convex Lens?
 The convex lens is thicker in the middle and thinner at the edges and is also known as the
converging lens.
 The refracted rays from the parallel beam of light converge on the other side of the convex
lens.
 If the image is obtained at the focus of the lens, the image would be real, inverted and very
small.
 f is the focal length which is the difference between the optical centre of the lens and the
principal focus.
 The image can be obtained on the screen as the image formed by the lens is real.
Materials Required
1. A concave mirror
2. A measuring scale
3. A screen holder
4. A mirror holder
5. A mirror stand
Procedure
1. The distance between the selected distinct object should be more than 50 ft.
2. The concave mirror placed on the mirror stand and the distant object should be facing each
other.
3. The screen should be placed in front of the reflecting surface of the mirror. To obtain a clear,
sharp image the screen should be adjusted.
4. Using a metre scale the distance between the concave mirror and screen can be determined.
The distance is the same as the focal length of the given concave mirror.
5. Repeat the above procedure thrice to calculate the average focal length.

Result
10 cm is the focal length of the concave mirror.
[Link]. 3 To Determine the Equivalent Resistance of Resistors When Connected in Series and in Parallel

Observation Table

Voltmeter Ammeter R=V/I Mean value

No. of
Resistor used reading in reading in (in of resistance
observations
Volts (V) Ampere (I) Ohm) (Ohm)

a 0.01 0.01 1

R1 (first resistor) b 0.02 0.02 1 R1 = 1 Ω

c 0.04 0.04 1

a 0.02 0.01 2

R2 (second resistor) b 0.06 0.03 2 R2 = 2 Ω

c 0.08 0.04 2

𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 RP = 0.67 Ω
= +
𝐑𝐩 𝐑𝟏 𝐑𝟐
a 0.026 0.04 0.67
𝟏
Parallel combination = 1.5 Ω
𝐑𝐏
[Link]. 3 To Determine the Equivalent Resistance of Resistors When Connected in Series and in Parallel
Aim
To determine the equivalent resistance of two resistors when connected in parallel.

Theory
If the resistors are connected in parallel along with a battery, then the total current I is calculated as a
sum of the separate value of current through each branch. It is given as:
I = I1+I2+I3+….

Materials Required
1. A battery
2. A plug key
3. Connecting wires
4. An ammeter
5. A voltmeter
6. Rheostat
7. A piece of sandpaper
8. Two resistors of different values
9.
Procedure
1. Make all the connections as shown in the experimental setup I by keeping the key off.
2. Insert the key when the circuit is connected appropriately.
3. For resistors R1 and R2, note three readings of ammeter and voltmeter.
4. Connect the circuit as shown in the experimental setup II.
5. Resistors and voltmeter both are connected in parallel.
6. Record three readings of ammeter and voltmeter and use a rheostat.
7. Remove the key.
8. With the help of the observation table, do the calculations.

Result

The calculated value of

𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
𝟏 = + =1.5Ω
𝐑𝐩 𝐑𝟏 𝐑𝟐
𝐑𝐩
The experimental value of
𝟏
𝟏 = 1.5Ω
𝐑𝐩
𝐑𝐩
The equivalent resistance Rp is less than the individual resistance.
[Link]. 4 To Find Image Distance for Varying Object Distances of a Convex Lens with Ray Diagrams
Experimental Setup
[Link]. 4 To Find Image Distance for Varying Object Distances of a Convex Lens with Ray Diagrams
Aim
To find the image distance for varying object distances in case of a convex lens and drawing
corresponding ray diagrams to show the nature of the image formed.

Theory
What is a convex lens?
A convex lens is defined as a lens which is thick at the centre and thin at the edges. A convex lens is
also known as a converging lens as it converges the light beam incident on it. There are three types
of convex lens:
 Double convex lens
 Plano-convex lens
 Concavo-convex lens
What is lens formula?
Lens formula is defined as the relationship between object distance (u), image-distance (v) and the
focal length (f). Following is the mathematical representation of lens formula:
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
= -
𝒇 𝒗 𝒖
Where,
 f is the focal length of the lens
 v is the distance of the image from the optical centre of the lens
 u is the distance of an object from the optical centre of the lens
Materials Required
1. A convex lens with a focal length of 12-20 cm.
2. Measuring scale
3. Optical bench
4. A needle
5. A candle
Procedure
1. Place the convex lens on a lens holder, placing the screen on the other side of the lens.
2. Try focusing the image to get a sharp, clear and inverted image on the screen. The focal length
that is obtained is a rough focal length which can be measured using a meter scale.
3. The position at which the lens is fixed, mark it as O.
4. Once the focal length is calculated, mark point F on both the sides of the lens.
5. Mark a point 2F, as the distance between the lens is double the focal length of the lens.
6. Place the candle at a distance beyond 2F and adjust the height of the centre of the lens with the
height of the flame.
7. To obtain a sharp image of the candle flame in the convex lens, adjust the position of the
screen and record the observations.
8. Record the observations by placing the needle or lighted candle at 2F.
9. Record the observations by shifting the object between F and 2F.
[Link] the observations by placing the object at F.
[Link] the observations by placing the object between O and F.
[Link] the ray diagrams for all the positions of the object.
[Link]. 4 To Find Image Distance for Varying Object Distances of a Convex Lens with Ray Diagrams

Observation Table

Distance Distance
Postion of the between lens between lens
Position of Position of Focal
Sl. optical centre and candle and screen
candle a screen s length
no O of the (object (image
(cm) (cm) (l)
lens l (cm) distance) distance)
u=a-l (cm) v=s-l (cm)
1 50 30 70 -20 20 10 cm

2 50 35 80 -15 30 10 cm

3 50 20 65 -30 15 10 cm
No image
4 50 40 -10 Infinity
obtained on screen
Virtual image
obtained and
No image
5 50 45 -5 cannot be
obtained on screen
taken on
screen

Calculations

Case 1:
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟐 𝟏 𝟏
= - ⇒ = –( ) ⇒ = ⇒ = ⇒ f = 10cm
𝒇 𝒗 𝒖 𝒇 𝟐𝟎 −𝟐𝟎 𝒇 𝟐𝟎 𝒇 𝟏𝟎
Case 2:
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟑 𝟏 𝟏
= - ⇒ = –( ) ⇒ = ⇒ = ⇒ f = 10cm
𝒇 𝒗 𝒖 𝒇 𝟑𝟎 −𝟏𝟓 𝒇 𝟑𝟎 𝒇 𝟏𝟎
Case 3:
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟑 𝟏 𝟏
= - ⇒ = –( ) ⇒ = ⇒ = ⇒ f = 10cm
𝒇 𝒗 𝒖 𝒇 𝟏𝟓 −𝟑𝟎 𝒇 𝟑𝟎 𝒇 𝟏𝟎
Result

Position of the Position of the Relative size of Nature of the

[Link]
object image the image image
1 At 2F1 At 2F2 Same size Real and inverted

Between F1 and
2 Beyond 2F2 Enlarged Real and inverted
2F1

3 Beyond 2F1 Between F2 and 2F2 Diminished Real and inverted

Infinitely large or
4 At focus F1 At infinity Real and inverted
highly enlarged
Between focus
On the same side of
5 F1 and optical Enlarged Virtual and erect
the lens as the object
center O
Highly
6 At infinity At focus F2 diminished, point- Real and inverted
sized

The focal length of the given lens is 10cm.

[Link]. 5 Tracing Path of a Ray of Light Passing Through a Glass Slab
Ray Diagram

Observation Table

Angle of Angle of Angle of

∠i – ∠e
[Link] incidence refraction emergence
∠PEN – ∠SFM’
∠i = ∠PEN ∠r = ∠MEF ∠e = ∠SFM’
1 30° 28° 30° 0°
2 45° 43° 44.8° 0.2°
3 60° 56° 59.8° 0.2°

Due to human error the value of ∠i – ∠e may not be equal to zero.

[Link]. 5 Tracing Path of a Ray of Light Passing Through a Glass Slab
Aim
To trace the path of a ray of light passing through a rectangular glass slab for different angles of incidence. Measure
the angle of incidence, angle of refraction, and angle of emergence, and interpret the result.

Theory
What are the laws of refraction?
 The incident ray, the normal at the point of incidence, and the refracted ray lie in the same plane.
 Snell’s law states that the ratio of the sine of the angle of incidence to the sine of the angle of refraction is
constant.
𝐒𝐢𝐧 𝐢
= Constant
𝐒𝐢𝐧 𝐫
What is refraction of light?
The refraction of light is a property of light due to which it changes its path when it passes from one medium to the
other.
What is lateral displacement?
Lateral displacement is defined as the perpendicular shift in the path of light when it emerges out from the refracting
medium.

Materials Required
1. A drawing board
2. 4-6 all pins
3. White sheet of paper
4. Rectangular glass slab
5. A protractor
6. A scale
7. A pencil
8. Thumb pins
Procedure
1. Fix a white sheet on the soft drawing board using thumb pins.
2. Place the glass slab at the centre of the white paper and draw its outline boundary using a sharp pencil.
3. Let ABCD be the rectangular figure obtained by drawing.
4. Mark a point E on AB and draw a perpendicular EN and label it as a normal ray.
5. Draw one angle of 30° with the help of protractor with EN. Fix pins at P and Q at 4-5 cm on the ray that is
obtained by the angle.
6. Place the glass slab on the rectangular figure ABCD.
7. To fix R and S, see through the glass slab from side CD, such that when seen through the glass slab, all the
pins P, Q, R, and S should lie in a straight line.
8. Draw small circles around the pins P, Q, R and S and remove the pins.
9. Remove the glass slab.
10. Join points R and S such that it meets CD at point F. Draw a perpendicular N’M’ to CD at point F.
11. Using a pencil, join the points E and F.
12. Measure the angles formed at AB and CD, i.e, the incident angle, refracted angle, and emergent angle.
13. The lateral displacement is obtained by extending the ray PQ in a dotted line which is parallel to ray FRS.
14. Measure the lateral displacement.
15. Repeat the same procedure for angles 45° and 60°.
Conclusion
1. The angle of incidence and the angle of emergence are almost equal.
2. As the light is traveling from rarer to denser optical medium, the angle of refraction will be lesser than the
angle of incidence.
3. For different angles of incidence, the lateral displacement will remain the same.
4. The light will bend towards the normal when it travels from an optically rarer medium to an optically denser
medium.
 [Link]. 6 Tracing the Path of the Rays of Light Through a Glass Prism

Experimental Setup

Observations

1. At surface AB, the light ray enters and bends towards the normal on refraction.
2. At surface AC, the light ray bends away from the normal as it travels from one medium (glass)
to the other (air).
3. The angle of deviation is observed. Here, the emergent ray bends at an angle from the
direction of the incident ray.
 [Link]. 6 Tracing the Path of the Rays of Light Through a Glass Prism
Aim
To trace the path of the rays of light through a glass prism.

Theory
What is a prism?
A prism is defined as a polyhedron with a triangular base and three rectangular lateral surfaces. It is used as
an optical object to study the behaviour of white light when it is passed through it. The light bends at various
angles like an angle of incidence, angle of reflection, angle of refraction, and angle of deviation.
What is the prism formula?
A +δ m
Sin
2
μ= A
Sin
2
Where,
µ is the refractive index.
A is the angle of the prism.
δm is the minimum deviation.
What is the angle of deviation?
The angle of deviation is defined as the angle between the incident ray and the emerging ray.

Materials Required
1. A white sheet 6. Soft board
2. Thumb pins 7. 4-6 all pins
3. Prism 8. Pencil
4. Scale 9. Protractor
5. Drawing board
Procedure
1. Fix a white sheet on a drawing board using drawing pins.
2. Place the triangular prism resting on its triangular base. Using a pencil, draw the outline of the prism.
3. Draw NEN normal to the face of the prism AB. Make an angle between 30° and 60° with the normal.
4. On the line PE, fix two pins at a distance of 5cm from each other and mark these as P and Q.
5. Look for the images of the pins at P and Q through the other face of the prism AC.
6. Fix two pins at R and S such that they appear as a straight line as that of the P and Q when it is
viewed from the AC face of the prism.
7. Remove the pins and the prism.
8. At point F, make the points R and S meet by extending them.
9. PQE is the incident ray which is extended till it meets face AC. SRF is the emergent ray which is
extended backward to meet at point G.
10. Now mark the angle of incidence ∠i, angle of refraction ∠r and the angle of emergence ∠e and the
angle of deviation ∠D as shown in the experimental setup.
11. Repeat the experiment for more angles between 30° and 60°.
Conclusion
1. The incident ray bends towards the normal when it enters the prism and while leaving the prism it
bends away from the normal.
2. With the increase in the angle of incidence, the angle of deviation decreases. After attaining the
minimum value, it increases with an increase in the angle of incidence.