Experimental Methods & Physics Skills (PHY-10018) Module: Structure & Safety, Keele Univ., Study notes of Engineering Physics

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KEELE UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF PHYSICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL SCIENCES

Experimental Methods and Physics Skills (Module PHY-10018)

LaboratoryManual

Semester Two

CONTENTS

Part 1 THE MODULE STRUCTURE

1.1 Introduction. 1.2 The experimental strand. 1.3 The timetable for the module. 1.4 The assessment scheme for the module. 1.5 Safety rules.

Part 2 LECTURE NOTES

2.1 Error analysis formulae 2.2 Theory of LCR Experiment 2.3 Theory of AC Circuits

Part 3 EXPERIMENTAL SCRIPTS

Experiment Section Transient Response of LCR Circuits I A.C. Circuits J Amplifiers and Negative Feedback K

Keele University Module PHY- ii

The Experimental Methods and Physics Skills Module 1.1 Introduction The Experimental Methods and Physics Skills (PHY-10018) and Observational Methods and Astrophysical Skills (PHY-10017) modules are different in structure and style to the lecture course modules that you are taking. The lecture courses provide an education in the knowledge required to become a Physicist, while this module is concerned with educating the student in some of the skills required to be a Physicist. These skills can only be acquired by practice and experience over a period of time. Therefore whereas the lecture courses can be assessed by an examination at the end of the course these modules are wholly examined by continuous assessment , throughout the two semesters. In the first semester both PHY-10018 and PHY-10017 follow an identical program, covering basic experimental methods and skills common to both disciplines. In the second semester the two modules follow different programs of work specialising in the needs of that particular discipline. The contents of this manual deal primarily with the common first semester for the two modules. There are 2 strands to the modules structure, corresponding to the 2 basic skills a modern experimental Physicist needs to master. These are (i) both the practical abilities to perform experiments and the intellectual ability to analyse and assess the results of experiments and (ii) basic computational skills. In section (1.3) the mark scheme for each of the component parts of this module is given. In the first and second semester there are 80 marks (Benchwork 40 and Laboratory Reports

40. for strand (i) and 20 marks for strand (ii). In order to pass the module it is necessary to get 80 marks out of the 200 available (i.e. 40%) and also to obtain a 40% pass in each of the 2 strands (i.e. 40/100 for (i) and 16/40 for (iii)). In addition, you also need to obtain a pass mark (40%) in each of the two components of the experimental strand(i) – i.e. the lab report component and the benchwork component. This manual is predominantly concerned with strand (i) the experimental skills and this is discussed in more detail in the next section.

1.2 The Experimental Methods Strand In the experimental methods strand (i) you are expected to perform 8 laboratory experiments during the two semesters (5 in semester one, 3 in semester two) and to submit 4 laboratory reports ( in semester one and 2 in semester two) on some of these experiments. You’ll receive a mark out of 8 for each experiment you complete (except for experiments I and J in 2nd semester which are worth 15 marks and I is worth of 10 marks). Each of these 8 experiments should take you 2 weeks (2 × 3 hour laboratory sessions) to complete, except for experiments I and J which should take 3 weeks. When you complete an experiment you should take your laboratory notebook to one of the staff supervisors of the experimental strand to (a) discuss your experimental results and (b) to receive a mark for that experiment. An important point to note is that you don’t get marks for getting the “right answer” in these experiments, you get marks for good experimental practice. Even if your results seem totally different to the accepted textbook results, as long as you’ve used good experimental practice you’ll get good marks. A second important point , ask questions of the staff, post-graduate demonstrators and the technicians if you need help. Asking questions or seeking help will not count against you for any mark you receive. However failing to ask for help when you need it will almost certainly mean that you won’t achieve as much as you could and will therefore lead to a lower mark.

1.3 The Computing Strand The computing strand has three components to it, word processing, spreadsheets and programming, all of which are taught at the introductory level only. The use word processing and

Keele University Module PHY- iv

spreadsheets are taught hand-in-hand with the Experimental Strand. The elements of a spreadsheet and its use for manipulating data are introduced with the aim of manipulating data in the laboratory experiments and students are encouraged to learn by a "hands-on" approach seeking tutorial help from staff and demonstrators. The word processing component is aimed at the production of word processed laboratory reports and after an introductory session students are encouraged to make use of the facilities available seeking help from staff and demonstrators when stuck. The introduction to programming part of the course occurs at the end of semester two in place of the laboratory work on Monday and Friday afternoons. It is taught by a series of "exercises" using BASIC and is intended not only to educate students with the elements of programming but also to encourage them to think how to apply computer programmes to solve problems in Physics.

1.4 The Module Timetable On the following page the module timetable for semester one is given. There are 3 hour laboratory sessions on Thursday afternoons.

1.5 The Assessment Ratings for The Different Units in Modules PHYS/PHY-

Semester One Experimental Strand Mark Benchwork experiment #A............................. 8 experiment #B............................... 8 experiment #C ................................ 8 experiment #D ................................ 8 experiment #E ................................ 8 experiment #F ................................ 8 (Maximum 25 marks for five experiments) Reports report #1 .... ...................................... 20 report #2 ........ .................................. 20 Computational Strand Spreadsheet exercises associated with experiment #A 10 associated with experiment #B 10

Total marks for all 2 components for 1st semester 100

Semester Two Experimental Strand Mark Benchwork experiment #I ................................ 15 experiment #J ................................. 15 experiment #K ............................. 10 Reports report #3 .......................................... 20 report #4 .......................................... 20

Computational Strand Exercises in basic programming for science ................................. 20

Total marks for all 2 components for the 2nd semester ................................. 100

Keele University Module PHY- ii

Keele University Module PHY- iv

2. Safety Procedures Long Term Experiments

• Temporary “circuits” using electrical power, water or gas should not be left turned on unattended.
• Before any experiment is left running unattended in a teaching laboratory, e.g. either overnight or over lunch-time, the permission of the permanent member of staff must be obtained and suitable notices displayed.

Chemicals

• Before using any chemical read, and fully understand, the relevant hazard assessment form (COSHH assessment). Ensure that fresh antidote is available when toxic material is to be used.

Radiation

• All intense radiation is potentially dangerous and particular care is needed for non-visible radiation. Special rules apply to the use of (a) x-ray generators, (b) lasers and (c) observing the sun.
• Radiation film badges are available from the Departmental Radiation Protection Advisor.

Accidents and Incidents

• All accidents including chemical spillage’s must be recorded in the "accident book" as soon as possible. This "Accident Book" is kept in room LJ.0.13 as is the departmental "Incident book". This "Incident book" is intended to record the circumstances of any occurrence which is judged by those involved to have caused some danger, even though no personal injuries were sustained (e.g. falling objects, collapse of some structure, spillage of acid etc.).

Visitors

• Members of the department are reminded that as individuals they may be held legally responsible for the safety of any personal visitors invited into the laboratories. 3. Emergency Procedures Electric Shock
• All undergraduates are expected to be familiar with the details given on the notices, displayed in all laboratories on “Treatment for electric shock”.

Fire Alarm On hearing alarm bells:- (i) Switch off the power supply to your own experiment at wall sockets (if and only if you are still nearby!). (ii) Leave the main building by the nearest exit and report to assembly point - in front of the Biology Building.

Summoning the Emergency Services In order to summon the emergency services dial 9-999 ( FIRE AND AMBULANCE) giving the necessary information and then dial 888 to inform the university 24 hour reception on where to direct the emergency services upon their arrival. The internal telephone number of the university HEALTH CENTRE is 3189.