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Lower Secondary
Express/Normal( A )
2nd Edition
Volume B
This leads to a greater understanding of scientific knowledge and promotes the
spirit of inquiry in students.
2nd Edition
The activities encourage students to discover concepts on their own through
experimentation. These activities have been carefully designed to develop
students to think in a systematic and logical manner about the world
around them.
Practical Book
Volume B Teacher's Edition
(S)LSSBPBTE_Cover.indd 1 9/12/12 5:30 PM
Lower Secondary
2nd Edition
Practical Book
Volume B
Teacher's Edition
ISBN 978-981-01-1747-4
Acknowledgements
Book B
Cover Chapter 16
idea tree in field © Rolffimages | Dreamstime.com, 57 dog whistle © Jf530 | Dreamstime.com
people © Marshall Cavendish International (S) Pte Ltd
Chapter 17
Chapter 13 61 telescope © Moreno Soppelsa | Dreamstime.
15 USB connectors © Wikimedia Commons | Public com
Domain, 19 multimeter © Versh | Dreamstime.com,
25 sound mixer © Laputin | Dreamstime.com Chapter 18
77 dyeing hair © Olena Sokalska | Dreamstime.
Chapter 14 com
29 motorcycle damper © David Freund | iStockphoto.
com, 37 Maglev train © Irfan Nurdiansyah | Chapter 19
Dreamstime.com, 41 suction lifter © stockthor | 105 girl jogging in a park © Martinmark |
iStockphoto.com Dreamstime.com
Chapter 15
47 flywheel energy storage © Wikimedia Commons
| Public Domain, 51 electric torchlight © Bigrock |
Dreamstime.com
Activities are introduced with real-life Clearly drawn diagrams and step-by-step
contexts, where appropriate, to connect instructions facilitate the execution of
the learning and understanding of key the activities.
concepts to the real world. Chapter 14
Name: ( )
Part B: Action of Amylase on Starch
Class: Date:
1. Add 3 cm3 of amylase solution into a test tube. Boil the solution gently for three minutes and
Activity
14.1 Measuring Forces cool it under a tap. Label this test tube ‘C’.
water
Application of Forces
Interactions Through the
Aim
• To measure forces using an extension spring balance
We feel the effects of forces whenever we take a ride on motor vehicles such as cars and motorcycles.
Dampers
Dampers are commonly used in vehicles such as motorcycles, 2. Take another two test tubes and label them ‘A’ and ‘B’ respectively. Add 3 cm3 of amylase
cars and trains. The spring in a damper (also called a shock solution into Test tube A and 3 cm3 of distilled water into Test tube B.
absorber) absorbs vibrations and tremors that occur when a
vehicle moves over uneven ground. However, the spring should 3. Add 3 cm3 of starch solution to each of the test tubes A, B and C. Shake the mixture in each
not vibrate too much and for too long after it is disturbed. test tube and allow the test tubes to stand for 20 minutes.
To make a motorcycle ride comfortable, a damper has to be
carefully designed by measuring (calibrating) how much force
the damper exerts when it is compressed. 4. After 20 minutes, add two drops of iodine solution into each test tube. Record the change in
colour of the iodine solution.
Test tube A:
Discussion
Procedure and Observations
1. Which test tube shows that digestion of starch has occurred? Explain your answer.
Part A: Weights of Objects
Extension
Isaac was pushing a rectangular box along the floor when he began to wonder if it would be
easier to push the box if he laid it on another side. To his surprise, he found that the task did
not seem easier or harder. He flipped the box onto its third side and still it seemed as easy as
before to move it.
He took a wooden box with all three sides different in area and laid it on the smallest side onto
the wooden plank. He slowly lifted up one end of the plank, tapping it to loosen the grip of the box
on the plank, to make it slide downwards. When the box finally started to slide down the slope,
Isaac measured the angle the plank made with the table.
wooden box
plank
He repeated the procedure with the side of the box with the largest surface area. He noted the
angle again. Then, he tested the last side of the box in the same way.
(a) Suppose the force of friction depends on the angle at which the box starts sliding. What
possible hypothesis was Isaac testing?
(b) What results would not support the hypothesis stated in (a)? Explain your answer.
Preface iii
Theme Systems
Chapter 10 Transport System in Organisms
Activity 10.1 The Big Bouncy Quail Egg 1
Activity 10.2 Osmosis in Living Tissues 5
Activity 10.3 Make Your Own Coloured Carnation 9
Theme Interactions
Chapter 14 Interactions Through the Application of Forces
Activity 14.1 Measuring Forces 29
Activity 14.2 Frictional Force 33
Activity 14.3 Magnetic Force 37
Activity 14.4 Pressure 41
iv Contents
Contents v
Fire Blanket
• Remove the blanket from the container.
• Wrap it around the victim to put out the fire.
Eye-wash Apparatus
• If an object gets in your eye, remove it from your eye immediately.
• Run fresh water over your eye for several minutes.
Safety Shower
• Position yourself (or your laboratory partner) under the safety shower.
• Pull the handle to release the flow of water.
• Flames will be rapidly extinguished.
Empty Bucket
• The empty bucket can be used to contain water for putting out small fires.
Sand Bucket
• Dump the sand onto small fires to put them out.
You will learn to use many of these apparatus and equipment during your practical lessons.
Remember to use the respective apparatus and equipment carefully and correctly.
• To raise a flame
• To support
above the table
apparatus during
surface high
experiments
enough for heating
Heat
• To contain small
• To support amounts of
apparatus during chemicals for
heating heating
• To mix solutions/
liquids
Safety Equipment
Laboratory
in the Laboratory
Apparatus vii
• To contain and
mix chemicals • To collect gas
and liquids
Chapter 10
Suggested Approx.
duration 2 days
Class: Date:
Activity
10.1 The Big Bouncy Quail Egg
2. Carefully pour 50 cm3 of dilute hydrochloric acid into the beaker. The acid must cover the
entire raw quail egg.
3. Let the egg soak in the dilute hydrochloric acid for 10 minutes. Stir the acid occasionally.
Do this gently using a glass rod.
5. After 10 minutes, pour away the acid. Be careful not to pour the egg out.
6. Carefully rinse the egg with tap water. Examine the egg to see if there is still any shell material
on it. If there is, repeat steps 3 and 5.
7. In the table provided, record the longest length of the egg, its texture and its appearance.
9. Place the egg gently into the beaker. Let the egg soak in the distilled water for 30 minutes.
11. Measure and record the length of the egg. Record the texture and appearance of the egg in
the table provided.
12. Place the egg back into the beaker of distilled water. Allow the egg to soak in the distilled water
for 24 hours.
Observations:
(Answers vary.)
Discussion
1. Explain your observation of the egg when it was submerged in distilled water without its shell.
Water molecules moved from the distilled water into the egg. This is because distilled water has a
2. A raw quail’s egg with its shell removed is submerged in syrup. Predict what would be observed
after 24 hours. Explain your prediction.
The egg would shrink or shrivel, as water molecules would move from the egg into the syrup. This is
because syrup has a lower concentration of water molecules than the egg’s content.
egg membrane is partially permeable. The egg membrane allows the coloured water to pass through it
2. In markets, vegetables are often kept in the open for long hours.
(a) What undesirable effect would this condition have on the water content of vegetables?
The vegetables would lose most of their water from evaporation or for their own usage.
(b) From your knowledge, what type of solution might you spray on vegetables in the market
to reverse the undesirable effect? Explain your answer.
Water or distilled water. This is because water would enter the vegetables through osmosis.
Chapter 10
Suggested 2 periods
duration 70 minutes
Class: Date:
Activity
10.2 Osmosis in Living Tissues
Note for teachers:
You may want to conduct Activities 10.2 and 10.3 together since there is a long
Aims
• To investigate osmosis in living tissues
• To predict the changes to living cells that are immersed in solutions of different concentrations
Note:
Place the onion rings in a plastic bag to prevent them from drying.
2. Place one onion ring in a petri dish containing distilled water. Place the other onion ring in a
petri dish containing concentrated sucrose solution.
3. After 20 minutes, remove the onion rings from the petri dishes. Measure the diameter of each
onion ring.
4. Record the measurements. Take note of the texture and appearance of each onion ring.
Record your observation in the table below.
Onion Change in
ring Initial diameter Final diameter Texture and
diameter
Solution (mm) (mm) appearance
(mm)
Distilled water
Concentrated
sucrose solution
(Answers vary.)
2. Explain why the changes occurred in the onion rings immersed in:
the onion cells to shrink. Hence, the onion ring shrank and decreased in diameter.
(a) Predict what would occur if you tried to keep a tuna fish (a kind of saltwater fish) in a tank filled
with fresh water. Explain your prediction.
The tuna fish would die from having too much water in its body. This is because fresh water has a higher
concentration of water molecules than the body of the tuna fish. Hence, water molecules would move
from the fresh water into the body of the tuna fish.
(b) Salmon are able to live in both freshwater and saltwater environments. What are some
questions you need to ask in order to study this capability?
How are salmon different from freshwater fish?/How are salmon different from saltwater fish?/
What are the changes that occur when salmon travel between freshwater and saltwater environments?/
Chapter 10
Suggested 2 periods
duration 70 minutes
Class: Date:
Activity
10.3 Make Your Own Coloured Carnation
2. Using the dropper, add about 4 to 5 drops of ink/food dye of your choice into the beaker
of water.
Note:
To increase the colour intensity of the coloured water, add more drops of ink/food dye.
3. Cut the stalk of the carnation flower in water. Shorten the stalk to about 15 cm.
5. Place the beaker containing the flower stalk in a breezy place. After one hour, observe the
colour of the flower, stalk and leaves.
3. Why was the flower stalk placed in a breezy area? Explain your answer.
This is done to speed up the loss of water from the flower. This, in turn, would speed up the intake of
4. Describe the appearance of the white carnation flower after one hour.
The white carnation flower changed to a colour that is the same as the water in the beaker.
5. Suggest another plant that can replace the carnation plant in this experiment. You must be
able to obtain visible results in this plant.
White lilies/White dahlia/(Accept any other reasonable answer.)
Extension
1. Suggest how you can create a two-coloured carnation flower.
First, fill two beakers with water of different colours. Arrange the two beakers side by side. Split the
stalk of a white carnation into two. Soak each end of the split stalk into the water in each beaker. After
a few hours, the carnation flower will appear to have two colours, one on each half of the flower.
2. Fertilisers contain essential substances for plant growth. Fertilisers come in liquid or solid
form. Plants can take in solid fertilisers only if the fertilisers are dissolved in water. However,
plants can take in liquid fertilisers directly. Explain why plants can take in liquid fertilisers
directly but not solid fertilisers.
Liquid fertilisers contain essential substances dissolved in water while solid fertilisers do not. The plant
transport system can only transport essential substances that are dissolved in a liquid. Hence, plants
can only take in liquid fertilisers directly but not solid fertilisers.
Chapter 11
Suggested 1 period
duration 35 minutes
Class: Date:
Activity
11.1 Digestion of Starch
Note:
Two pupils should share the apparatus and materials.
Yeast is able to produce its own amylase to break down the starch in flour. However, yeast takes a
long time to do so. Hence, adding amylase speeds up the process of baking bread.
2. Add two drops of iodine solution to the starch solution as shown in the diagram below.
iodine solution
solution
starch solution
starch solution
4. Using a new syringe, add 2 cm3 of distilled water into another test tube.
Note:
The variable in this experiment is the type of test substance (starch and distilled water). The
volume of starch and distilled water must be kept constant for a fair comparison. Hence, the test
tube with 2 cm3 of distilled water is the control set-up.
Discussion
What can you infer from the results obtained?
Iodine changes in colour from brown to blue-black in the presence of starch.
1. Add 3 cm3 of amylase solution into a test tube. Boil the solution gently for three minutes and
cool it under a tap. Label this test tube ‘C’.
water
2. Take another two test tubes and label them ‘A’ and ‘B’ respectively. Add 3 cm3 of amylase
solution into Test tube A and 3 cm3 of distilled water into Test tube B.
3. Add 3 cm3 of starch solution to each of the test tubes A, B and C. Shake the mixture in each
test tube and allow the test tubes to stand for 20 minutes.
4. After 20 minutes, add two drops of iodine solution into each test tube. Record the change in
colour of the iodine solution.
Test tube B: The colour of the iodine solution changes from brown to blue-black.
Test tube C: The colour of the iodine solution changes from brown to blue-black.
Discussion
1. Which test tube shows that digestion of starch has occurred? Explain your answer.
Test tube A. The colour of the iodine solution remained brown, showing the absence of starch.
the starch in Test tube C. Thus, there would be an absence or very little starch after 20 minutes.
5. Temperature affects how proteins work. From your observations of Test tube C, what can you
infer about enzymes?
Enzymes are proteins as their ability to work is affected by temperature.
Extension
1. Which organs involved in the digestion of food produce amylase?
Salivary glands and pancreas
2. What can you infer about the product formed in Part B, Test tube A?
Iodine does not change in colour in the presence of maltose.
3. If test tubes A and C produced the same results in Part B, what are some probable reasons
for this?
The amylase in Test tube C was not boiled long enough./The amylase was not boiled throughout.
4. Five drops of concentrated hydrochloric acid was added to a test tube containing 3 cm3
amylase, and 3 cm3 starch solution. After 20 minutes, two drops of iodine solution were
added to the test tube. The iodine colour changed from brown to blue-black. What can you infer
from this?
Hydrochloric acid prevented starch from being broken down.
Chapter 13
Suggested 1 period
duration 35 minutes
Class: Date:
Activity
13.1
Setting Up Circuits
Electrical Systems
Aims
• To set up electrical circuits according to circuit diagrams
• To investigate the effects of varying the resistance on the brightness of the bulb
2. In the space provided, draw a circuit diagram to show how the circuit on your teacher’s bench is
connected.
1. Connect the components to form a circuit. The light bulb in your circuit should light up.
(Be careful when handling the nichrome wire which may be hot.)
cell
light bulb
nichrome wire
cell
crocodile clips
light bulb 1 cm
nichrome wire
3. Move the crocodile clips further apart until about 20 cm of the nichrome wire is connected to
the circuit.
cell
light bulb 20 cm
nichrome wire
What do you observe about the brightness of the light bulb when a longer part of the nichrome
wire is connected to the circuit?
The light bulb becomes dimmer.
4. Disconnect the nichrome wire from the circuit. Connect the clips to the second light bulb. Draw a
diagram of the new circuit in the space below.
What do you observe about the brightness of the first light bulb when the second light bulb
is connected?
The light bulb becomes dimmer compared to the light bulb in Step 2.
2. In Step 4, another light bulb replaces the nichrome wire. Based on your observations, what
can you infer about the circuit resistance when a circuit component is connected in series?
Connecting a light bulb in series increases the circuit resistance.
Chapter 13
Suggested 1 period
duration 35 minutes
Class: Date:
Activity
13.2
Measuring Electricity with Meters
Electrical Systems
Aim
• To learn how to connect an ammeter and a voltmeter to a circuit
We can connect electrical measuring instruments to test common household electrical components.
Multimeters
1. Set up the circuit as shown. Use the switch to close the circuit.
1 2
0 3
A
3. Disconnect the bulb and ammeter from the circuit. Exchange their positions in the circuit
as shown.
1 2
0 3
A
Discussion
1. Compare Ammeter reading 1 with Ammeter reading 2. What can you infer about the electric
current flowing through components connected in series in a circuit?
The same current flows through components connected in series.
2. After conducting this experiment, Marie thinks that the positions of the dry cell and switch
in Step 1 of Part A could also be exchanged without affecting the ammeter reading. She
connects them as shown in the diagram below. (Do not connect this circuit.)
Predict how the arrangement of components in Marie’s circuit will affect the ammeter reading.
Explain your prediction.
The needle will deflect left. The positive terminal of the ammeter is connected to the negative terminal of
the cell. The current in the ammeter thus flows in the wrong direction.
1 2
0 3
A
1 2
0 3
V
2. Record the reading on the voltmeter and ammeter (Ammeter reading 3).
Does the ammeter reading change when you connect the voltmeter? No
1 2 1 2
0 3 0 3
V A
V A
Ammeter reading 4 = OA
2. In the circuit diagram below, the voltmeter is connected in parallel with the switch.
very low resistance. Very little energy is needed to move charges through the switch.
Chapter 13
Suggested 2 periods
duration 70 minutes
Class: Date:
Activity
13.3
Measuring Resistance
Electrical Systems
Aim
• To find out the resistance (R) across a lamp by measuring the potential difference (V) across it and
the current (I) through it
We can use rheostats to control the loudness of individual sounds produced by sound systems.
Sound Mixers
1. Take the rheostat and observe the slider and its three terminals. On the diagram below, label
the slider with the letter S, and the terminals with the letter T.
S
T T
2. Place the rheostat on your bench, as shown in the diagram above. Then, move the slider all
the way to the right.
3. Connect the negative terminal (–) of the cell to the single terminal on the left of the rheostat.
Connect another crocodile clip to the upper terminal on the right of the rheostat.
crocodile clip
Discussion
Does current pass through the upper terminal on the right of the rheostat, or through the lower
terminal on the right?
The upper terminal
1. Set up the circuit as shown below. Check that the positive and negative terminals of the
ammeter and voltmeter are correctly connected.
1 2
0 3
A
1 2
0 3
V
3. Close the circuit and read the ammeter and voltmeter. Record your readings in the table below.
Calculate the ratio of V to I.
4. Move the rheostat slider about a few centimetres to the left. Continue doing this until you
observe that the ammeter reading changes by at least 0.1 A.
Record the new voltmeter and ammeter readings in the table below. Calculate the new ratio of
V to I. Record this value in the same table.
(Answers vary.)
2. Based on your calculations of the ratio of V to I, what can you infer about the resistance of
the light bulb during the experiment?
The resistance (ratio of V to I) stays constant for smaller values of current and then it increases when
current increases.
Extension
A B
Marie wants to show that the resistance of the rheostat is maximum when only terminals A and B
of the rheostat above are connected to a circuit. By drawing the direction of the current flow, explain
briefly why this is so.
When the wires are connected to terminals A and B, the current flows through a longer section of the coil.
The resistance of a conductor increases with its length. Hence, the coil has maximum resistance when the
Chapter 14
Suggested 2 periods
duration 70 minutes
Class: Date:
Activity
14.1 Measuring Forces
Application of Forces
Interactions Through the
Aim
• To measure forces using an extension spring balance
We feel the effects of forces whenever we take a ride on motor vehicles such as cars and motorcycles.
Dampers
Discussion
Compare the mass and weight you recorded in Step 2. How are they related?
The weight in newtons is about 10 times the value of the mass in kilograms.
1. Remove Spring balance A from the retort stand and attach it to the rubber band.
2. Hold Spring balance A with one hand. Using your other hand, stretch the rubber band to twice
its length. (Do this on the horizontal surface of the laboratory bench. Use the metre rule to
check the length of the rubber band.)
Spring balance A rubber band
How much force is your hand pulling on the rubber band with?
3. Attach the other end of the rubber band to the second spring balance (Spring balance B).
Stretch the rubber band by pulling on both spring balances. Check that the stretched length of
the rubber band is the same as in Step 2.
2. Based on your answer in the previous question, what can you say about the sizes of the two
opposite forces that stretch a rubber band?
The forces that stretch a rubber band in opposite directions are equal.
Extension
1. An astronaut carries out Part A of this experiment on the moon. Why are the readings of the
weight different from the experiment done on earth?
The moon’s gravity is weaker than earth’s. Hence, the downward force applied on each object would
be smaller.
2. Suppose a second spring balance (Spring balance C) was hung below the spring balance in
Part A.
500g
(a) a spring;
Yes, the readings on both balances will be equal.
4. Isaac hooks two spring balances together and then pulls on them. The two balances do not move.
Chapter 14
Suggested 2 periods
duration 70 minutes
Class: Date:
Activity
14.2 Frictional Force
Application of Forces
Interactions Through the
Aim
• To investigate the effect of friction on different objects
1. Place the coin, the wooden block and the eraser on the metre rule. Each object should be
roughly 20 cm apart from each other.
eraser
wooden block
coin
20 ¢
2. Gently raise the end of the metre rule that is nearer to the eraser.
3. Observe the objects as you raise the rule higher. Which object moves first? Write down the
order in which each object moves.
The coin moves first, followed by the wooden block, then the eraser.
2. Would your observation change if the positions of the objects were interchanged with each
other? Give a reason for your answer.
No. As the metre rule is raised, the surface roughness of the objects and the ruler remain unchanged.
The downward force (weight) pulling on each object also remains unchanged. Hence, the objects start
1. Place one book on the table, insert a loop of string between two pages in the middle of the
book, as shown. Pull gently and horizontally on the string with a spring balance.
2. When the book moves slowly and smoothly at a constant speed, record the reading on the
spring balance. Do this three times, then calculate the average reading. Record your readings
in the table given on the next page.
Three books
Measured force (N) One book
No pencils pencils
First reading
Second reading
Third reading
Average reading
(Answers vary.)
Discussion
1. Compare the average force exerted on the books in Step 2 with the average force exerted in
Step 3. Explain your obser vation.
The force exerted in Step 3 is larger than the force in Step 2. The weight of the three books is larger
2. Compare the average force exerted on the books in Step 3 with the average force exerted in
Step 4. Explain your observation.
The force exerted in Step 3 is larger than the force in Step 4. The pencils reduce the friction between
He took a wooden box with all three sides different in area and laid it on the smallest side onto
the wooden plank. He slowly lifted up one end of the plank, tapping it to loosen the grip of the box
on the plank, to make it slide downwards. When the box finally started to slide down the slope,
Isaac measured the angle the plank made with the table.
wooden box
plank
He repeated the procedure with the side of the box with the largest surface area. He noted the
angle again. Then, he tested the last side of the box in the same way.
(a) Suppose the force of friction depends on the angle at which the box starts sliding. What
possible hypothesis was Isaac testing?
The force of friction between the box and plank depends on the surface area on which the box rests
on the plank.
(b) What results would not support the hypothesis stated in (a)? Explain your answer.
The averages of the measured angles remain approximately constant when the box rests on sur faces
of different areas. This result would show that the force of friction remains constant when the resting
area changes.
Chapter 14
Suggested 1 period
duration 35 minutes
Class: Date:
Activity
14.3 Magnetic Force
Application of Forces
Interactions Through the
Aim
• To investigate the effects of magnetic force
Maglev Trains
1. Set up the magnets on the two toy cars as shown in the diagram below.
magnets
adhesive tape adhesive tape
S N N S
Bring the two cars as closely together as possible. Then, release the toy cars.
2. Using the metre rule, measure the distance between the final positions of the two toy cars.
adhesive tape magnets adhesive tape
S N N S
1. Let the lower magnet lie on its side on the scale pan as shown. Attach a very small piece of
adhesive tape to secure the magnet to the pan of the balance.
N S
N S
N S
4. Advance the magnet very slowly downwards and towards the other magnet.
5. Take the last reading (X2) of the electronic balance just before the magnets come into contact.
Readings on electronic
Difference in readings (g) Repulsive force (N)
balance (g)
X2 – X1
X1 X2 X2 – X1 × 10
1000
(Answers vary.)
7. Repeat steps 3 to 6 two more times and calculate the average repulsive force.
Based on his findings, Isaac concludes that the force between the pair of toy cars depends
on the size, mass and design of the toy cars. Do the results of his experiment support
his conclusion? Explain.
No. There are other factors affecting the distance that he measured in Step 2. Isaac should directly
2. Ivy is planning an experiment to find out how the size of two magnets affects the repulsive
force between them.
Chapter 14
Suggested 2 periods
duration 70 minutes
Class: Date:
Activity
14.4 Pressure
Application of Forces
Interactions Through the
Aim
• To investigate pressure using the formula: pressure = force / area
We can make use of the effect of atmospheric pressure to pick up large objects.
Suction Lifter
2. Place the piece of bubble wrap on the mass scale. Press on the bubble wrap with your thumb.
Gently increase the pressure on the bubble until the bubble bursts.
5. Calculate the average value of y. Then, calculate the average force exerted to burst a bubble.
7. Repeat steps 1 to 6 using two larger pieces of bubble wrap. Each piece of bubble wrap
should have two or more bubbles on it. (You may need to use the square piece of wood to
help you press on the bubbles evenly.)
(Answers vary.)
Discussion
1. From your observations, what can you conclude about the area of the wrap and the force
needed to burst the bubbles on it?
The larger the area, the larger the force needed to burst the bubbles.
2. The pressure needed to burst one bubble is in fact larger than that calculated in Step 6.
Suggest an explanation for this.
The wrap is larger than the bubble. Hence, the force is in fact exerted over a smaller area.
Chapter 15
Suggested 1 period
duration 35 minutes
Class: Date:
Activity
15.1 Energy and Work Done
1. Take a steel wire and bend it in the middle five to six times.
2. Carefully touch the middle of the wire. How does the middle of the wire feel?
It feels warm.
3. Repeat Step 1 using the second steel wire. Bend the wire in the middle five to six times more
gently and slowly.
4. Carefully touch the middle of this wire. How does the middle of the wire feel?
It feels warmer, but cooler than the bent wire in Step 2.
the force.
2. What energy conversions take place when you bend the wire?
Chemical energy from the body → Kinetic energy of the wire → Heat
3. Compare your observations in steps 2 and 4. What can you infer about work done on the wire
in these two steps?
The first wire feels warmer because more work is done on the first wire in the same amount of time. Hence,
spring
100-g mass
3. Pull the 100-g mass down by 2 cm. What happens to the spring?
It stretches.
2. When you release your fingers from the spring, is work done on the mass? Explain your
answer.
Yes, work is done on the mass. The spring applies an upward force on the mass, which moves upwards in
3. When you release your fingers, the spring coils upwards. What energy conversions are taking
place when this happens?
Elastic potential energy → Kinetic energy + Gravitational potential energy
Extension
1. A plastic ruler is bent in the same way as the wire in Part A. However, the ruler does not feel hot.
Suggest two reasons for this.
Firstly, plastic is a poor conductor of heat. Any heat generated in the ruler is not conducted quickly to
the hands. Secondly, in contrast to the stiff wire, less work is done on the flexible plastic material. This is
2. The metal of the spring in Part B bends and unbends when the spring vibrates up and down.
Unlike the wire, why does the spring not feel warm?
The vibrating spring does not bend as much or bend as quickly as the wire. Most of the work done on the
3. Isaac wants to find out if a spring produces heat when it is stretched. What are some questions
that Isaac needs to ask in order to plan and carry out this experiment?
How can the heat produced by the spring be measured?/Should the string be stretched by a mass that
vibrates from one of its ends?/By how much should the spring be extended?
frying pan
egg
plane
mirrors
wok
rocks plasticine
large tin
Besides frying eggs, solar cookers can also be used to boil water into steam.
What other modifications would you suggest to the set-up described above, in order to convert
the sun’s energy into other forms of useful energy, e.g. electrical energy? (Hint: Refer to
Activity 1.4, Uses and Power of Steam, in Practical Book Vol. A.)
In place of a frying pan on the tripod stand, set up a round-bottomed flask filled with water. Channel the
boiling water into a jet of escaping steam. Direct the jet of steam at a turbine connected to an electrical
generator. The set-up hence converts the sun’s energy into electrical energy.
Chapter 15
Suggested 1 period
duration 35 minutes
Class: Date:
Activity
15.2
Energy Conversions
Energy wastage in moving vehicles can be better managed by energy conversion technology.
2. Hang the pendulum bob from the second (lower) clamp on the retort stand. Adjust the
pendulum bob so that it hangs just above the sur face of the bench.
metre rule
first clamp
second clamp
pendulum bob
wooden block
3. Place the wooden block on the bench so that the pendulum bob is just touching it. Mark the
position of the wooden block on the bench.
4. Pull the pendulum bob away from the block by a height, h. Measure h using the metre rule.
Release the bob to let it swing and collide with the wooden block. The wooden block should
slide in a straight line. (You may need to try this a few times.)
metre rule
wooden
bob block
s
metre rule
5. Use the other metre rule to measure the distance, s, travelled by the block on the bench.
(Answers vary.)
Discussion
1. (a) From the measurements, we can conclude that as the height at which the bob was released
(h) increases, the distance moved by the wooden block (s) increases .
greater amount of energy is converted into a greater amount of kinetic energy as the pendulum
swings to the bottom of the arc. The energy is used to do a greater amount of work on the wooden
block, hence causing the block to slide a further distance on the bench.
2. State the energy conversion that occurs when the pendulum bob swings from the highest point
to the lowest point (just before it collides with the block).
Gravitational potential energy → Kinetic energy
3. Is work done on the block when the pendulum bob collides with it? Explain your answer.
The pendulum bob applies a force on the block very briefly. The block moves in the same direction as
the force. Hence, work is done on the block during the moment of contact.
4. What happens to the kinetic energy of the block as it slides on the bench?
The kinetic energy is converted to heat and sound energy.
5. Is work done on the block when it slides on the bench? Explain your answer.
Since the block’s speed decreases, a force (friction) is acting on the block. The block moves in a direction
parallel but opposite to the force. Work is done on the block to convert its kinetic energy to heat and sound.
(a) In what other ways can Tim make the block slide further?
Rub the surface of the block with sandpaper to smoothen it./Use a block of smaller mass./Use
(b) Tim wants to convert as much of the potential energy of the pendulum as possible to
the kinetic energy of the block. He tries using different materials for the pendulum bob
and the block. How can he tell from his obser vations whether he has succeeded?
He hears very little sound during each collision./The pendulum bob bounces back very little after
each collision.
2. Newton’s cradle is a toy found in many offices and homes. Like a simple pendulum, it can
be used to demonstrate conser vation of energy. The toy is made of five or more metallic
pendulum bobs. The toy is set in motion by raising one or more of the bobs to one side. The
swinging bob or bobs collide with the stationar y bobs and cause them to swing to the other
side.
(a) The balls eventually stop swinging after some time. Does this show that energy is not
conserved? Explain why.
No, the total energy is always conserved. During each collision, some kinetic energy is converted to
sound energy and heat. Eventually, all the kinetic energy is converted. Hence, the balls stop swinging.
(b) How can the toy be made to move for as long as possible? Suggest at least one method of
doing so.
Let the toy run in a bell jar connected to a pump. Use the pump to remove all the air from the jar.
Chapter 15
Suggested 1 period
duration 35 minutes
Class: Date:
Activity
15.3
Source of Energy
The muscles in our body can supply energy to light up electric torchlights.
2. Point one pole of the magnet towards one end of the coil of wire. The magnet should be about
10 cm away from the coil of wire.
galvanometer
magnet
solenoid
4. Now pull the magnet out from the coil. What do you observe on the galvanometer?
The needle deflects in the opposite direction (or moves to the right/left).
5. If you move the magnet faster in and out of the coil, what do you observe?
Discussion
The galvanometer needle moves when electric current flows in the coil of wire. What energy
conversions take place when you move the magnet into the coil of wire?
Kinetic energy (of the moving magnet) → Electrical energy in the coil of wire
Extension
Instead of moving the magnet into and out of a stationary coil of wire, Isaac tries to make the
magnet stationary and move only the coil.
Predict if Isaac will observe any change in the size and direction of the galvanometer’s deflection.
Suggest an explanation for this.
No, the magnitude and direction of the deflection is unchanged. The electric current generated in the coil
depends only on the motion of the magnet relative to the coil and vice versa.
Chapter 16
Suggested 2 periods
duration 70 minutes
Class: Date:
Activity
16.1
Watching Sound Vibrations
Through Vibrations
Transfer of Sound Energy
Aim
• To investigate the effects of sound energy through vibrations
1. Place the bowl on a table. Stretch the cling film tightly over the top of the bowl.
4. Use the wooden spoon to hit the tray hard. This will create a loud noise.
Discussion
What caused the particles of rice or salt to behave in this way?
The loud sound produced by the wooden spoon hitting the tray.
2. Turn on the radio and place your hands around the balloon. Hold the balloon about 10 cm away
from the radio.
3. Turn up the volume on the radio and repeat Step 2. How does the balloon feel?
Stronger vibrations can be felt from the balloon.
Discussion
1. Which part of the balloon in Part B is vibrating in response to the sounds from the radio?
The inflated rubber material of the balloon.
to them to vibrate. The energy of these vibrating molecules is passed on to the surrounding
molecules until it reaches the cling film (on the bowl) and the balloon. This energy is transmitted
as sound energy.
(b) Suggest a reason why rice grains were sprinkled on the cling film.
The visible movement of the rice grains shows very clearly that the cling film vibrates.
3. Why does an increase in the volume of the radio cause a change in the vibration of the balloon?
The sound energy from the radio is increased when it is louder. This extra energy is transferred to the
air molecules and passed on to the molecules on the balloon’s skin. This causes the balloon’s skin
2. Hold the wine glass steady at the base with one hand.
3. Wet a finger of the other hand using water from the wine glass.
4. Rub the rim of the wine glass with your wet finger and listen to the
sound produced. Do not rub the rim of the wine glass too hard or too fast.
5. Fill the other identical wine glass with the same amount of water.
Listen to the sound produced.
7. Place the two wine glasses close to each other but not
touching each other. Balance a toothpick on the rim of the
second wine glass.
8. Rub the rim of the first wine glass to produce the sound. What happens to the toothpick?
The toothpick moves.
2. What can you infer from the observation of the toothpick as you rubbed the wine glass?
The vibrations of the first wine glass are transmitted by air as sound to the second wine glass.
Extension
1. Loud noises can cause damage to our eardrums. Based on your answer in Part B Question 3
when the volume of the radio is turned up, infer why this is so.
Loud noises are carried to the eardrums by molecules with very high energy. It might even exceed
the threshold of pain. The eardrum takes in the high energy of these vibrations and begins to vibrate
so vigorously that it can even burst. The cling film and the balloon show us how a skin can pick up
2. The National Environment Agency (NEA) of Singapore, which regulates noise levels in our
environment, does not allow sounds louder than 60 dB (decibels) during the day at certain
places. What are some examples of places that restrict excessive noise levels?
Chapter 16
Suggested 2 periods
duration 70 minutes
Class: Date:
Through Vibrations
Transfer of Sound Energy
Aims
• To produce sounds of different frequency
• To investigate the relationship between frequency and pitch
Human beings, unlike other organisms, can hear sounds only within a certain range of frequencies.
Dog Whistle
1. Dip a short length of the 1 m long tube in a bucket of water. Keep the tube in an upright
position.
resonance tube
air L
water
2. Blow across the top of the tube and note the sound that is produced. Keep in mind the sound
that you just heard. (Try humming the note to yourself softly.)
3. Lower the tube a little way into the water and blow across the top again. How is the pitch of
the sound different from the sound you heard in Step 2?
The pitch is now higher.
4. Lower the tube a little more and blow again. How is the pitch of the sound different from the
sound you heard in Step 3?
The pitch is now even higher.
Discussion
1. What is vibrating in order to produce the sound?
The column of air in the tube above the water
2. Suggest a possible hypothesis about the length (L) of air in the tube and the frequency you hear.
The shorter the column of air in the tube, the higher the frequency with which it vibrates.
Write down the number printed on the tuning fork. This number is the frequency of the sound
produced by the tuning fork.
256 Hz (Answer may vary.)
2. Hold the tuning fork by the stem and strike it smartly on the rubber bung, or on a rubber pad
on the table. Hold the tuning fork 5 to 10 cm from your ear.
3. Strike the tuning fork again and hold its stem against a tabletop.
Can you hear any sound from the tuning fork? Yes
4. Why can you hear the sound from the fork only when the stem of the tuning fork is resting on
a tabletop?
The table picks up the vibrations of the tuning fork and vibrates with the same frequency. It has a larger
surface so vibrations from the table are passed on to surrounding air molecules.
5. Select another tuning fork. Write down the number printed on this tuning fork.
284 Hz (Answers vary.)
6. Is the frequency you wrote down in step 5 higher or lower than the first tuning fork?
Higher/Lower (Answers vary.)
7. Repeat Step 3 using the second tuning fork. Is the pitch of the sound produced by this fork
higher or lower?
Higher/Lower (Answers vary.)
2. How is the pitch of a tuning fork related to the length of its prongs?
The longer the prongs, the lower the pitch.
1. Hum the note of the tuning fork that your teacher has just struck and is pressing onto the table.
2. Raise and lower the resonance tube, and blow into it until the same note is heard in the tube
as the note you are humming. Keep the tube in this position with the help of a retort stand.
3. tuning fork
resonance tube
Strike the tuning fork on the rubber bung again, and hold the prongs of the fork above the
mouth of the tube. A loud sound should be heard. (If you do not hear a loud sound, adjust the
position of the tube and repeat this step.)
Discussion
1. The air in the tube is vibrating to produce the sound. What is causing the air in the tube to vibrate?
The tuning fork
2. The sound produced has the same frequency as the tuning fork. What is the frequency at
which the air in the tube vibrates?
(Frequency of the tuning fork chosen, in hertz.)
Chapter 17
Suggested 2 periods
duration 70 minutes
Class: Date:
Activity
17.1 Expansion of Solids and Liquids Due to Heat
Its Transmission
Effects of Heat and
Aim
• To investigate the effects of heat on solids and liquids
The expansion and contraction due to heat can affect the accuracy of scientific obser vations.
Part B
• a boiling tube • a 1,000 cm3 beaker
• a kettle of hot water (about 70°C) • 500 cm3 of tap water
• a retort stand and clamp • a stirrer
• a rubber stopper with capillary tube • a marker pen
• 15 to 20 ice cubes • 500 cm3 of water coloured with potassium
manganate(VII)
1. Take a set of the ball and ring apparatus. Hold the ball by
the chain and try to pass it through the ring.
ring
What do you observe?
ball
The ball goes through the ring easily.
2. Light the Bunsen burner. Using the tongs, hold the ball by the chain. Then heat the ball over the
flame for one to two minutes.
tongs
4. Remove the Bunsen burner and try to pass the hot ball through the ring again. Can the
ball now pass through the ring?
No
5. After 20 minutes, try to pass the ball through the ring again. Can the ball pass through the ring?
Yes
the ball cooled to room temperature, it contracted back to its original size. Hence, it was able to pass
2. Suppose that in Step 1, instead of heating the ball, you cooled the ring in ice for a few minutes.
Predict if the ball would be able to pass through the ring.
No, the ball would be unable to pass through the ring.
1. Fill the boiling tube to the brim with the coloured water. Insert the stopper with the capillary tube
carefully. Do this over the sink to avoid wetting the bench. Ensure that there are no air bubbles
in the capillary tube so that some of the coloured water will rise up the capillary tube above the
level of the rubber stopper.
2. Half-fill the beaker with tap water. Clamp the boiling tube to the retort stand. Adjust the retort
stand to lower the tube into the beaker of water. In the diagram below, mark the level of the
coloured water in the capillary tube.
capillary tube
rubber stopper
coloured water
boiling tube
water
(Answers vary.)
ice
coloured water
cold water
(Answers vary.)
(If the water level drops beyond the bottom of the capillary tube, readjust the initial level of
the coloured water. This will ensure that the water level stays within the capillary tube.)
4. Remove the boiling tube from the beaker. Pour away the mixture of cold water and ice. Fill
the beaker with hot water from the kettle. Then, immerse the boiling tube in the hot water.
Observe the water level in the capillary tube.
What do you observe about the water level in the capillary tube?
The water level falls slightly before rising.
5. The position of the water level in the capillary tube eventually comes to a rest. Mark the final
position of the water level in the tube in the diagram below.
coloured water
hot water
(Answers vary.)
Discussion
Explain your observation of the water level in the capillary tube in Step 4 (when you first immersed
the boiling tube in hot water).
The water level initially fell when the boiling tube was immersed in hot water. This is because heat travelled
to the boiling tube first. The boiling tube expanded and caused the water level to fall.
Chapter 17
Suggested 2 periods
duration 70 minutes
Class: Date:
Activity
17.2 Expansion of Gases Due to Heat
Its Transmission
Effects of Heat and
Aim
• To investigate the effect of heat on gases
rubber stopper
coloured water
2. Cover the other end of the capillary tube with your thumb and lift the tube out of the water. The
length of the coloured water trapped in the tube should be 5 to 8 mm. Hold the tube horizontally.
coloured water 5 to 8 mm long
4. When the index has slid half the distance towards the stopper, use your finger to cover the end of
the tube that was dipped into the coloured water. This stops the liquid index from sliding further.
5. Keeping your finger at the end of the tube, insert the rubber stopper into the round-bottomed
flask. Then, release your finger. The liquid index has now trapped a volume of air within the
round-bottomed flask.
6. Clamp the round-bottomed flask to the retort stand. Then, lower it into a large beaker of tap
water. In the diagram below, mark the position of the coloured index on the capillary tube.
tap water
(Answers vary.)
7. Add ice to the tap water and stir the mixture. Wait two to three minutes, then write down what
you observe about the position of the coloured index in the tube.
The index falls down the capillary tube.
8. In the diagram below, mark the position of the liquid index when it has stopped moving.
ice cubes
ice water
(Answers vary.)
10. Fill the beaker with hot water and immerse the flask into the hot water. Observe the liquid
index to check if it rises or falls within the next few seconds. What do you observe?
It falls a little before rising steadily up the tube.
11. When the index has stopped moving, mark its position on the diagram below.
hot water
(Answers vary.)
Discussion
1. Why did the liquid index behave as it did when the flask was immersed in ice water in Step 8?
The air in the tube contracted as the temperature fell, causing the index to fall.
2. Why did the liquid index move when you held the bottom of the flask in your hands? What does
this show?
My warm hands heated up the air in the flask. The expanding air pushed the liquid index up the tube. The
large response of the liquid index shows that a gas expands a lot when it absorbs a small amount of heat.
3. When the flask was plunged into hot water, why did the liquid index drop at first, and then rise?
The hot water heated up and expanded the flask first, which increased the volume of the flask slightly.
Since the air had not yet expanded, the weight of the liquid index pushed the air slightly down into the extra
volume. The air, which was heated up eventually, expanded and pushed the liquid index back up the tube.
Extension
Based on your obser vations in the experiment, explain why it is unsafe to store gas tanks that
are full in the event of a fire.
A full gas tank contains gas pressure at or near the maximum safe pressure. In the event of a fire, the gas
is heated and expands, increasing the pressure. If the gas pressure increases beyond the safe limit the
tanks may explode when the tank cannot withstand the high pressure.
Chapter 17
Suggested 2 periods
duration 70 minutes
Class: Date:
Activity
17.3 Investigating Applications of Heat Transfer
Its Transmission
Effects of Heat and
Aim
• To investigate how different solids expand at different rates
(Answers vary.)
2. Light the Bunsen burner. Using a pair of tongs, hold the strip over the flame. Move the strip
steadily back and forth over the flame and turn over the strip from time to time. This ensures
that the whole length of the strip is heated evenly on both sides.
Heat the strip for one to two minutes and observe its behaviour. What happens to the strip as
it is being heated?
It bends.
bimetallic strip
(Answers vary.)
4. Place the strip in the ice compartment of the laborator y refrigerator. After five to ten minutes,
remove it from the refrigerator. What has happened to the shape of the strip?
The strip is bent in the opposite direction.
Discussion
1. Describe how the bimetallic strip appears to have been made.
It is made from two different metals riveted together.
2. Based on the results of the experiment, suggest the hypothesis that is being tested in this
experiment.
Different metals expand by different amounts/at different rates when heated by the same amount.
3. Based on your obser vations in Step 3, which metal expands more when the bimetallic strip
is heated?
Brass expands more than steel.
4. The strip changes shape after it is heated. How does this tell you which metal expands more?
The strip which expands more is on the outside of the strip when it bends.
6. The strip changes shape after it is cooled. How does this tell you which metal contracts more?
The strip which contracts more is on the inside of the strip when it bends.
Extension
1. Name at least two household appliances in which the bimetallic strip might be used.
Ovens, fridges, toasters, rice cookers, water heaters, air-conditioners
2. The bimetallic strip changes shape quickly when heated. How is this important for one of the
appliances you named in Question 1?
This is important in ovens because the bimetallic strip has to respond quickly to changes in temperature
in order to switch off the heating element before the food gets overcooked.
3. (a) A bent bimetallic strip is made by riveting a steel strip to a brass strip that is slightly
shorter. Predict what happens to the bimetallic strip when it is heated.
brass
steel
(b) A long, unbent strip made of the same metals as above is bent into a tight coil at room
temperature. A long metallic pointer is fixed to the centre of the coil.
steel
brass
(i) The coil is now heated. Predict in which direction the pointer will turn.
Anti-clockwise
brass
steel
Chapter 17
1 – 2 periods
Suggested
35 – 70
duration minutes
Class: Date:
Activity
17.4
Convection Currents
Its Transmission
Effects of Heat and
Aim
• To investigate convection
We can feel the effect of convection currents deep in the earth in the form of earthquakes.
1. Place the beaker of water on the wire gauze on the tripod stand.
2. Use the glass tube to slide one or two crystals of potassium manganate(VII) into the water.
Allow the crystals to sink to the bottom of the beaker.
3. Light the Bunsen burner to heat the water. Observe the movement of the purple streaks as the
potassium manganate(VII) crystal dissolves in the water.
beaker of water
crystals of potassium
manganate(VII)
wire gauze
tripod stand
(Answers vary.)
Discussion
What is the purpose of using the cr ystals of potassium manganate(VII) in the experiment?
The crystals allow us to observe the movements of the current clearly due to the colour of the crystals.
Extension
List some examples of the role of convection currents in nature.
Convection currents play a role in the movement of sea breezes and ocean currents.
Chapter 17
Suggested 1 period
duration 35 minutes
Class: Date:
Activity
17.5 Radiation of Heat
Its Transmission
Effects of Heat and
Aim
• To investigate how the nature of a surface can affect absorption of heat radiation
thermometer
Bunsen burner
wrapped in wire
gauze
air
air
tin
10 cm 10 cm tin
Record the temperature readings of the two thermometers in the table given in Step 2.
Discussion
1. What is the purpose of the wire gauze?
Heat can be radiated from a hot surface. The Bunsen burner is not an object with a surface, so it heats
the gauze first, and the gauze gives out the radiant heat.
2. Which tin can is the better absorber of heat? The black and dull one
Chapter 18
Suggested 1 period
duration 35 minutes
Class: Date:
Activity
18.1 Changes Caused by Mixing
Chemical Changes
Aim
• To observe the chemical changes caused by mixing different substances
Chemical changes caused by mixing can be obser ved in ever yday life.
Hair Dyes
3. Measure approximately 30–40 cm3 of vinegar. Transfer the vinegar into the bottle. Stopper
the bottle with the wet cork immediately.
Note:
Move away immediately from the stoppered bottle.
Discussion
1. Describe the change that occurred when the two substances were mixed in the bottle.
A gas is produced when the two substances were mixed. This gas takes up space within the glass
bottle. As more gas is produced, the gas pressure builds up and pushes out the cork.
2. What would you obser ve if a deflated balloon was placed immediately over the mouth of the
glass bottle, instead of the piece of wet cork?
The gas produced from the reaction would fill up the balloon.
Extension
Based on your observations in the experiment, explain why it is unsafe to mix different types of
medication without consulting a doctor.
It is unsafe to mix different types of medication as chemical changes may occur when different types of
medication are mixed. The products of these chemical changes may cause harmful side effects to our body.
Chapter 18
Suggested 2 periods
duration 70 minutes
Class: Date:
Activity
18.2 Changes Caused by Heat and Light
Chemical Changes
Aim
• To investigate the chemical changes caused by heat and light on different substances
Part B
• two petri dishes • a piece of filter paper
• a bottle of sodium chloride solution • a white tile
• a bottle of silver nitrate solution • an opaque object (coin, paper clip)
• a pair of tongs • a table lamp (optional)
Safety Precautions
The following are some important safety precautions:
• Wear safety goggles when heating substances.
• Move the test tube to and fro slightly over the flame during heating.
• Avoid pointing the test tube at anyone during heating.
• Wash the test tubes only after they have cooled down. This prevents them
from cracking.
1. Obser ve the colour and state of the copper carbonate provided. Record your
obser vations in the table provided.
4. Obser ve and record the changes (e.g. colour change, colour of gases, if
any) in the sample immediately after heating. Cool the sample and take
note of its colour.
Process that
Appearance had taken
Appearance
Substance before Changes on heating place upon
on cooling
heating heating
(e.g. melting)
Copper Green powder Turns into a black solid Black powder Decomposition
carbonate
Sugar White crystals Melts into a yellow liquid, then Black solid Decomposition
turns into a black solid; sweet
smell given off; colourless droplets
of liquid on sides of the test tube
Discussion
Write a word equation for the chemical change that takes place when sugar is heated.
heat
Sugar Carbon + Water vapour
Safety Precautions
The following are some important safety precautions:
• Wear safety goggles.
• Avoid touching the silver nitrate solution with your fingers, as it leaves brown stains that are
difficult to remove.
1. Fill one petri dish with the sodium chloride sodium chloride silver nitrate
solution and the other with the silver nitrate solution solution
solution.
2. Using a pair of tongs, fully immerse a filter sodium chloride silver nitrate
paper into the sodium chloride solution, solution solution
followed by the silver nitrate solution.
Discussion
1. Based on the results you have found, deduce the hypothesis for the experiment in Part B.
Interactions between matter and light bring about chemical changes.
2. Dipping the filter paper in the sodium chloride solution followed by the silver nitrate solution
produces silver chloride. Explain how the reaction of silver chloride with light affects the filter
paper.
The silver chloride reacted in the presence of light to form a dark region. The area blocked by the
opaque object did not darken because silver chloride did not react in the absence of light.
(a) Part B of the experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of light on treated
filter paper.
(i) State the variable that you changed for this investigation.
Light
(ii) When planning a control experiment, we can remove this variable to check if it is a
cause for the change. Using the procedure in Part B, list the steps taken to set up
a control experiment.
Immerse another filter paper of the same size into the sodium chloride solution, followed by
the silver nitrate solution. Place this filter paper on a white tile and place the tile in a dark
(b) What is the expected result of this control experiment? How can we use this result to
confirm the result of the experiment?
The filter paper of the control experiment will remain unchanged. Compare the results from the control
experiment with those from the experiment on page 81. The results confirm that the presence of light
Chapter 18
Suggested 2 periods
duration 70 minutes
Class: Date:
Activity
18.3 Action of Acids on Metals and
Carbonates
Chemical Changes
Aims
• To investigate the effect of acids on common metals
• To investigate the effect of acids on carbonates
• To investigate the presence of carbonates in common substances around us
Part B
• a bottle of limewater • a bottle of dilute hydrochloric acid
• two test tubes • a delivery tube with stopper
• a test-tube rack • a test-tube holder
• a plastic spatula • a bottle of copper carbonate
• a bottle of calcium carbonate
1. Pour dilute hydrochloric acid into a clean test tube until it is about 2 cm deep. Measure the
temperature of the acid using a thermometer.
2. Place one magnesium strip into the acid. Record your obser vations.
Effer vescence/Tiny bubbles were produced. The strip of magnesium became smaller.
3. Use the thermometer to measure the temperature of the acid. Record temperature changes
as ‘increase’, ‘decrease’ or ‘remains constant’ in the table in Step 8.
4. Remove the thermometer and place your thumb over the mouth of the test tube. Shake the
test tube to mix the acid and metal well. Ensure that the mixture does not come into contact
with your thumb.
6. Remove the test-tube stopper from the test tube and insert the lighted/burning splint into
the mouth of the test tube.
7. If the lighted splint extinguishes with a ‘pop’ sound, hydrogen gas is present.
8. Repeat steps 1 to 6 with other metals and record your obser vations in the table below.
Discussion
What can you conclude about the reaction of acids with metals?
Acids react with metals to produce hydrogen gas.
2. Place three spatulas of calcium carbonate into another clean test tube.
3. Pour in dilute hydrochloric acid until it covers the solid (about 3 cm in depth). Shake the test
tube to mix the acid and carbonate well.
Effervescence was observed. Tiny bubbles were produced. The amount of calcium carbonate decreases.
6. Pour away the contents of the test tube and wash the test tube. Repeat steps 1 to 6 with
copper carbonate and record your obser vations in the table below.
Colour of solution at
Carbonate Observation
end of experiment
Effervescence of colourless,
Calcium carbonate Colourless odourless gas
Effervescence of colourless,
Copper carbonate Blue odourless gas
Discussion
1. What can you conclude about the reaction of acids with carbonates?
Acids react with carbonates to produce carbon dioxide gas.
2. Suggest one possible indication that one metal is reacting faster than the other metal.
A metal that reacts faster would dissolve faster and cause bubbles to be produced at a faster rate.
3. State the products that are formed from the reaction of dilute hydrochloric acid with metals.
Salt and hydrogen gas
environment. Sweat, which mixes with oil secreted by the skin to turn acidic, may also lead to colour
changes in jeweller y. Other reasons for colour changes in jeweller y include exposure to the chemicals
2. Baking powder contains a form of carbonate. State the purpose of adding baking powder to
the cake mixture when baking a cake.
Baking powder produces bubbles of carbon dioxide gas that expand during baking. This helps the
3. Some buildings and stone statues are made of marble, which contains calcium carbonate.
What happens to these buildings and statues when acid rain comes into contact with them?
Calcium carbonate reacts with the acid rain and dissolves away. Hence, the buildings and stone statues
become corroded.
Chapter 18
Suggested 2 periods
duration 70 minutes
Class: Date:
Activity
18.4 Properties of Acids
Chemical Changes
Aims
• To investigate the effect of acids on litmus paper
• To investigate the taste of organic acids commonly found in food
2. Place one strip of red litmus paper and one strip of blue litmus paper side by side on the
white tile.
3. Use the dropper to place two drops of dilute hydrochloric acid onto each piece of litmus
paper.
4. Record the colour changes in the table provided on the next page.
7. Place one strip of red litmus paper and one strip of blue litmus paper side by side on the
white tile.
8. Squeeze a few drops of lime/lemon juice onto each piece of litmus paper.
9. Record the colour changes in the table provided on the next page.
10. Squeeze a few drops of lime/lemon juice onto a clean piece of filter paper. Place the filter
paper at the tip of your tongue. Rinse your mouth. Then record the taste of the lime/lemon
juice in the space provided.
Safety Precautions
The following are some important safety precautions:
• Never taste any chemicals in the laboratory unless instructed by your teacher.
• Inform your teacher if you have any chemical allergies.
Discussion
1. Based on your obser vations, explain why limes/lemons contain an acid.
Like acids, limes/lemons taste sour and turn blue litmus paper red.
2. Should we test for an acid by tasting it? Why? No. Some acids are corrosive and cause burns.
Extension
(a) Alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs) are naturally occurring acids that can be found in sugar cane
juice and sour milk. These mild acids are used in chemical face peels and some skincare
products. Describe how AHAs work.
The mildly corrosive property of AHAs is used as an alternative to facial scrubs. This property
of AHAs also helps to remove dirt and kill bacteria on the skin.
(b) AHAs may not be suitable for some people. Why is this so? What are the possible negative
side effects of AHAs?
Acids are corrosive in nature. Although AHAs are mild acids, their corrosive property may be too
harsh for people with sensitive skin. This may lead to negative side effects such as thinning skin,
Chapter 18
Suggested 2 periods
duration 70 minutes
Class: Date:
Activity
18.5 Properties of Alkalis
Chemical Changes
Aims
• To investigate the effect of alkalis on litmus paper
• To investigate how alkalis feel to the touch
2. Place one strip of red litmus paper and one strip of blue litmus paper side by side on the white tile.
3. Use the dropper to place two drops of dilute sodium hydroxide onto each piece of litmus paper.
Safety Precautions
The following are some important safety precautions:
• Never taste any chemicals in the laboratory unless instructed by your teacher.
• Inform your teacher if you have any chemical allergies.
7. Wash a beaker and half fill it with tap water. Add two drops of diluted sodium hydroxide
into it. Dip a strip of filter paper into the solution. Rub the wet filter paper between your
fingertips. Describe how the alkali feels to the touch.
8. Collect a little soap solution in a clean test tube. Tilt your test tube and dip the ends of the
strips of blue and red litmus paper into the soap solution. Record your obser vations below.
Discussion
1. Can we test for an alkali by tasting it? Why?
No. Some alkalis are corrosive and cause burns.
2. What substance was present in the soap solution that was provided? Explain your answer.
An alkali. It turned red litmus paper blue and it feels soapy.
2. (a) Toothpaste contains an alkali. How does brushing our teeth with toothpaste help to prevent
tooth decay?
When we consume food, bacteria ‘feeds’ on the food and produces acid on our teeth. This acid
will lead to tooth decay if left untreated. Brushing with an alkaline toothpaste helps to neutralise
(b) How can we test for alkali in toothpaste? Predict the result of the test.
We can test for alkali in toothpaste by mixing a little bit of toothpaste with water in a test tube
and dipping a red litmus paper in the toothpaste mixture. The litmus paper will turn blue.
3. (a) Lee was stung by a bee and he was told that a bee sting is acidic. Lee cleaned the
wound with calamine lotion. What is Lee’s hypothesis about calamine lotion?
Calamine lotion is alkaline.
(b) Assuming that Lee’s hypothesis is correct, how does calamine lotion work on the bee sting?
Calamine lotion neutralises the acid in the area that was stung. This helps to reduce the pain
Chapter 19
Suggested
4 weeks
duration
Class: Date:
Activity
19.1 Effect of Light on Organisms
Note:
The apparatus and materials above are to be shared by four pupils.
3. Place the four beakers at different distances (e.g. 10 cm, 30 cm, 50 cm and 70 cm) from the
lamp. Switch on the lamp.
4. Use a light meter to measure the light intensity at each beaker. Record the light intensity in
the table below.
(Answers vary.)
(Answers vary.)
6. Examine the plants every week for four weeks. Record the number of leaves and any colour
change in the leaves.
(Answers vary.)
Discussion
1. (a) Which light intensity is the most suitable for the growth of duckweeds?
The light intensity when the lamp is 10 cm away from the plant.
(b) Why is this light intensity most suitable for the growth of duckweeds?
Light is essential for photosynthesis. The rate of photosynthesis is higher when the light intensity
is higher.
(b) Why is this light intensity least suitable for the growth of duckweeds?
The rate of photosynthesis is lower when the light intensity is lower.
3. Name two other environmental factors that affect the rate of growth of duckweeds.
Temperature and the pH of the solution
Extension
1. Mar y conducted the same experiment but changed the distances to 50 cm, 75 cm, 100 cm
and 125 cm. She obser ved the plants ever y day for five days. After five days, she still did
not obser ve any notable changes on the plants. What do you think was Mar y’s mistake in
the experiment?
Mary should have observed the plants for a longer period of time. Five days might not be enough for the
plants to produce new leaves. Thus, she was not able to observe any changes.
close together, sunlight does not reach the trees near the ground. Some trees have adapted to grow
very tall in order to reach the sunlight above the forest. (Accept any other reasonable answers.)
(a) Katie came up with the hypothesis that some animals are sensitive to light and thus avoid
light when they can. List two questions that Katie needs to ask before she carries out an
experiment to test her hypothesis.
What organism should I use? How would I control the light that the organism receives?
4. Using a different earthworm, repeat steps 1 to 3 but position the lamp so that it shines only
5. Using a different earthworm, repeat steps 1 to 3 but position the lamp so that it shines onto
6. Using a different earthworm, repeat steps 1 to 3 but turn off the lamp.
Chapter 19
Suggested
4 weeks
duration
Class: Date:
Activity
19.2 Effect of Acidity and Alkalinity on Organisms
Note:
The apparatus and materials above are to be shared by four pupils.
culture solution
4. Place the four beakers of duckweeds near the window where they can receive sunlight.
Note:
Do not place the duckweeds under direct sunlight.
8
(Answers vary.)
6. Examine and count the number of duckweed leaves ever y week for four weeks.
Record your obser vations in the table below.
(Answers vary.)
Discussion
1. Which pH solution is the most suitable for the growth of duckweeds?
The pH solution which is near neutral
The mineral salts in the culture solution would help the duckweed plants to grow faster. Distilled water
does not contain mineral salts. Thus, the duckweed plants would not grow as well if they were placed
in distilled water.
5. Would the results be the same if you used a different plant species? Explain your answer.
No. Different plant species have different tolerance to acidity and alkalinity.
Extension
1. How can you improve the experiment to obtain more reliable results?
Have at least two set-ups with the same number of duckweeds for each pH. At the end of the experiment,
take the average reading (number of leaves present) of both set-ups for each pH.
2. (a) Henry noticed that a certain shrub is always present in the area where the carnivorous
plant Venus flytrap grows. He knows that the Venus flytrap grows well in acidic soil.
However, he noticed that this shrub also grows in areas where the Venus flytrap does not
grow. What hypothesis can Henr y formulate from his obser vations?
The shrub can tolerate a wider range of pH than the Venus flytrap.
can also take soil samples from areas where the shrub grows but the Venus flytrap does not.
He can then find out the pH of the soil samples. By comparing the pH levels of the different soil
3. Before planting a vegetable garden, what are the questions to consider regarding pH levels?
What is the pH level of the soil? What is the most suitable pH level for this kind of vegetable?
What can I do to adjust the pH level of soil? (Accept any other reasonable answers.)
water to carry out photosynthesis. This makes the water less acidic. Since photosynthesis occurs only in
the presence of sunlight, the water in the pond is more alkaline during daytime than during nighttime.
5. Some farmers add calcium hydroxide (slaked lime) to soil to make it more alkaline. What do
you think might be an advantage of changing the alkalinity of the soil?
Some plants such as cabbage grow well in slightly alkaline soil. Hence, making the soil more alkaline
would help the plant grow more. This would help farmers grow more crops.
Chapter 19
Suggested 1 period
duration 35 minutes
Class: Date:
Activity
19.3 Simulation of the Transfer of Energy
in a Food Chain
Students must follow the following rules strictly to achieve the objective of this activity.
• No fighting/pushing/kicking/elbowing.
• For a mouse to sur vive, it must fill its ‘stomach’ to at least half full.
• For a snake to survive, it must fill its ‘stomach’ to the top (leave enough space to close the bag).
• For a hawk to sur vive, it must collect at least two full bags of peanuts.
• Hawks do not eat mice.
• Only mice are able to take the peanuts directly as food.
2. Write down the role of the animal which each student is representing on the blank papers
provided. Using the masking tape, attach the papers onto the back and front of the student’s
shirt.
3. All students will receive one plastic bag except those who are representing hawks. Students
who are representing hawks will receive two plastic bags. This plastic bag will represent the
stomach of an animal. During the game, students will put their ‘food’ (peanuts with shells) into
their ‘stomachs’ (plastic bags).
4. The teacher will assign an area where the game will take place. The game must only take place
within this area.
5. The game will only begin when the teacher rings the bell. The first ring of the bell indicates the
start of the game. The second ring indicates the end of the game.
6. Place the peanuts in three white containers scattered around the game area. When the
game begins, the mice must collect as many peanuts as they can from the containers into
their stomachs. They must also tr y to avoid being eaten by the snakes.
8. When a snake captures a mouse, the mouse will empty the peanuts into the snake’s ‘stomach’.
10. When a hawk captures a snake, he/she will collect all the contents in the snake’s ‘stomach’.
11. When an ‘animal’ captures another ‘animal’, he/she must wait ten seconds before capturing
another ‘animal’.
12. Place four empty containers — two blue and two red ones — in different spots in the game area.
An ‘animal’ must place a handful of peanuts each on one red and one blue container every time
he/she captures another ‘animal’.
13. ‘Animals’ that have been captured will leave the game area and sit on the side to watch the game.
14. The whole game should last for five minutes or until all the mice have been eaten, whichever
happens first. All ‘animals’ must try their best to survive during the game.
E.g.
– The snake can only eat the mouse when the mouse has half a bag full of peanuts.
– The hawk can only eat the snake when the snake has a bag of peanuts.
– There must be a shelter area for the mice to hide from the predator.
– The mice can only hide in the shelter area for no more than 30 seconds.
– Only a fixed number of mice can hide in the shelter.
Discussion
1. What do the peanuts in the simulation represent?
The source of energy of the organisms
4. Each ‘animal’ places peanuts on the blue and red containers every time he or she captures
another ‘animal’. What does this represent in a real food chain?
This represents that some energy is lost to the environment. Some energy is lost as heat during
respiration and as excretory products. Hence, the amount of energy decreases along the food chain.
5. Based on your observations in the simulation, what can cause an imbalance in the food chain?
An imbalance in the food chain is caused when a whole population of species is wiped out. In the
simulation, the food chain will stop when there is no more mouse left.
2. If an increase in food supply caused the mouse population to grow, what effect would this
have on the snake and hawk populations?
An increase in mouse population will mean more food source for snakes. Thus, the snake population will
also increase. This will then lead to an increase in hawk population as the hawks feed on snakes.
3. How would the mouse population be affected if all the hawks were captured by humans?
The snake population would increase since there were no hawks to prey on them. This would lead to a
decrease in mouse population since there would be more snakes to prey on the mice.
4. In the simulation, the hawks have no predators. When hawks die, how are the nutrients inside
them recycled back into the environment?
Decomposers in the soil break down the nutrients in the dead bodies of the hawks. Through this
process, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere and mineral salts are released into the soil.
Chapter 19
Suggested 2 periods
duration 70 minutes
Class: Date:
Activity
19.4 Photosynthesis and Respiration
test tube
filter funnel
water plant
wooden support
Set-up A Set-up B
(to be kept in sunlight) (to be kept in the dark)
3. Place Set-up A in the sunlight and Set-up B in the dark. You will notice that gas bubbles form
on the leaves of the plant that was placed in sunlight. These bubbles will rise up the test
tube and displace the water downwards.
4. When the test tube in Set-up A is about half-filled with gas, remove the test tube by placing
a thumb over its mouth.
Discussion
1. Why was there gas collected in the test tube in Set-up A but none in the test tube in Set-up B?
The gas collected in Set-up A is oxygen. Oxygen is a product of photosynthesis. Set-up A was placed
under the sunlight. Thus, the plant was able to carry out photosynthesis. Since Set-up B was placed in
2. How would the results of the experiment be affected if you used a hydrilla plant with only a
few leaves?
Only a small amount of oxygen will be collected in the test tube in Set-up A. This is because photosynthesis
Extension
1. Two students made differing statements:
Student A: Photosynthesis occurs only during daytime and respiration occurs only during
nighttime.
Student B: Photosynthesis occurs only during daytime. However, respiration occurs all
the time.
photosynthesis to occur. On the other hand, respiration occurs all the time. Only food molecules and
oxygen are needed for respiration to occur. Light energy is not a condition needed for respiration.
2. Naomi prepared two set-ups similar to Set-up A in this experiment. Naomi added sodium
hydrogen carbonate into one of her set-ups and labelled it Set-up X. When dissolved, sodium
hydrogen carbonate releases carbon dioxide into the water. The other set-up, Set-up Y,
contained only distilled water.
(b) Both set-ups were placed in the sunlight. Predict the results of Naomi’s experiment.
Explain your prediction.
More oxygen will be collected in the test tube in Set-up X than in Set-up Y. Sodium hydrogen
carbonate provides carbon dioxide to the water in Set-up X. The plant in Set-up X now has more
carbon dioxide to use for photosynthesis. Thus, more oxygen is released into the test tube.
(a) How are the gases involved in respiration exchanged between an organism and its
surroundings?
During breathing, the oxygen needed for respiration is taken in from the surroundings and into the
organism. Carbon dioxide, a product of respiration, is released by the organism into the surroundings.
4. Rui Yi used a data logger to monitor the dissolved oxygen concentration in a lake. Fish and
other aquatic organisms in the lake breathe in the dissolved oxygen to stay alive.
(a) Rui Yi’s data showed that the dissolved oxygen concentration increases during daytime.
Suggest a possible reason for this.
During daytime, the aquatic plants in the lake conduct photosynthesis. Plants release oxygen during
(b) Rui Yi’s data also showed that the dissolved oxygen concentration decreases during
nighttime. Suggest a possible reason for this.
During nighttime, aquatic plants and animals continue to respire. During respiration, these organisms
take in the dissolved oxygen in the water. Also, the plants do not release oxygen into the water, as
photosynthesis does not occur during nighttime. Thus, the dissolved oxygen concentration in the
lake decreases.
Lower Secondary
Express/Normal( A )
2nd Edition
Volume B
This leads to a greater understanding of scientific knowledge and promotes the
spirit of inquiry in students.
2nd Edition
The activities encourage students to discover concepts on their own through
experimentation. These activities have been carefully designed to develop
students to think in a systematic and logical manner about the world
around them.
Practical Book
Volume B Teacher's Edition
(S)LSSBPBTE_Cover.indd 1 9/12/12 5:30 PM