Course Syllabus

 

During the course the students learn basic techniques in experimental physics, including performance of measurements and data analysis, in various subjects.

List of experiments for the first semester:

 

1. Free Fall - the first experiment in the laboratory.

2. Geometrical optics – focal length and magnification with convex and concave thin lenses.

3. Latent heat – phase transition of liquid nitrogen.

4. Friction and energy – transformation of kinetic, potential and elastic energy and energy loss to friction.

5. Viscosity – viscosity of glycerin through the motion of a falling ball.

6. Harmonic motion – mathematical vs. physical pendulum.

7. Electric circuits & Wheatstone bridge.

 

The students will use a special built GUI in Matlab in order to perform the data analysis. The theoretical material is presented in the course website and the statistical booklet (also in the website).

 

Lecturer: Prof. Halina Abramowicz

Prerequisite: None.

Course Objective: Studying the principles of measurements and data analysis in the environment of simple physics experiments.

 

Syllabus:

1. Estimation of statistical and systematic uncertainties.

2. Propagation of uncertainties.

3. Linear and non-linear fitting of data.

4. Estimation of goodness of fit.

5. Quantification of agreement of expectations with data.

Course requirements:

Performing all 7 experiments and submitting all of the reports.

 

Grade composition:

70% Report

15% Quizzes

15% Instructor evaluation

 

Recommended books:

- Statistics booklet "Data Analysis in Lab A". http://physics.tau.ac.il/laba/files/DataAnalysisDraft2Oct2011.pdf

- Squires, G. L., Practical Physics, 3rd Ed.

- Wall, J. V. and Jenkins, C. R., Practical Statistics for Astronomers.