Sample Physics 120 Mid-Term Lab Exam
Name
A REVIEW SESSION WILL BE HELD IN THE PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY SUITE
FOR ALL STUDENTS ON MONDAY APRIL1, 2013 FROM 4:00 – 5:00 PM.
I WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW UNTIL 4:00 PM MONDAY.
BRING YOUR QUESTIONS!
 Remember to show all work.
 Remember units and significant figures.
Sample Physics 120 Mid-Term Lab Exam
On the lab tables are 3 measuring devices. Go to one of the tables that no one else is
using and consider each device to answer the following questions. Note: use the units
specified; do not change the unit.
 What is the uncertainty of the balance?
g.
 Measure the mass of the specified object. m =
.
 What is the uncertainty of the caliper?
cm.
 What is the uncertainty of the meter stick?
m.
For each of the following quantities, state the SI (i.e., mks) unit and the symbol we use.
 Mass:
(name of unit)
(symbol)
 Time:
(name of unit)
(symbol)
 Length:
(name of unit)
(symbol)
Convert 1cm3 to m3.
Convert 0.01g to kg.
Convert 0.01 cm to m.
Sample Physics 120 Mid-Term Lab Exam
Go to a pendulum set up that no one else is using. Each pendulum has a number.
Record the pendulum number here
.
Using just a stopwatch, determine the length of the pendulum. {Record your data and
show your work below.}
L=
.
The following data was collected for an object undergoing simple harmonic motion, such
as a pendulum. Use LinReg to plot T2 vs. L. Analyze the graph. Determine the
experimental value for g. Compare the experimental and accepted values of g.
(For the sample exam, use your data from lab.)
Sample Physics 120 Mid-Term Lab Exam
Given the diameter and height of a cylinder, determine the volume of the cylinder. Use
your calculator for propagation of error.
.
Given the mass of the same cylinder, determine the density of the cylinder. Use your
calculator for propagation of error.
.
Given Table 1: Density Table, determine the material of the cylinder.
Figure 1 is a sketch of an object of mass m being pulled up an incline. The rope is at an
angle
to the surface of the incline. Set the coordinate system for the object.
Draw all forces (only use arrows to depict forces) acting on the object.

Figure 1
Newton’s 2nd Law, in component form, is written below. Complete the summation of
forces (x- and y- components) acting on Figure 1.
∑
.
∑
.
Sample Physics 120 Mid-Term Lab Exam
Consider an object of mass m, rotating in a circular path of radius r. In 2.00 minutes the
object has rotated 600 times. Determine the Centripetal Force.
A projectile is launched at an initial height above ground of 13.67 m with an initial
velocity of v0= 12.37 m/s at an angle  = 27.3. Ignore air resistance. The coordinate
system is shown in Figure 2. What is the time of flight? What is the range of the
projectile?
y
v0
Figure 2

x