Basic Physics Laboratory

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The aim of this course is understanding what physics means by performing instructive physical experiments that reveal fundamental physical principles, and also to attain a level of dexterity with experimental devices. Physics is an empirical science and not a mere collection of mathematical laws. In this sense this practical is an appropriate counterpart for the more theoretic and mathematical Physics courses. Moreover, the aim of this training is to train your ability to report and summarize your experimental work in a few pages. The course lasts six weeks, and consists of one full day of experimentation per week. The required attendance for this practicum is a full 100%. The practicum consists of a collection of 12 different experiments. Students cooperate in couples (of 2 students) and each week perform a different experiment. Each experiment consists of a theoretical and methodological preparation: i. Reading about the theory behind the experiment; ii. Determining what should be done and in what order; iii. Writing a plan containing the required steps for carrying out the measurements. Topics: MECHANICS: Newton's Laws Experiment, Conservation of momentum and impulse, Projectile Motion, Mechanical waves. THERMODYNAMICS: Thermal Energy, Equilibrium Temperature, Specific Heat, Ideal Gas Law LIGHT and OPTICS: Reflection and Refraction, Snell’s Law, index of refraction, Michelson’s interferometer.