IU Physics P309, Intermediate Lab
Fall 2007, class no. 20019
Course Information
instructor
class meets
topics
textbook
Rob de Ruyter
Swain West 165
855-6857
email: deruyter@indiana.edu
Office Hours:
Thursdays 9am – 12am, in SW137 or SW165, or as arranged.
Thursdays 1:25 pm - 5:30 pm in Swain West 137
Introduction to techniques and methods that are used in physics experiments. The
available experiments cover mechanics, hydrodynamics, thermodynamics, optics,
electrodynamics and nuclear physics. We will learn how to set up and carry out a
physics experiment, analyze the data, assess uncertainties, and discuss the results in
a physics context. We will also practice the skills of keeping track of our work in a
lab book, and of summarizing a research project in a written report.
D.W. Preston and E.R. Dietz, The Art of Experimental Physics, John Wiley, New
York 1991. ISBN 0-471-84748-8
For the lab section, a logbook is required. It must be bound, and the pages must be
cross-hatched and numbered. We recommend type #43-64x (or equivalent),
available, e.g., at the IU bookstore.
logbook
One of the most difficult things to learn, yet one of the most important for future
success in physics research, is mastering the "art" of maintaining a proper log book.
Please read, and then adhere to the "The Art of keeping a Laboratory Logbook"
below.
organization
At the beginning of each class period, there will be a short lecture on experimental
topics. The remainder of the class period is for lab work. The first few weeks of the
semester are devoted to warm-up labs, mostly dealing with electrical
measurements. During the remainder of the semester, you will tackle individual and
more complex experiments that span a large range of physics topics and
measurement techniques. For each lab, written instructions are available from the
web. It is important to read these instructions before you come to the lab, and to
refresh your memory of the relevant physics. Much better use is made of the lab
time if you come prepared. Scientists publish their research in journals. You will
get the opportunity to write a scientific paper on one of the experiments that you
have completed.
refresh your memory of the relevant physics. Much better use is made of the lab
time if you come prepared. Scientists publish their research in journals. You will
get the opportunity to write a scientific paper on one of the experiments that you
have completed.
course grade
safety
The final grade is composed of a grade for (i) compliance with the formal rules to
keep a personal lab book, (ii) general performance in carrying out experiments, the
quality of your result, and your understanding of the physics implications of the
measurement, (iii) a final lab exam given at the end of the semester, and (iv) a
formal write-up on one of the experiments which you have carried out during the
semester (this write-up is due on Monday December 10), and (v) several quizzes
given at irregular times during the course. A final ‘lab exam’ will take place on
Thursday, December 13, from 1:25 pm to 5:30 pm.
The lab features radioactive sources and potentially dangerous high voltages. You
will be instructed on safe handling procedures and the use of monitoring
equipment. Eating and drinking in the laboratory is not allowed.