IU Physics P309, Intermediate Lab, Fall 2006

IU Physics P309, Intermediate Lab, Fall 2006 IU Physics P309, Intermediate Lab, Fall 2006
(class no. 20391)
Course Information

instructor Hans-Otto Meyer
Swain West 242
855-2883
email:meyer1@indiana.edu
Office Hours:
Thursdays 9am – 12am, in SW137, or SW242, or as arranged.

class meets Thursdays 1:25 pm - 5:30 pm in Swain West 137

topics
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.

textbook 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 following Log Book Rules

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.

course grade The final grade is composed of a grade for (i) compliance with the formal rules to keep a personal l ab 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 12/4/06), and (v) several quizzes given at irregular times during the course. A final ‘lab exam’ will take place on Thursday, December 7th, from 1:25 pm to 5:30 pm.

safety 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.

Hans-Otto Meyer Last modified: 7/12/2006


instructor	Hans-Otto Meyer Swain West 242 855-2883 email:meyer1@indiana.edu Office Hours: Thursdays 9am – 12am, in SW137, or SW242, or as arranged.
class meets	Thursdays 1:25 pm - 5:30 pm in Swain West 137
topics	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.
textbook	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 following Log Book Rules
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.
course grade	The final grade is composed of a grade for (i) compliance with the formal rules to keep a personal l ab 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 12/4/06), and (v) several quizzes given at irregular times during the course. A final ‘lab exam’ will take place on Thursday, December 7th, from 1:25 pm to 5:30 pm.
safety	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.