Elementary Practical Physics for Polytechnic by Shyam Lochan Bora is a comprehensive and systematic laboratory manual designed for Polytechnic students of 1st and 2nd Semester. Published by Mahaveer Publications, this book follows the latest polytechnic curriculum and provides a strong foundation in experimental physics through well-structured, student-friendly practical exercises.

The book covers essential experiments in Mechanics, Heat & Thermodynamics, Optics, Electricity, and Basic Instrumentation, helping students understand the practical application of theoretical concepts. Each experiment includes aim, apparatus, theory, procedure, observation tables, calculations, precautions, and viva-voce questions, ensuring complete conceptual clarity and proper laboratory skill development.

Special emphasis is given to accurate measurement, error analysis, and handling laboratory instruments such as the vernier caliper, screw gauge, spherometer, galvanometer, ammeter, voltmeter, and optical devices. The step-by-step approach makes the book ideal for beginners as well as advanced diploma learners.

This practical manual is perfectly suited for students of engineering diploma/polytechnics across Assam and other states, making it a valuable resource for teachers and institutions seeking a reliable and updated laboratory reference.

Chapter 1: Units & Measurements

1. Linear Measurement using Vernier Calipers
   a. Measurement of volume of a wooden/metallic cube
   b. Measurement of volume of a wooden/metallic cylinder
   c. Measurement of volume of a wooden/metallic sphere

2. Linear Measurement using Vernier Calipers
   – Determination of the thickness of a metallic washer

3. Linear Measurement using Screw Gauge
   – Measurement of cross-sectional area of a wire

4. Linear Measurement using Spherometer
   a. Determination of thickness of a glass plate
   b. Determination of radius of curvature of a concave mirror
   c. Determination of radius of curvature of a convex mirror

Chapter 2: Simple Harmonic Motion

5. Determination of acceleration due to gravity (g) by using a simple pendulum

Chapter 3: Wave & Sound

6. Measurement of the velocity of sound using a resonance tube

7. Determination of frequency of a tuning fork using a sonometer

Chapter 4: Properties of Liquids

8. Measurement of specific gravity of solids and liquids using Nicholson hydrometer or Hare’s apparatus

9. Determination of atmospheric pressure by Boyle’s law apparatus

Chapter 5: Heat

10. Determination of water equivalent of a calorimeter

SECOND SEMESTER

Chapter 1: Light

1. Verification of laws of reflection using a plane mirror

2. Determination of refractive index of glass slab by pin method

3. Determination of focal length of a convex lens by U–V method

4. Determination of focal length of a convex lens by plane mirror method

5. Plotting I–D curve and determination of refractive index of material of a prism

Chapter 2: Magnetism

6. Locating the poles of a bar magnet and measurement of magnetic length

7. Plotting magnetic lines of force of a bar magnet with north pole pointing north; locating the neutral point

Chapter 3: Electricity

8. Verification of Ohm’s Law using Ammeter–Voltmeter method

9. Determination of equivalent resistance using a voltmeter for:

   • Three resistances connected in series

   • Three resistances connected in parallel

10. Measurement of unknown resistance of a wire using meter bridge (Wheatstone’s principle)

Appendices

• Appendix–1

• Appendix–2

• Appendix–3