Aysweria Naathan
IB HL Physics Y2
04-November-2007
Joule’s Law
Aim: To determine the accuracy of Joule’s law in determining the resistance of a circuit.
Data Collection:
* Data collected with video analysis
Data Analysis:
Calculated Resistance (R) = 118,000 500 Ω
x 100 = Percentage accuracy
x 100 = 39.8%
Conclusion: My calculated resistance yielded a result of 39.8% accuracy. The calculated resistance is almost twice the magnitude of the stated resistance. One major random error is that the copper wires are not perfect conductors thus resistance is higher than the stated. Moreover, the copper wire might have oxidized to form CuO which is a good insulator in its solid state. A human error is that I may have torn some of the copper rods inside ...
This is a preview of the whole essay
* Data collected with video analysis
Data Analysis:
Calculated Resistance (R) = 118,000 500 Ω
x 100 = Percentage accuracy
x 100 = 39.8%
Conclusion: My calculated resistance yielded a result of 39.8% accuracy. The calculated resistance is almost twice the magnitude of the stated resistance. One major random error is that the copper wires are not perfect conductors thus resistance is higher than the stated. Moreover, the copper wire might have oxidized to form CuO which is a good insulator in its solid state. A human error is that I may have torn some of the copper rods inside the wire as I had done in another set up. To fix up the errors, use a short new coated copper wire. If possible use superconductors.
A major random error is that the power pack does not produce a potential difference which is stated. Thus it is a faulty assumption. It would be better if the potential difference was measured with a volt meter and that value was used.
Another major random error is that Energy measuring machine is not resistance free. Thus it too adds to the error. We should find the resistance of the machine prior to the experiment and subtract it out from the total.
Lastly, a less major error is that we assumed that the variable resistance has a resistance of exactly 47000 ohms. The resistance may well be 47000 ohms but it is likely to be a off. Thus I suggest that the experiment is repeated with different instrument but at the same settings to either support or contradict this result.
