Laboratory Assignments
Lab #1: Measurements
We make some basic measurements to see how mass,
weight, length and time are related. Read the first chapter in the text.
- You have several objects of various shapes and sizes. Although it may seem
obvious from their appearance, determine the materials from which they are
made. Do this first with "every day" measuring tools, then again
with the more precise tolls made available to you. Compare your
measurements. You will have to refer to a table of materials properties to
complete this experiment. The "Handbook of Physics and Chemistry"
is available in the labs, and there are many references in the library. Your
results may not match published values exactly. Explain why this is so.
Lab #2: Vectors and Forces
Look at the page labeled "Vectors" listed in the
contents frame. Read this page. There are links to four
parts at the bottom of the "Vectors" page. (The first chapter in
your text is about vectors).
- Part 1 contains some exercises on working with vectors. Go over all of
the material and do the assigned work. Be sure you understand everything presented. You
can make up other examples if you need more practice. Do this before you come
to lab.
- Part 2 covers the same materials Part 1 does, but uses two mathematical
packages (MathCAD and Mathematica) to work the problems. Both of these software packages
are on machines in the Physics Department for your use. Student versions of these packages
are available at reasonable cost if you want to use them on your own computer. It's a good
idea to get familiar with at least one of these packages. Part of our lab time
will be spent learning how to use these programs.
- Part 3 is an experiment you can do in the lab session. Read it over
before coming to lab.
- Part 4 is a tutorial on the scalar and vector products. We will use
these vector operators many times. Be sure you know how to use them as well as you know
how to add. A brief experiment is described in this part. You can do it most
anywhere, but if you want you can use the physics labs.