Physics 401 is a one semester course intended to give students an introduction to basic laboratory techniques in the context of classical mechanics and electromagnetism. The course consists of a one-hour lecture and a 4-hour lab-period per week.
The primary goal of the course is to introduce students to basic concepts in experimental physics including:
* acquire basic concepts related to the experiments
* become familiar with modern experimental instrumentation
* learn how to make reliable measurements
* understand the precision of a measurement and statistical analysis
* learn how to do calculations with proper significant figures
* learn how to do data and graphical analysis
* learn how to write a laboratory report
* learn the advantages and limitations of computers in experiments
* learn how to approach an experiment systematically and think analytically.
Note: Although only P325 is required for the course, most of the topics require background in E&M. The lab manual given with each lab does present the necessary theoretical background to understand the experiment. If this is not sufficient, students are expected to learn the necessary material on their own (see Griffiths’ excellent E&M text).
| A. Instrumentation: 1. Oscilloscopes 2. Digital multi-meters 3. Signal generators 4. Data acquisition hardware 5. Lock-in amplifiers 6. Power supplies |
B. Data Analysis: 1. Origin 2. Mathematica C. Data Analysis Technique: 1. Statistical error analysis 2. Frequency and time domain analysis |
D. Measurements: 1. Measurements of systems that exhibit linear response 1.1. RLC circuits 1.2. Torsional oscillator 2. Time and frequency domain measurements 2.1. Fourier analysis of pulses 2.2. Pulses in transmission lines 3. Electromagnetic phenomena 3.1. Measuring of the electronic charge 3.2. Measuring of the magnetic fields 3.3. Studies with microwaves 3.4. Response of magnetic materials to AC magnetic field |
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