AQA A Level Physics Practical Handbook | AQA 物理A-level实验手册指南

📚 AQA A Level Physics Practical Handbook | AQA 物理A-level实验手册指南

The AQA A Level Physics Practical Handbook is your essential companion for mastering the 12 required practicals and the Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC). This guide walks you through every aspect of practical work — from planning and data collection to analysis and evaluation — so you can approach your assessments with confidence.

AQA A-level 物理实验手册是你掌握12个必做实验和通用实践评估标准（CPAC）的核心工具。本指南将带你逐步掌握实践工作的每一环节——从规划、数据采集到分析和评估——让你自信应对各项考核。

1. What Is the Practical Handbook? | 什么是实验手册？

The AQA Physics Practical Handbook is an official document published by AQA that outlines the required practical activities, apparatus and techniques (AT), and the assessment criteria for the practical endorsement. It is not just a list of experiments — it defines the minimum skills you must demonstrate to receive a separate practical endorsement on your A Level certificate.

AQA物理实验手册是AQA官方发布的文件，明确了必做实验活动、仪器与技术（AT）以及实践认可（Practical Endorsement）的评估标准。它不仅仅是一份实验清单——它界定了你在A-level证书上获得独立实践认可所必须展示的最低技能标准。

Every candidate must complete at least 12 required practical activities across the two years of study. The endorsement is reported separately from your A Level grade — it appears on your certificate as ‘pass’ or ‘not classified’. However, many universities require a pass in this endorsement for physics-related courses, so it cannot be ignored.

每位考生必须在两年学习中完成至少12个必做实验活动。这一认可是与A-level成绩分开报告的——在证书上以”通过”或”未分类”显示。然而，许多大学要求物理相关专业申请者通过该认可，因此不可忽视。

2. The 12 Required Practicals | 12个必做实验

AQA specifies a set of required practicals that span the breadth of the specification. These are designed to give you exposure to the full range of practical techniques. Here they are below.

AQA规定了一系列必做实验，覆盖大纲的各个领域。这些实验旨在让你接触全面的实验技术。以下列出这12个实验。

Number / 编号	Activity / 实验名称
1	Investigation into simple harmonic motion using a spring-mass system / 利用弹簧-质量系统研究简谐运动
2	Measurement of Young modulus / 杨氏模量的测量
3	Determination of g by a free-fall method / 自由落体法测定重力加速度 g
4	Determination of the resistivity of a wire / 金属丝电阻率的测定
5	Investigation of the EMF and internal resistance of a cell / 电池电动势与内阻的探究
6	Use of a light gate to determine acceleration / 利用光电门测定加速度
7	Investigation of the properties of waves (stationary waves on a string) / 波的性质探究（弦线上驻波）
8	Determination of the speed of sound / 声速的测定
9	Determination of the refractive index of a material / 材料折射率的测定
10	Investigation of the relationship between force and extension for a spring / 弹簧力与伸长量关系的探究
11	Determination of the specific heat capacity of a material / 材料比热容的测定
12	Investigation of the relationship between pressure and volume of a gas at constant temperature / 恒温条件下气体压强与体积关系的探究

3. CPAC Criteria: What You Are Assessed On | CPAC评估标准：你的考核依据

The practical endorsement is based on five Common Practical Assessment Criteria, which you must demonstrate consistently across your practical work. Each CPAC is assessed as pass or fail during normal class practicals — there is no separate written practical exam for the endorsement itself, though practical skills are also tested in the written exam papers.

实践认可基于五项通用实践评估标准（CPAC），你必须在平时的实验课中持续展示这些能力。每项CPAC在常规课堂实验中被评定为通过或不通过——实践认可本身没有单独的书面实验考试，但实验技能也会在笔试试卷中考查。

CPAC 1: Correctly follows written instructions to carry out experimental techniques and procedures.

CPAC 1：正确遵循书面指示，执行实验技术和流程。
CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment.

CPAC 2：在使用仪器和设备时运用探究性的思路与方法。
CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials.

CPAC 3：安全使用各类实验设备和材料。
CPAC 4: Makes and records observations and measurements with appropriate precision.

CPAC 4：以适当的精度进行观察和测量并记录数据。
CPAC 5: Understands and uses a range of experimental and practical apparatus correctly.

CPAC 5：正确理解并使用各种实验仪器和装置。

4. Planning an Experiment | 实验规划

A strong experiment begins with clear planning. You must identify the independent variable (what you change), the dependent variable (what you measure), and the control variables (what you keep constant). For example, when investigating resistance and wire length, the independent variable is length, the dependent variable is resistance, and control variables include wire material, cross-sectional area, and temperature.

一项可靠的实验始于清晰的规划。你必须明确自变量（你改变的量）、因变量（你测量的量）和控制变量（你保持恒定的量）。例如，在探究电阻与导线长度的关系时，自变量是长度，因变量是电阻，控制变量包括导线材料、横截面积和温度。

Your plan should also specify the range of data you will collect, the number of readings, and the equipment needed. A typical plan aims for at least six readings with repeat measurements to reduce random error and identify anomalies. Always state your chosen range in advance and justify why it is appropriate.

你的计划还应说明数据采集范围、读数次数和所需设备。一个典型的计划应至少包含六个数据点，并重复测量以降低随机误差、识别异常值。务必提前说明你所选的范围，并论证其合理性。

5. Measurements and Uncertainties | 测量与不确定度

Uncertainty quantifies the doubt in a measurement. For analogue instruments like a metre ruler or protractor, the uncertainty is typically half the smallest division. For a ruler with 1 mm divisions, the uncertainty is ±0.5 mm. For digital instruments such as a digital balance or stopwatch, the uncertainty is the smallest digit displayed, often taken as ±0.005 g or ±0.01 s respectively.

不确定度量化了测量中的怀疑程度。对于米尺或量角器等模拟仪器，不确定度通常为最小刻度的一半。对于分度为1 mm的尺子，不确定度为±0.5 mm。对于数字天平或秒表等数字仪器，不确定度为所显示的最后一位数字，通常分别取±0.005 g或±0.01 s。

When combining uncertainties, remember the rules:

合并不确定度时，请记住以下规则：

Addition and subtraction: add absolute uncertainties. 加减法：绝对不确定度直接相加。
Multiplication and division: add percentage uncertainties. 乘除法：百分不确定度相加。
Powers: multiply the percentage uncertainty by the power. 幂运算：百分不确定度乘以幂指数。

Absolute uncertainty Δx = ½ × smallest scale division
Fractional uncertainty = Δx / x
Percentage uncertainty = (Δx / x) × 100%

6. Graphical Analysis and Linearisation | 图像分析与线性化

Your graph is the most powerful tool for analysing relationships. Start by plotting the dependent variable on the y-axis and the independent variable on the x-axis. Use appropriate scales so the data spread fills at least half of the graph paper. Include error bars that represent the uncertainty in each point.

图像是分析关系最强大的工具。首先将因变量标在y轴上，自变量标在x轴上。选择合适的比例，使数据分布至少占据图纸的一半。在每点上添加代表不确定度的误差棒。

To calculate the gradient from a graph, use two points on the line of best fit that are far apart — never use individual data points. The gradient of a straight line is:

要从图像中计算斜率，请在最佳拟合线上选择相距较远的两个点——切勿使用单个数据点。直线的斜率为：

gradient = (y₂ − y₁) / (x₂ − x₁)

For non-linear relationships, you may need to linearise your data. For example, for an inverse-square relationship where y is proportional to 1/x², plot y against 1/x² to produce a straight line. For simple harmonic motion where T = 2π√(m/k), plot T² against m to obtain a straight line through the origin with gradient 4π²/k.

对于非线性关系，你可能需要线性化数据。例如，对于反平方关系（y与1/x²成正比），绘制y与1/x²的图像可得直线。对于简谐运动T = 2π√(m/k)，绘制T²与m的图像可得到过原点的直线，斜率为4π²/k。

7. Recording Data: Tables and Significant Figures | 数据记录：表格与有效数字

A well-designed table is clear, organised, and includes all necessary information. Write the quantity being measured at the top of each column, with the unit in brackets, such as ‘Length / m’. Record raw data first, then processed values in separate columns. Repeat each reading several times and record all values — never average in your head.

设计良好的表格应清晰、有条理并包含所有必要信息。在每一列的顶部写明所测量的物理量，并在括号中标注单位，例如”长度/m”。首先记录原始数据，然后在单独的列中记录处理后的值。每个读数重复多次并记录所有数值——切勿心算取平均。

Your measurement precision must match your recording precision. If you measure with a ruler to the nearest millimetre, record 15.3 cm not 15 cm. However, do not overstate your precision — if a stopwatch gives 12.47 s but you suspect human reaction time causes an uncertainty of ±0.2 s, quote the result as 12.5 s ± 0.2 s. A consistent number of decimal places within each column is essential.

测量的精度必须与记录的精度匹配。如果用尺测量精确到毫米，应记录15.3 cm而不是15 cm。但也不要夸大精度——如果秒表显示12.47 s，但你怀疑人的反应时间导致±0.2 s的不确定度，结果应表示为12.5 s ± 0.2 s。每列内保持一致的十进制位数至关重要。

8. Identifying and Reducing Errors | 识别与减小误差

Systematic errors cause readings to be consistently above or below the true value. They are often caused by zero errors, calibration errors, or poorly positioned apparatus. These errors cannot be revealed by repeating measurements — they require careful equipment checks and good experimental technique to avoid.

系统误差使读数始终高于或低于真实值。它们通常由零位误差、校准误差或仪器摆放不当引起。这类误差无法通过重复测量来揭示——必须通过仔细的设备检查和良好的实验技术来避免。

Random errors cause unpredictable variations in readings. They are reduced by repeating measurements and calculating a mean. Anomalous results should be identified and, if justified, excluded from your calculations. Also, consider whether parallax error is present when reading analogue scales, and ensure that you read the scale perpendicular to the scale surface.

随机误差导致读数产生不可预测的波动。通过重复测量并计算平均值可以减少随机误差。异常结果应予以识别，如果有充分理由，可从计算中排除。同时，注意读取模拟刻度时是否出现视差误差，确保视线垂直于刻度表面。

9. Safety and Risk Assessment | 安全与风险评估

Before starting any experiment, identify potential hazards, assess their risk, and state appropriate control measures. Common hazards in the AQA practicals include electrical hazards, hot surfaces, sharp objects, and breaking glassware. For the resistivity experiment, ensure that the wire does not overheat — reduce the current and switch off between readings.

在任何实验开始前，都需要识别潜在危险、评估其风险并说明适当的控制措施。AQA实验中的常见危险包括触电、高温表面、尖锐物体和玻璃器皿破碎。在做电阻率实验时，确保导线不过热——减小电流并在读数之间关闭电源。

For the Young modulus experiment, the wire is under large tension and can snap — wear safety goggles and keep loose clothing away. When determining specific heat capacity, use a heat-proof mat and handle the heating element with insulated gloves. Always include a risk assessment table in your write-up with three columns: hazard, risk, and control measure.

在杨氏模量实验中，金属丝承受较大张力可能断裂——请佩戴护目镜，避免宽松衣物靠近。在测定比热容时，使用隔热垫并戴绝缘手套操作加热元件。实验报告中始终包含一个三栏的风险评估表：危险、风险和控制措施。

10. Evaluation and Conclusions | 评估与结论

Your conclusion must directly address the original aim or hypothesis, and quote your final value with its uncertainty. For example, ‘The measured value of Young modulus was (1.95 ± 0.12) × 10¹¹ Pa, which is consistent with the accepted value of 2.0 × 10¹¹ Pa within experimental uncertainty.’ Use the phrase ‘consistent with’ when values agree within uncertainty.

你的结论必须直接回应最初的目标或假设，并写出带有不确定度的最终数值。例如：”测得的杨氏模量为(1.95 ± 0.12) × 10¹¹ Pa，在实验不确定度范围内与公认值2.0 × 10¹¹ Pa一致。”当数值在不确定度范围内吻合时，使用”consistent with（与……一致）”这一表述。

In the evaluation section, discuss how uncertainties in individual measurements affected your final result. Identify which measurement made the greatest contribution to the uncertainty and suggest specific, practical improvements. Be precise: instead of saying ‘use a better ruler’, say ‘replace the metre ruler with a digital vernier caliper that has a resolution of ±0.01 mm’. Also discuss whether the experiment could be extended to improve reliability, such as increasing the range or number of data points.

在评估部分，讨论各测量中的不确定度如何影响最终结果。指明哪一项测量对不确定度的贡献最大，并提出具体、可行的改进建议。要具体：不要说”使用更好的尺”，而要说”用分辨率为±0.01 mm的数字游标卡尺取代米尺”。还可讨论实验如何扩展以提高可靠性，例如增大数据范围或增加数据点数量。

11. Practical Skills in Written Exams | 笔试中的实验技能考查

While the endorsement is assessed in the lab, the written papers also contain questions about practical work — typically around 15% of the marks across both papers. These questions test your understanding of experimental design, data analysis, uncertainties, and error evaluation. You will often be given a novel experiment and asked to critique it or suggest improvements.

虽然实践认可在实验室中评估，笔试试卷同样包含关于实验的题目——通常占两份试卷总分的15%左右。这类题目考查你对实验设计、数据分析、不确定度和误差评估的理解。你经常会拿到一个新实验，要求对其提出评价或改进建议。

To excel at these questions, learn the standard phrases used in mark schemes. For planning questions, always state how you will vary the independent variable, how many readings you will take, and how you will control other variables. For evaluating questions, calculate the percentage uncertainty of the final result and compare it to the resolution of the instruments used.

要在这些题目中取得高分，请学习评分方案中的标准表述。对于设计实验的题目，务必说明你将如何改变自变量、取多少个读数以及如何控制其他变量。对于评估类题目，计算最终结果的百分不确定度，并与所用仪器的分辨率进行比较。

12. Common Mistakes to Avoid | 常见错误避坑指南

Many students lose marks in practical assessment due to avoidable mistakes. Here are the most frequent ones seen in examiner reports:

许多学生在实验考核中因可避免的错误而失分。以下是考官报告中最高频的错误：

Not repeating readings — always take at least three sets of data, and more if time allows.

不重复读数——至少要取三组数据，条件允许时应更多。
Plotting graphs with inconsistent scales or missing labels — always include units and a suitable title.

绘制图像时比例不一致或缺少标签——始终包含单位和合适的标题。
Drawing lines of best fit that are forced through the origin without justification — only force through the origin if theory demands it and the data supports it.

没有正当理由就强制拟合直线过原点——只有当理论要求且数据支持时才这样做。
Failing to distinguish between random and systematic errors — be clear about which type you are discussing.

不区分随机误差与系统误差——要明确你讨论的是哪类误差。
Quoting too many or too few significant figures in a final result — match the precision of the raw data.

最终结果中有效数字位数过多或过少——应与原始数据的精度匹配。
Forgetting to include error bars when calculating uncertainty from a graph.

从图像计算不确定度时忘记添加误差棒。

The AQA Physics Practical Handbook is more than a set of instructions — it is a framework for becoming a rigorous experimental scientist. By mastering these twelve practicals, understanding CPAC, and refining your analysis and evaluation skills, you will not only secure your practical endorsement but also gain the problem-solving mindset that A Level Physics demands.

AQA物理实验手册不仅仅是一套操作指南——它是养成严谨实验科学家的框架。通过掌握这12个必做实验、理解CPAC标准并打磨你的分析与评估技能，你不仅能确保实践认可的通过，还能获得A-level物理所要求的解决问题思维。

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AQA A Level Physics Practical Handbook | AQA 物理A-level实验手册指南