IV. Experiment

  • Experimental design: Record all details related to your experimental design. For each research question, there should be 1 hypothesis. For each hypothesis, there should be 1 experiment. How many levels are there for the independent variable (usually 6 for a significant evaluation of hypothesis)? How do you change the independent variable? How do you measure the dependent variable? Did you carry out a trial experiment? Did you repeat your experiment and take the average to improve accuracy? There are some designs that are unique to your experiment.


Changing our independent variable is as easy as reangling the light source, at 15o , 30o, 45o, 60o, 75o, 90o. Our dependent variable will be measured using a voltage meter, connected to the solar panel using voltage probes and crocodile clips on one end. Our experiment will be repeated 3 times and the mean of the 3 readings will be taken as the final reading. Our experiment is unique because we used a custom 3D printed base that helped to hold the solar panel in place and also gave us accurate angling measurements for where the light source should be angled at.


  • Experimental setup: Record all details related to your setup. Include a diagram and any changes to diagram subsequently if your setup should change during the course of the experiment.

  • The diagram that we had at first:

    • Our current diagram:

  • Experimental procedure. Record all details related to your procedure. Document your steps, trials, and observations to be made. Make sure that your experimental design steps (e.g. levels of independent variable, repeat experiment) are incorporated to the procedure section. You must also list the procedures on how would you analyse the data, including a table that you will use to tabulate your data, a graph if your hypothesis is correct, and how you will arrive at a statement of how your hypothesis is verified or not.


  1. 3D print the base for the solar panel. The 3D model has special features specifically for this experiment, the 3D model will have a slot in it which will allow the solar panel to fit. From there, it will be a perfect semicircle, because the distance (radius) from the edge of the semicircle to the center point is the same throughout. The model will also have a gap in the middle to allow the light from the torchlight to pass through and hit the solar panel. On the outer ring, it will allow a torchlight to slide along the model and there will also be markings on the model to indicate where to put the torchlight at each angle. These 6 markings were precisely measured out in the 3D model app for each of our 6 angles (15o , 30o, 45o, 60o, 75o, 90o) before being printed out, which allows us to easily align the torchlight and ensure that the angle that the torchlight is at is correct.

  1. If the voltage probe does not already come with a crocodile clip head pre-attached, attach one crocodile clip to 1 end of each of the different coloured voltage probes.

  1. Next, insert the solar panel into the 3D printed base and connect one end of the voltage probe to the solar panel using the attached crocodile clips and the other end to the voltage meter, the end that you need to connect to your voltage meter depends on the brand of the voltage meter.

  1. Put the torchlight at the starting angle as shown on the 3D print. The starting angle is 15o relative to the light source being directly above the solar panel. Then, use a retort stand to hold the torchlight in place.

  1. Turn on the torchlight in a dark room or in an opaque box and leave the light on for 10 seconds. After 10 seconds, take down the final voltage of the solar panel and record that as the first reading for the first angle.

  1. Repeat steps (5 & 6) for all of the angles (15o , 30o, 45o, 60o, 75o, 90o), each angle will be done 3 times, and then take the mean of the 3 angles for the average result.

  1. Record all readings into the table below, and then plot the graph found below the table afterward once you’re done. With that, you’ve completed the experiment!



  • Be sure and clearly note any modifications you make and any problems you encounter, including any mistakes. Even if it seems trivial or inconsequential, you should write it down in this paragraph.


There were no major changes to the experiment