Physics Laboratory
Full course description
This skill will educate you on the following:
- Design, use and measurement in physics experimentation;
- Gathering data using automated processes;
- Data manipulation and analysis using modern tools;
- Experiments in mechanics (Gyroscope dynamics, Driven Damped Harmonic Oscillator), Quantum Physics (Photoelectric Effect, Blackbody Radiation, Atomic Spectra), and Electrodynamics (Coulomb’s Law, Faraday's Law of Induction Experiment).
Course objectives
This practical aims for students to obtaining a deeper understanding of physics by performing various key experiments in the areas of Classical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics, and Electromagnetism. Examples are the photoelectric effect, blackbody radiation, angular momentum, Faraday’s law, and Coulomb’s law. The focus will be on the design and execution of the experiments and their relation to the fundamental laws and principles of physics. Another objective is the further training of physics laboratory techniques and procedures. Furthermore, attention will be paid on data analysis and reporting.
Prerequisites
- PRA1003 Basic Physics Laboratory
Co-requisites
- None
Note: Waivers are unlikely to be granted unless applicants can show their experience in experimental physics is equivalent to that of PRA1003.
Recommended reading
- University Physics with Modern Physics, H.D. Young & R. A. Freedman, Pearson Education (US), 13th International edition, May 2011;
- Practical Physics, G.L. Squires, Cambridge University Press, 4th edition, September 2001;
- Measurements and their Uncertainties: A practical guide to modern error analysis,
- I. Hughes & T. Hase, Oxford University Press, August 2010.