Learning objectives
Knowledge of basic concepts of experimental data analysis. Knowledge and use of some experimental instruments and apparatus. Realization of some experiments concerning subjects of general physics. Realization of one or more experiments on subjects suggested by the students.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of general physics (Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electromagnetism)
Course unit content
(I) Note on the theory of error analysis.
1.Experimental measurements
2.Uncertainties in experimental measurements
3.Graphical representation of experimental measurements
(II) Experiments on Mechanics, Electromagnetism and Optics.
(III) Design and realization of experiments on the following subjects:
1.Study of the motion of a rigid body.
2.Eelectromagnetic induction
3.Spectral lines of a gas.
Full programme
(I) Note on the theory of error analysis.
1.Experimental measurements
Direct and indirect measurements, units of measurements, experimental instruments, how to choose an experimental instruments, accuracy, precision, dynamic response.
Experimental errors, systematic and random errors, confidence intervals. Absolute and relative errors. Comparison among different measurements.
2.Uncertainties in experimental measurements
Propagation of uncertainties for indirect measurements. Repeated measurements, average value, weighted average. Statistical analysis of random errors, frequency and probability, normal distribution, rejection of doubtful data.
3.Graphical representation of experimental measurements
Graphical evaluation of physical measurements. Linear and logarithmic scale graph plotting. Minimum chi-square methods, regressions, covariance and correlation, test of consistency..
(II) Experiments on Mechanics, Electromagnetism and Optics.
1.Ohm’s laws.
2.RL and RC circuits.
3.Resonant RLC circuit.
4.Measurement of sound speed in air by means of Kundt’s tube.
5.Laws of geometric optics..
6.Calibration of a spectrometer.
7.Pendulum motion and measurement of gravity acceleration.
(III) Design and realization of experiments (suggested by the teacher and/or students) on the following subjects:
1.Study of the motion of a rigid body.
2.Electromagnetic induction
3.Spectral lines of a gas.
Bibliography
• J.R. Taylor, ‘‘Introduzione all’Analisi degli Errori’’, Zanichelli, Bologna.
• Any book on General Physics
• Written notes on the lessons made by the teacher and distributed to the students during the course.
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons with PowerPoint slides, lessons in laboratory.
Assessment methods and criteria
Discussions and correction of weekly reports (graphs, data analysis, results, etc.) on the laboratory experiments performed during the course.
Final examination: discussion of written reports on the experiments performed in laboratory. Planning and realization of one or more experiments on a physical subject suggested by the students: production of some teaching lessons (theory, description of experimental equipments, data analysis, etc.), for students of high school. The examination consists also in the presentation of these lessons (theory and experiments ) to some high school students.
Other information
Compulsory weekly frequency.
