NATIONAL POLYTECHNIC SCHOOL
Department of Preparatory Classes
Academic year: 2024-2025
Practical works of physics 2 (1st year)
Introduction
I. Principle and Objectives
Physics laboratory sessions play a crucial role in the study of physics. They offer students the
opportunity to learn essential measurement techniques, including how to take accurate readings
and assess their uncertainties. Additionally, students gain hands-on experience with electrical
measurement instruments.
This introduction will familiarize students with the equipment they will use during these
practical electricity sessions, such as ammeters, voltmeters, resistors, connection boxes, and
oscilloscopes. Students will also learn to:
• Identify the different components of an electrical circuit.
• Accurately measure voltage and current within a circuit.
• Properly use measurement instruments (voltmeters and ammeters), understand the
necessary precautions, and evaluate measurement errors.
• Assemble an electrical circuit based on a given diagram.
• Visualize voltage signals using an oscilloscope.
Finally, students will be taught to adhere to safety precautions, as handling electrical circuits
can pose risks to both the user and their environment.
II. Use of voltmeter and ammeter
The voltmeter plays a crucial role in measuring potential difference, denoted as U or V,
between two points in a circuit. It is essential to connect the voltmeter in parallel to accurately
gauge the voltage across the desired components.
In contrast, when determining current intensity, represented as I and measured in Amperes
(symbol A), an ammeter is employed. The ammeter must be connected in series within the
circuit, allowing it to measure the flow of current through the entire circuit.
1. The range of voltmeter or ammeter
[1]
➢ Definition: The range is established as the highest intensity (or voltage) that an
instrument can measure.
➢ The range selection:
Part of the correct use of an ammeter is the proper use of the range selection switch. If the
current to be measured is larger than the scale of the meter selected, the meter movement will
have excessive current and will be damaged. Therefore, it is important to always start with the
highest range when you use an ammeter. If the current can be measured on several ranges, use
the range that results in a reading near the middle of the scale. Fig.1 illustrates these points.
Fig.1: The range selection.
Fig.1 (A) shows the initial reading of a circuit. The highest range (250 mA) has been
selected and the meter indication is very small. It would be difficult to properly interpret this
reading with any degree of accuracy. Fig.1(B) shows the second reading, with the next largest
range (50 mA). The meter deflection is a little greater. It is possible to interpret this reading as
5 mA.
Since this approximation of the current is less than the next range, the meter is switched
as shown in Fig.1 (C). The range of the meter is now 10 mA and it is possible to read the meter
indication of 5 mA with the greatest degree of accuracy.
Note: For example, in a voltmeter, the needle moves across two scales with respective
maximum graduations of 30 and 100. The reading only represents a number of divisions, and
the intensity must be inferred by considering the range.
[2]
𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 × 𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒
𝑉(𝑜𝑟 𝐼) =
𝑠𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑒
2. Measurement error
The precision of measuring instruments, such as ammeters and voltmeters, is determined
by their class, which represents the manufacturer's estimated error. This class is indicated by a
numeric value on the device, representing the uncertainty in measurement as a percentage of
the maximum measurable value or range. Typically ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 for available
devices, these values categorize them as industrial-class instruments.
The measurement error (ΔV or ΔI) is expressed by the formula:
𝐶𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑠 × 𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒
𝛥𝑉 𝑜𝑟 𝛥𝐼 =
100
Note:
Example: (retrieving measurements from a measuring instrument)
To determine the value of V, derive them from the readings obtained from the dual dials
of a voltmeter, considering the designated measurement ranges for each dial.
Range = 3V
Reading (division) V
Dial 30 6 V = 6*3/30 = 0,6V
Dial 100 20 V = 20*3/100 = 0,6V
Range = 1V
Reading (division) V
Dial 30 18 V = 18*1/30 = 0,6V
Dial 100 60 V = 60*1/100 = 0,6V
One can conclude that when the chosen range is a multiple of 10, it is preferable to select
(100) as the reading scale. When the chosen range is a multiple of 3, it is better to opt for (30)
as the reading scale.
III. Use of the oscilloscope
An oscilloscope (Fig.2) is a versatile electronic test instrument that is used to visualize
and analyze electronic signals in real-time. It displays the amplitude, frequency, and shape of
electrical signals over time.
[3]
Fig.2: Description of an oscilloscope
1. Power On/Off switch;
2. Brightness control
3. Concentration control
4A. CH1 input X
4B. CH2 input Y
5A and 5B. AC-DC- GROUND selectors
6A and 6B. Vertical position controls for signal in CH1 and CH2
7A and 7B. Vertical sensitivity controls in A and B (Volt/DIV)
8. Horizontal position control
9. Trigger threshold control (LEVEL)
10. External Trigger input
11. Common GROUND
12. Sweep speed control
13. Operating mode control
14. Trigger mode controls
15. Sweep calibration control
16A and 16B. Fine Adjustment and Calibration Controls for Vertical Sensitivity in CH1 and
CH2
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17.X-Amplitude (X1 or X10)
18. Signal Inversion in CH2
Note:
Buttons 15, 16A and 16B should be in the calibrated (CAL)position and 17 should not be
pressed.
[5]