Physics 141, Fall 2009.

In this laboratory we will conduct two experiments to develop a "new" scientific theory and to confirm an existing theory.

In the first experiment, we will study an Atwood machine and measure the acceleration of the masses of connected to the pulley as for different mass combinations. The results of these measurements will be used to develop a scientific theory that can be used to describe the current observations and predict the outcome of future measurements. The procedure to be followed for this experiment can be found by clicking here.

In the second experiment, we will use the smart pulley and the Dynamic Track to study the acceleration of the system as function of the masses of its components. The measured acceleration will be compared with the predicted acceleration. The procedure to be followed for this experiment can be found by clicking here.

The laboratory report for this laboratory will be due on Friday October 9 at 8.30 am (to be dropped off in the 141 Laboratory Locker, opposite of B&L 106). The laboratory report should describe the results of both measurements and discuss how to verify a scientific theory and how to develop a scientific theory. Use the guidelines in "How to write a lab report" as a starting point for your report. Make sure you include whatever graphs are needed to support your conclusions, and provide a detailed error analysis of your results.

Quick links:

• Experiment 1:
  • Manual (pdf format)
  • DataStudio Setup (zip format) to be opened with the DataStudio program

• Experiment 2:
  • Manual (pdf format)
  • DataStudio Setup (zip format) to be opened with the DataStudio program

• Error analysis documents:
  • Introduction to error analysis (pdf document)
  • The weighted average (pdf document)

• Other usefull documents:
• DataStudio starter manual (pdf document)
• Point distributon Lab 02

 

Last updated on Saturday, October 17, 2009 22:15