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PHY291Sciences1 Unitsintermediate

Physics Laboratory I

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of laboratory physics, emphasizing experimental observation and data analysis. Students will gain hands-on experience with scientific methods, including measurement techniques, error analysis, and data interpretation. The course covers topics such as measurement, error analysis, pendulum motion, spring-mass systems, and conservation laws. Students will develop skills in instrument handling, experimental design, and scientific reporting, fostering curiosity and critical thinking.

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156h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
intermediate
Math Level
Course Keywords
MeasurementError AnalysisPendulumOscillationsConservation Laws

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📊
Math Level
Moderate Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Measurement Techniques

2

Error Analysis

3

Simple Pendulum

4

Bar Pendulum

5

Spring-Mass System

6

Torsional Pendulum

7

Conservation of Energy

8

Conservation of Momentum

Total Topics8 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic Physics

Algebra

Trigonometry

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Lab Technician

Apply your skills in this growing field

Research Assistant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Physics Teacher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Data Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Instrumentation Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Research and DevelopmentQuality ControlEducationEngineeringInstrumentation

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction to Laboratory-I: Measurement

8h

Unit 1: Introduction to Laboratory-I: Measurement

8 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Introduction to Measurement.
  • •Understand the difference between precision and accuracy.
  • •Practice expressing measurements in scientific notation.
  • •Solve problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of approximate numbers.
Week
2

Module 2: Introduction to Laboratory-I: Error Analysis

8h

Unit 2: Introduction to Laboratory-I: Error Analysis

8 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Introduction to Error Analysis.
  • •Distinguish between random and systematic errors.
  • •Learn to compute errors in measurements.
  • •Practice error propagation in basic mathematical operations.
Week
3

Module 3: Investigations with Pendulums

6h

Experiment 1: To Investigate the Dependence of the Period of a Pendulum on Length, Amplitude and Mass

6 study hours
  • •Read the introduction and objectives of Experiment 1.
  • •Familiarize yourself with the apparatus for the simple pendulum experiment.
  • •Plan your investigations on the dependence of the period of a pendulum on length, amplitude, and mass.
Week
4

Module 3: Investigations with Pendulums

6h

Experiment 1: To Investigate the Dependence of the Period of a Pendulum on Length, Amplitude and Mass

6 study hours
  • •Investigate the dependence of the period on the length of a simple pendulum.
  • •Record your observations and analyze the data to establish the relationship between period and length.
  • •Plot a graph of T^2 vs l and calculate acceleration due to gravity.
Week
5

Module 3: Investigations with Pendulums

6h

Experiment 1: To Investigate the Dependence of the Period of a Pendulum on Length, Amplitude and Mass

6 study hours
  • •Study the effect of amplitude on the period of the pendulum.
  • •Take measurements at different angular amplitudes and compare your observations.
  • •Investigate the effect of mass of the bob on the period of the pendulum.
Week
6

Module 3: Investigations with Pendulums

6h

Experiment 1: To Investigate the Dependence of the Period of a Pendulum on Length, Amplitude and Mass

6 study hours
  • •Calculate the relaxation time of the pendulum.
  • •Measure the amplitude after different numbers of oscillations and record the data.
  • •Plot a graph between ln(an) versus n and determine the relaxation time.
Week
7

Module 3: Investigations with Pendulums

6h

Experiment 1: To Investigate the Dependence of the Period of a Pendulum on Length, Amplitude and Mass

6 study hours
  • •Investigate how the period of oscillation varies with the distance between the point of suspension and C.G. of the bar pendulum.
  • •Record your readings in Observation Table 1.6.
  • •Plot a graph between T and l and determine the acceleration due to gravity.
Week
8

Module 3: Investigations with Pendulums

6h

Experiment 1: To Investigate the Dependence of the Period of a Pendulum on Length, Amplitude and Mass

6 study hours
  • •Calculate the radius of gyration of the bar pendulum.
  • •Plot lT^2 versus l^2 and determine the radius of gyration.
  • •Compare the values of acceleration due to gravity obtained using a simple and a bar pendulum.
Week
9

Module 4: Oscillations and Spring-Mass Systems

6h

Experiment 2: Oscillations of a Spring-Mass System and a Torsional Pendulum

6 study hours
  • •Determine the spring constant using a spring-mass system (static method).
  • •Measure the extension of the spring for a given load and calculate the spring constant.
  • •Plot a graph between load and extension and determine the spring constant.
Week
10

Module 4: Oscillations and Spring-Mass Systems

6h

Experiment 2: Oscillations of a Spring-Mass System and a Torsional Pendulum

6 study hours
  • •Determine the spring constant using a spring-mass system (dynamical method).
  • •Measure the period of oscillation of a spring-mass system for different loads and calculate the spring constant.
  • •Plot a graph between T^2 and m and determine the spring constant.
Week
11

Module 4: Oscillations and Spring-Mass Systems

6h

Experiment 2: Oscillations of a Spring-Mass System and a Torsional Pendulum

6 study hours
  • •Determine the torsional rigidity of a wire using a torsional pendulum.
  • •Measure the period of oscillations with and without a cylinder.
  • •Calculate the torsional rigidity and modulus of rigidity of the wire.
Week
12

Module 5: Energy and Momentum Conservation

6h

Experiment 3: A Study of Energy and Momentum Conservation Principles

6 study hours
  • •Verify the principle of conservation of mechanical energy using a two-in-one pendulum.
  • •Measure the amplitudes of swing and lengths of the pendulum.
  • •Calculate the potential energy at different points and verify the conservation principle.
Week
13

Module 5: Energy and Momentum Conservation

6h

Experiment 3: A Study of Energy and Momentum Conservation Principles

6 study hours
  • •Verify the principle of conservation of linear momentum using a 2-D collision apparatus.
  • •Measure the velocities of colliding balls before and after the collision.
  • •Calculate the momenta and verify the conservation principle.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all units, focusing on key concepts and formulas related to measurement, error analysis, and oscillations.

2

Practice solving numerical problems from each unit, paying attention to units and significant figures.

3

Create flashcards for important definitions and equations to aid memorization.

4

Work through sample experiments, identifying potential sources of error and how to minimize them.

5

Review all SAQs and TMAs, ensuring you understand the solutions and underlying principles.

6

Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 pendulum and oscillation concepts.

7

Practice calculations involving error propagation from Units 1-2 weekly.

8

Review all tables and graphs, focusing on interpreting trends and relationships between variables.

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