type: comparison_note | topic: all-experiments
| # | Experiment | Key Formula | Key Graph | Primary Error/Trap | SI Unit of Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vernier caliper | Reading = MSR + n×LC | — | Zero error sign (+→subtract, −→add) | m |
| 2 | Screw gauge | Reading = MSR + CSR×LC | — | Backlash error (direction reversal) | m |
| 3 | Simple pendulum | T = 2π√(l/g) | vs l (slope = 4π^{2}/g) | Forgetting bob radius in l | s → g in m/ |
| 4 | Metre scale (moments) | m_{1}l_{1} = m_{2}l_{2} | — | Knife edge not at scale zero | kg (unknown mass) |
| 5 | Young's modulus (Searle's) | Y = FL/(A) | Stress vs Strain (slope = Y) | A = π/4, not π | Pa |
| 6 | Surface tension (capillary) | S = hrρg/(2cosθ) | — | θ = 0° for water-glass; cos0°=1 | N/m |
| 7 | Viscosity (Stokes') | v_t = 2(ρ−σ)g/(9η) | v_t vs (slope = 2(ρ−σ)g/9η) | Turbulent flow if Re >> 1 | Pa·s |
| 8 | Resonance tube | v = 2f(l_{2}−l_{1}) | — | Using 4fl_{1} instead of 2f(l_{2}−l_{1}) | m/s |
| 9 | Specific heat | m_{1}c_{1}\Delta$$T_{1} = m_{2}c_{2}\Delta$$T_{2} + m_cal·c_cal· | — | Ignoring calorimeter heat capacity | J/(kg·K) |
| 10 | Metre bridge | R/S = l/(100−l) | — | Balance near ends (l < 10 or > 90) | |
| 11 | Resistivity | ρ = RA/L | R vs L (slope = ρ/A) | A = π/4; measure d by screw gauge | ·m |
| 12 | Ohm's law (V-I) | V = IR | V vs I (slope = R) | Non-ohmic: slope varies | |
| 13 | Galvanometer | G ≈ S (half deflection) | — | Approximation: valid only S << R | |
| 14 | Concave mirror | 1/v + 1/u = 1/f | 1/v vs 1/u | Sign convention errors | m |
| 15 | Convex lens | 1/v − 1/u = 1/f | 1/v vs 1/u (intercepts = ±1/f) | Sign convention; mixing mirror and lens formula | m |
| 16 | Prism | μ = sin((A+δ_min)/2)/sin(A/2) | i vs δ (U-shaped) | Minimum deviation condition: i = e | dimensionless |
| 17 | Glass slab | μ = real/apparent depth | — | Apparent depth = real/μ, not real×μ | dimensionless |
| 18 | p-n diode/Zener | I-V characteristics | I vs V (forward+reverse) | Si: 0.7V; Ge: 0.3V threshold | V, A |