PHYSICS 277, THIRD SEMESTER PHYSICS LAB, SPRING 2008
LAB SESSIONS:
DOW 106, 8:00-10:50 a.m., Thursdays
INSTRUCTOR:
Andy Sieradzan, DOW 217, ph: 774-3390, e-mail: andy@phy.cmich.edu
OFFICE HOURS:
Monday and Wednesday, 10:00-noon, Thursday, 11:00 a.m.-noon.
TEXTBOOK:
Not required. Written instructions to each experiment will be distributed during
the preceding session.
OBJECTIVES:
This course is designed to bridge the gap between the closely guided classical
experiments of PHY 175, 176 and the independent experimentation
characteristic of the PHY 578 Advanced Laboratory. At the same time the
student is introduced to those experiments which are related to the ideas of
quantum physics. Our goal is to show that both wave and particle aspects are
required for a complete description of radiation and matter. By dealing with
radiation of increasing frequency (from quasi-static fields, through microwaves,
visible light, to gamma radiation) we should see how quantum aspects become
more and more profound. Behavior of few quantum systems characterized by
discrete energy spectra will also be investigated. The experiments are designed
such a way that students are introduced to increasingly sophisticated levels of
instrumentation.
GENERAL
METHODOLOGY: The student will devise a detailed experimental method based on a general
outline furnished by the instructor. The data will be subjected to statistical
analysis. The student will be asked to interpret and explain experimental results,
as well as suggest improvements in the experimental approach. Students’ written
reports will be evaluated and graded on a weekly basis. (Detailed procedure
description is given in a separate hand-out).
GRADING:
Lab work and submitted reports evaluation will constitute the base for the final
grade in this class (70% of it). Final exam will contribute the remaining 30%.
COURSE OUTLINE:
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Introduction to PHY 277. Short course on error analysis.
Current balance. Constant & slowly varying fields.
Model optics experiments using microwaves.
Visible light interferometry.
Spectrometer and atomic spectroscopy.
Frank-Hertz experiment, quantization of energy.
G-M counter, detection of nuclear radiation.
Half-life of a radioactive isotope.
Randomness of nuclear decay, Poisson distribution.
Gamma spectrometer
Detailed analysis of gamma spectrum.
Vacuum diode, laws of thermoemission.
Charge-to-mass ratio for the electron.
NOTE: Some of the experiments may require more than one lab session to complete.
LABORATORY PROCEDURES AND FORMAL REPORTS:
1.
Handouts for the upcoming experiments will be distributed at the end of the preceding laboratory
session, or at earlier time. You should read them carefully, and become familiar with the physical
principles and the experimental procedures involved in every lab before coming to class. The
hand-out materials will be reviewed by the lab instructor during a short "lecture" at the beginning
of each session, but prior studying of materials is strongly recommended.
2.
Bound-kind lab book is required. It should be solely used for PHY 277 subject. It will contain
notes taken during the pre-lab lecture, all original data records, and comments/observations you
make during the experiment. The final exam for this course will be an "open lab book" type, so
keeping an accurate account of all laboratory activities is in your own best interest.
3.
It is expected that you show your data to the instructor before leaving the lab. This is to make sure
that experimental work is completed and you have all the necessary numbers to be able to do the
final calculations and data analysis at home. You should plan on spending at least two and half
hours in the lab every week, if not measuring - then analyzing the data and working on preliminary
version of report. Late arrivals and early "sneaking out" will not be tolerated.
4.
Formal reports (separate from the lab book, typed, paper sheets stapled together) are due one week
after the experimental part is finished. They will be individually graded on a straight four-point
scale. The grade will also reflect instructor's evaluation of the quality of your experimental efforts
during the lab session. One point will be taken away for each week of unexcused delay in report
submission after the due date.
5.
Make-up time for lab absences will be provided if justified by important reasons (primarily –
medical). Unexcused absence results in zero credit for the experiment.
List of subjects to be included in the final report:
a.
All vital descriptive information concerning the purpose of the experiment and the experimental
method. This should be rather brief, and written in your own words. Examples:
Purpose of the experiment: To observe and measure the effects of magnetic force between two
current-carrying wires. To verify the textbook formula for magnetic force.
Experimental method: Use the current balance. Load the upper wire with a small weight. Increase
the current in the circuit until the original position of the movable wire is restored (This happens
when gravity force of the load becomes perfectly balanced by magnetic repulsion between the
wires). Using different loads on the upper wire find the relation between force and current
b.
Results: data tables, graphs, calculations, etc. Remember to include correct physical units in all
numerical answers. Make sure all graphs are titled or captioned, and have their axes labeled.
Circle or put in a small triangle around the experimental points for better visibility. Error bars
should be shown whenever appropriate. When you do calculations, include the original formula,
show the numerical substitutions, and give the final result. If any of these steps should are missing,
your instructor may not be able to follow your work and give you the credit you earn.
c.
Estimation of error of your results. It does not need to be perfect, but you should at least genuine
effort in trying to do that! Ask for help if needed.
d.
Conclusions. Make them brief but specific. Example: The magnetic force between two parallel
wires carrying identical currents (I) has been found to be proportional to current squared.
Coefficient of proportionality agrees well with the textbook value.
e.
Answers to the questions found at the end of the lab handout.
OTHER:
CMU provides students with disabilities reasonable accommodation to participate in educational
programs, activities or services. Students with disabilities requiring special accommodation to participate
in class activities, or meet course requirements, should first register with the office of Student Disability
Services (250 Foust Hall, telephone #517-774-3018, TDD #2568), and then contact the instructor as soon
as possible.