Physics 2215 Minilab 8 and Experiment 1
Purpose
 Design your own experimental procedures. Decide
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what measurements to take,
the range of values you will measure,
how to obtain the uncertainties of measured and computed quantities,
how to analyze the data graphically, and
what error propagation procedures to perform.
 Gain experience in writing a report in the form of a scientific
paper.
Physics 2215 Minilab 8 and Experiment 1
Overview: HW, Minilab, Experiment
 Homework (Experimental Design):
Practice experimental procedure design on the example of
the Projectile Motion lab.
 Minilab (In-class Design of Experiment 1):
• Learn how equipment and software works.
• Create your plan of action (“tree structure” diagram, written
explanations of techniques, potential problems, other details).
• Create sketch of apparatus.
• Do a quick trial run if possible to iron out any bugs in the procedure.
• Do not yet begin with the final data taking.
• Lab report for Minilab is a group lab report.
 Experiment 1 (A Study of Motion):
• The experiment is done in the week following the minilab.
• Take your actual data that will be used in your lab report.
• A lab report will be due within 1 week after completion of
the experiment (not a group lab report).
Physics 2215 Minilab 8 and Experiment 1
Lab Report for Experiment
 Lab report must be written in the form of a scientific paper
(see example in the back of the lab manual).
 Each person must write their own lab report
(no group report for the experiment).
You have 1 week to complete and submit the lab report.
 Late lab reports will get a deduction of 5% per day late
(e.g., if your report is 3 days late you will only get credit for
85% of the score that you would have gotten if you submitted
on time).