Course Description
Physics is an experimental science; that is, the nature and validity of the theoretical framework that physicists use is informed by the outcomes of experiments which can be performed repeatably.
Phys 131L is the laboratory accompanying Phys 131. In this course you will conduct experiments and make observation on various physical systems. There are two objectives in this component of the course:
- gain hands-on experience with physical phenomena and
- understand the relationship between experimental observations and the corresponding theory.
Course Number: PHYS 131L
Instructor: Prof. David Collins, Physics
Contact Information:
- Wubben Science 228B
- Telephone: 248-1787
- Email: [email protected]
Classroom: Wubben Science 214
Prerequisites: Phys 131 (co-requisite).
Syllabus: Pdf Format
Course Structure
Class will meet once during each of the weeks listed below. During each meeting you will be given specific tasks and an assignment to complete. Some of the laboratories consist of traditional experiments in these you will set up an apparatus, gather and analyze data and reach conclusions about the underlying physics based on your analysis. In other laboratories you will conduct qualitative, computational or ``thought'' experiments these are accompanied by a worksheet consisting of a series of questions that you will answer.
Laboratory Schedule
| Lab Number | Dates | Title |
| 1 | 24 August 2012 | Motion in One Dimension. |
| 2 | 31 August 2012 | Motion in One Dimension: Velocity and Acceleration. |
| 3 | 7 September 2012 | Free Fall Motion. |
| 4 | 14 September 2012 | Projectile Motion. |
| 5 | 21 September 2012 | Introduction to Forces. |
| 6 | 28 September 2012 | Newton's Second Law: Attwood's Machine. |
| 7 | 5 October 2012 | Newton's Second Law: Two Connected Objects |
| 8 | 12 October 2012 | Conservation of Momentum. |
| -- | 19 October 2012 | No lab |
| 9 | 26 October 2012 | Conservation of Energy. |
| 10 | 2 November 2012 | Work and Kinetic Energy. |
| 11 | 9 November 2012 | Springs and Energy. |
| 12 | 16 November 2012 | Rotational Motion. |
| -- | 23 November 2012 | No lab |
| 13 | 30 November 2012 | Rotational Dynamics |
| -- | 7 December 2012 | No lab |