Document Type
Syllabus
Publication Date
Fall 9-1-2024
Course Description
We will be measuring Earth’s gravitational acceleration, also known as little g. You probably already know its accepted average value is 9.81 m/s2, but how can this value be determined? You will be performing several experiments throughout the semester, each resulting in a measurement of g. Then you will redo these experiments with the ultimate goal of producing a measured value of g with the smallest error. Along the way you’ll learn various data analysis techniques physicists use and become increasingly able to identify and minimize systematic errors. You’ll produce a logbook to document your work and regularly be asked to summarize your findings orally and in written reports.
Recommended Citation
Komives, Alexander, "PHYS 280A Experimental Methods Komives Fall 2024" (2024). All Course Syllabi. 933, Scholarly and Creative Work from DePauw University.
https://scholarship.depauw.edu/records_syllabi/933
Student Outcomes
Students will be able to: perform a statistical error analysis on experimental data, identify the presence of systematic errors in experimental data, design techniques to reduce systematic errors