General Practical Physics I

At the end of the course, 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 emphasises quantitative measurements. The treatment of measurement errors, and graphical analysis. A variety of experimental techniques should be employed. The experiments include studies of meters, the oscilloscope, mechanical systems, electrical and mechanical resonant systems. Light. Heat. Viscosity and many others, covered in PHY 101 and PHY 102. However, emphasis should be placed on the basic physical techniques for observation, measurements, data collection, analysis and deduction.