Short Course Description
Physics Laboratory A
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.
Full syllabus will be available to registered students only
