Physics 427

Dr. Ayars

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Last updated:
Sep 28, 2018

Lab Assignments

Plan on doing six experiments over the course of the semester.

• 1) Wavelength of a Laser: This is the first lab, everyone does it and we'll keep coming back to it as we talk about uncertainty analysis.
• 2-5) Four experiments of your choice, chosen from the list below. At least one of these four must be chosen from those marked by an asterix; they are new, or currently broken, and will probably take a better-than-average effort.
• 6) A final project. You may design your own (I encourage this!) or attempt to duplicate something from American Journal of Physics, or you can do an extra-thorough job on one of the experiments marked with an explanation point below.

Follow the links to find information and further reading for each experiment on the list. Sign up with Dr. Ayars, individually or in groups of two, to reserve equipment time-slots for your chosen experiments. Before beginning any experiment study the required reading for that experiment and schedule time with Dr. Ayars for "check-out". Check-out will include a quiz, either written or oral, about the basics of the experiment. You may not begin work on an experiment until you have successfully completed check-out, so plan ahead.

Please note: Your first writeup, for "Measure the wavelength of a laser" is due 9/10/17. The point of this particular experiment is to gain experience in uncertainty analysis, so the first few homework assignments are probably quite relevant.

Also please note: the "location" of many items in this list is wrong because we just moved the lab. Be patient as I update pages.