PHY 155 — EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS I
BSc BSc Physics · Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Explanation and significance of instrumentation as a career in Physics. Design of devices and equipment (for various purposes) as the ultimate aim of instrumentation. Quantities obtained by direct and indirect measurements. General definitions or explanations of (a) Accuracy and precision (b) Sensitivity and resolution (c) Absolute error, relative error and percentage error. A measured Quantity and the associated error (d) Rounding off values and significant figures (e) Unit of measure or least count (e.g. Best accuracy obtainable from an instrument) Causes of error: systematic and random errors. Units of various measurable quantities Standard form The power of a lens "Over accurate" readings (i.e. Recording readings to more decimal places than can actually be obtained with an instrument). Errors Associated with direct measurements (e.g. metre rule, vernier calipers, micrometre screw gauge, multi - range pointer instrument with given limit of error, etc.) Error Associated with quantities obtained by indirect measurements (i.e. combination of errors). The "band diagram" method of determining the "true" value of a quantity measured by different methods (or instruments). Standard deviation and standard error. Correlation efficient and regressional analysis. Least squares method and curve fitting Instrument errors (e.g. voltmeters must have very high resistance etc.) The significance of mechanical properties of matter Tensile force, compressive force and shear force . Tensile strength and young's modulus. Stiffness and toughness . Creep and fatigue Hardness tests The use of Whetstone Bridge to measure both large and small resistance values. The use of analogue and digital multimeters to measure (a) Voltage (AC and DC) (b) Current (AC and DC) (c) Resistance Use of oscilloscope to measure peak voltages and time periods of various signal waveforms Potential and current divider arrangements. Resonant circuits, Q - Factor, Bandwidth and filters Ammeter and voltmeter calibrations. To learn basic experimental skills in Physics To learn scientific report writing. To consolidate theory. Practical experiment in Mechanics Practical experiments in Heat, Sound, Electricity, Magnetism, Solar Energy, and Nuclear. To learn basic experimental skills in Physics. To learn scientific report writing. To consolidate theory.
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Level 100
Other courses on this programme
- CHEM 155 — Basic Physical Chemistry
- CHEM 156 — BASIC PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY II
- CSM 184 — INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS II
- ECON 151 — Introduction to Economics I
- ECON 152 — Elements of Economics II
- ENGL 157 — Communication Skills I
- ENGL 158 — Communication Skills II
- FC 181 — FRENCH FOR COMMUNICATION
- FC 182 — FRENCH FOR COMMUNICATION II
- PHY 151 — INTRODUCTORY MECHANICS
- PHY 152 — GEOMETRICAL OPTICS AND WAVES
- PHY 153 — ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM
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