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Thompson Rivers University
Thompson Rivers University

PHYS 1105: Physics Laboratory I

In this five-day lab course, students perform experiments illustrating the principles learned in PHYS 1103.

Schedule: https://www.tru.ca/distance/courses/summer-science-lab-courses.html

Learning outcomes

  • Apply experimental methodology to investigate physical phenomena.
  • Set up and use laboratory equipment to demonstrate certain aspects of mechanical physics.
  • Apply the theory of physics to experimental situations.
  • Explain differences between observed and expected results in experiments.
  • Investigate motion in straight line .
  • Investigate the conservation of thermal energy and conservation of momentum.
  • Use an oscilloscope to measure the speed of sound.
  • Measure resonance and standing waves in a string.
  • Use vector addition to add forces vectors.
  • Use Hooke’s Law and simple harmonic motion to find the spring constant of a spring.

Course topics

  • Lab 1. Measurement, Error, and Uncertainty
  • Lab 2: Graphs and Pendulums
  • Lab 3: The Lab Report and Air Track
  • Lab 4: Vector Addition of Forces
  • Lab 5. Collisions in Two Dimensions
  • Lab 6: Buoyancy and Specific Gravity
  • Lab 7: Specific Heat
  • Lab 8: Hooke’s Law and Simple Harmonic Motion
  • Lab 9: Standing Waves in a String

Required text and materials

Students will be required to print their own laboratory manual prior to their first day in class. Other supplies will be provided during the lab. For safety reasons, students must wear closed shoes. No open-toed shoes or sandals are permitted in the labs.

Assessments

Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.

Students will receive a final mark out of 100. This mark is determined based on lab attendance and on any lab assignments, tests, or final examinations that are assigned. All lab assignments and the final exam, if given, are at the discretion of the lab instructor. For safety orientation reasons, students are required to attend the first lab session. Students cannot miss more than two lab sessions, or an incomplete grade will be assigned.

Lab 1: Measurement Error and Uncertainty 11%
Lab 2: Graphs and Pendulums 11%
Lab 3: The Lab Report and Air Track 11%
Lab 4: Vector Addition of Forces 11%
Lab 5: Collisions in Two Dimensions 11%
Lab 6: Buoyancy and Specific Gravity 11%
Lab 7: Specific Heat 11%
Lab 8: Hooke’s Law and Simple Harmonic Motion 11%
Lab 9: Standing Waves in a String 12%
Total 100%
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