General Practical Physics I

On completion, the student should be able to: 1. conduct measurements of some physical quantities; 2. make observations of events, collect and tabulate data; 3. identify and evaluate some common experimental errors; 4. plot and analyse graphs; and 5. draw conclusions from numerical and graphical analysis of data.

This introductory course emphasizes quantitative measurements. Experimental techniques. The treatment of measurement errors. Graphical analysis. The experiments include studies of meters, the oscilloscope, mechanical systems, electrical and mechanical resonant systems, light, heat, viscosity, etc. (covered in PHY 101, 102, 103 and PHY 104). However, emphasis should be placed on the basic physical techniques for observation, measurements, data collection, analysis, and deduction.