Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical) and written papers test your knowledge of lab equipment. You do not need to have used every instrument, but you must know its name, what it measures, and how to read it.
Length and distance
Ruler (metre rule): Measures length to the nearest mm. Place the zero mark at the start of the object. Read at eye level.
Vernier caliper: Measures length to 0.01 cm (0.1 mm). Used for small objects. Read the main scale first, then the vernier scale.
Micrometer screw gauge: Measures length to 0.01 mm. Used for very small measurements like wire diameter. Turn the thimble until it clicks (ratchet stop).
Mass
Triple beam balance / electronic balance: Measures mass in grams. Place the object on the pan and read the display or adjust the riders.
Time
Stopwatch: Measures time to the nearest 0.01 s or 0.1 s depending on the model. Digital stopwatches have a +-0.01 s precision, but human reaction time adds about +-0.2 s.
Temperature
Thermometer (liquid-in-glass): Measures temperature. Wait for the liquid to stop moving before reading. Read at eye level to avoid parallax.
Volume
Measuring cylinder: Measures liquid volume. Read the bottom of the meniscus at eye level.
Eureka can (displacement can): Measures the volume of an irregular solid by water displacement. Fill until water runs from the spout, then lower the object in gently. Collect displaced water in a measuring cylinder.
Force
Newton meter (spring balance): Measures force in newtons. Hang the object from the hook and read the scale when the pointer is stationary.
Electrical
Ammeter: Measures current in amperes. Connected in series.
Voltmeter: Measures potential difference in volts. Connected in parallel.
Galvanometer: A sensitive ammeter that can detect very small currents, including their direction.
Power supply: Provides a fixed or variable voltage. Set to the required voltage before connecting the circuit.
Rheostat (variable resistor): Changes resistance to control current in a circuit.
Optical
Ray box: Produces a narrow beam of light for optics experiments.
Protractor: Measures angles (angle of incidence, angle of refraction).
Prism / glass block: Used to demonstrate refraction and total internal reflection.
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