Villanova University
Department of Physics
J.D. STRIEB, Mendel 263C
PHYSICS 2403, Spring 2014
Phone Extension: 94893 E-mail: jay.strieb@villanova.edu
Office Hours: MW 10:30-11:30 AM; Tuesday – Hour prior to lab; F 12:30 PM.
Other hours by appointment
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LAB EXPERIMENT SHEETS MUST BE DOWNLOADED WITH YOUR
PRINTER FROM DR. DeGEORGE’S WEB SITE PRIOR TO ENTERING LAB.
Attendance at all laboratory sessions is mandatory under normal circumstances. An
experiment missed due to an excused absence should be made up the same week if
possible; if not, the experiment must be performed during the last week of classes.
Laboratory schedule is available at Dr. DeGeorge’s Web site.
Formal Reports:
A formal lab report is due for each experiment, and is to be submitted one
week after the experiment is completed. These reports must be prepared
using a word processor. Each lab report should be sufficiently complete to
enable anyone to understand what the experiment is designed to
accomplish and to know exactly how to go about it. A suggested style is
given below:
Experiment Title
Your Name
(Lab Partners' Names)
Date
2403 and section number
Introduction
A few paragraphs providing any relevant background information and the reason for
doing the experiment. The section should include a brief description of the apparatus used
(with a drawing if this will make it clearer) and a concise exposition of the theory
underlying the experiment.
Procedure
A condensed description of the experimental procedure should be included.
Data
Raw data collected during the experiment should be entered in data tables. Correct
units should be indicated in the heading for each column of data. Intermediate and final
results will then be calculated (if repetitious, a sample of each calculation will suffice)
and the results will generally be entered in a single table. Keep significant figures in
mind when reporting results. Usually each table submitted in the lab report will be
followed directly by one or more plots, an analysis of those plots, and an estimate of the
errors involved. Units must be specified for all measured data and calculated results.
Graphs: Be sure to comment specifically on the conclusions to be drawn from each
graph plotted. For example: if the graph is a log-log plot, what can you infer about the
relation between Y and X and what is the significance of the slope? Data tables should
have titles. Graphs must have a descriptive title (e.g., not "graph # 1 "), labeled axes
with units, and a legend if more than one set of data is plotted on the same graph.
Divisions along the axes should be simple multiples of 1, 2, 4 or 5. Whenever possible,
include on this graph the theoretical equation relating the variables being plotted.
Graphs and at least preliminary calculations should be made before you leave the lab.
Analysis
Based on the theory, the student should specify the kind of curves that the data is
expected to follow (e.g., parabola, hyperbola, exponential, straight line, etc.) within
experimental error. If the expected curve is a straight line, the student should do a
computerized least-square fit of the data to obtain the slope and y-intercept, with proper
units. Values for the physical quantities of interest may then usually be obtained from
the slope and/or y-intercept.
Error Analysis: Numerical results of the calculations should be given with the
appropriate units to the appropriate number of significant figures, depending on the
accuracy of the initial measurements. When the experiment calls for a linear fit, the
physical quantities obtained experimentally from the slope and intercept are to be
compared with their accepted values, if available, by giving the percentage deviation. If
a physical quantity is to be determined by measuring other physical quantities, each
having their own experimental errors, then the accumulated error should be calculated
according to the methods described in class.
Conclusion
The final section of the lab report should contain a summary of the results of the
experiment followed by a discussion in which the student interprets the results and
indicates the success or failure of the experiment.
Each student must submit their own individual report, within the deadline specified.
Grading: The lab grade will be based on the formal lab report average. Further details
may be found on Dr. DeGeorge’s Web site.