Lab contact hours: 3, Credit:
1. Co-requisite: PH 231
Course Description: Experiments illustrating physical principles and concepts of selected topics of modern physics. Introduction to quantitative analysis of experimental results and uncertainties.
Instructor: Prof. D.
Roy
Office Hours:
Monday 1:30-4:00 PM
Tuesday 4:00-4:50 PM
Office location: Science Center room 269
Textbooks:
1. Instructor's Laboratory Manual (distributed
in class).
2. An Introduction to Error Analysis, by J. Taylor (University Science
Books).
2nd edition (Paperback, 1997), ISBN: 0-935702-75-X
Topics Covered:
A) Experiments: Measurement of the wavelength of a photon (atomic spectra), Measurement of the number of air molecules in a sample column using gas laws for non-interacting molecules, Determination of Planck Constant (investigation of photoelectric effect), Application of Hall effect to magnetic field measurements, and (if time allows) Millikan oil drop experiment.
B) Experimental data and uncertainty analysis: Reporting experimental uncertainties, Uncertainty estimation (standard deviation of mean), General formula for error propagation, Significant figures, Random and systematic errors, Histograms and distributions, Normal (Gaussian) distribution, Standard deviation as 68% confidence limit, Least-Squares Fitting (linear regression).
Course Objectives:
1) To provide experience on examining the physical principles and applications of wave-particle duality, ideal gas laws, photoelectric effect, Hall effect (interaction of electric and magnetic fields), and charge quantization. 2) To provide hands-on experience with transducers, spectroscopic light sources, and electrical measurement devices. 3) To introduce mathematical background for statistical analysis of experimental data. 4) To provide experience with technical reporting of experimental results.
Expected Course Outcomes:
1) Gain understanding of the applied
aspects of wave-particle duality, ideal gas laws, photoelectric effect, Hall
effect and charge quantization. 2) Be able to operate (and understand the
working principles of) various transducers, electronic and optical devices.
3) Gain in-depth understanding of commonly used methods of data analysis in
science and engineering.
4) Be able to research, organize and prepare technical reports of experimental
measurements and results. 5) Be able to use different features of MS Excel
to plot and analyze experimental data.
Comments:
There are five experiments in
this course. We will spend approximately an average of two weeks per experiment.
The rest of the time will be spent for data processing and error
analysis. Particular emphasis is placed on error analysis. Note that this
course is designated as “WI”; the lab reports will determine a significant
portion of the course grade.
Course policies:
Grades will be determined by lab performance and lab reports. Grading will be done based on the traditional letter grades. Attendance is required. Every student must hand in his/her own lab report. See PH 232 Lab Manual for instruction with preparation of lab reports. Additional problems will be assigned periodically with the labs. Lab reports are due at the beginning of the next scheduled experiment, normally two weeks later. Late lab reports are not accepted except in case of illness/emergency situation. It is not, in general, possible to makeup excused labs. Grades are normalized to the number of labs completed. There will be no exams.
Lab reports should consist of four sections: