LAB MANUAL Applied Physics for Mechanical Engineers

PHY123

Applied Physics for Mechanical Engineers Lab

ISO 9001:2008 PHY123- Rev. # 01 Date: 24-May-2016

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

Students Lab Manual

For
Applied Physics for Mechanical Engineers Lab

Name Signature

Prepared by:

Reviewed by:
ISO 9001
Section:
OBE Section:
Approved by:

 This is the first revised version of PHY123- Lab Manual and is in the process of further
improvement (24-05-2016)

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Department of Mechanical Engineering, COMSATS University Islamabad, Wah

LAB MANUAL Applied Physics for Mechanical Engineers

COMSATS SAHIWAL
Mechanical Engineering Department

COURSE NAME:Applied Physics for Mechanical EngineerCR: 0-1

COURSE CODE: PHY 123

Reference Material:
1. Fundamentals of PhysicsBy Halliday&Resnick
2. Lab Manuals

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES:

The course is designed so that students will achieve the following PLOs:
PLO-1: Engineering Knowledge

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this lab course, students should be able to:
CLO-01: Students will be able to explain the basic physics concepts and apply them to
the related equipment. (C3- Application)
CLO-02: Students will be able to describe& apply the Physics laws by conducting
experiments on different equipment and deduce valid conclusions out of it. (P1-
Perception)
CLO-03: Ability to write lab reports effectively and perform through oral
presentations(A2-Respond)

LECTURE PLAN:
 Instruction 20%
 Discussion 5%
 Demonstration 25%
 Experimental performance 50%
Exp Experiment Name Week
#
Introduction
I
To measure the dimensions and area of a specimen using VernierCallipers

II To measure the diameter/area of a specimen using micrometer

1-8
To measure the mass moment of inertia by means of flywheel mounted on wall
III

IV
To find the Rotational Kinetic Energy by means of flywheel mounted on wall
To determine the modulus of rigidity by using helical spring
V
9-14
To determine the value of "g" (acceleration due to gravity) by means of a compound
VI pendulum

VII To measure the radius of gyration "K" by using compound pendulum

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Department of Mechanical Engineering, COMSATS University Islamabad, Wah

LAB MANUAL Applied Physics for Mechanical Engineers

To measure the mass moment of inertia by using compound pendulum

VIII
To determine the modulus of rigidity of a wire using static method by Barton’s
IX apparatus

To calculate the resistance of a resistor through color coding and verification by

X using Ohmmeter/Multimeter

To measure the unknown resistance in RC circuit using a neon flash bulb

XI
To find the relationship between the current passing through circuit versus applied potential 15-16
XII difference

COURSE TARGETS
Exp # CLO Teaching Methodology Assessment PLO’s To
# Methodology Target

I+II +III + IV+ Instruction +Discussion Lab Assignment +

V 1,2 +Demonstration + Sessional 1 PLO-1
Experimental performance

VI+VII+VIII Instruction +Discussion Lab Assignment +

+IX +X 1,2 +Demonstration + Sessional 2 PLO-1
Experimental performance
I+II +III+ Instruction +Discussion Lab Assignment+
IV+V+VI+VII+ 1,2,3 +Demonstration + Presentation + PLO-1
Final
VIII+IX+X+XI Experimental performance
+XII

TEACHING METHODOLOGY
In order to achieve the course learning objectives, Demonstrations, Discussions, Lab Reports,
Lab Assignment, Queries, Presentations, individual and group exercise will be utilized.

ASSESMENT:
Evaluation will be competency based and student grades will be based on the following factors.

Lab Assignment 25%

Sessional 1 10%
Sessional 2 15%
Final Exam 50%

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Department of Mechanical Engineering, COMSATS University Islamabad, Wah

 LAB MANUAL Applied Physics for Mechanical Engineers

Total 100%

STUDENT PARTICIPATION AND ATTENDANCE POLICY:

 Attendance must be 80%
 Students should make every effort to be in class on time.

RUBRICS

AFFECTIVE DOMAIN (LAB REPORTS, ASSIGNMENTS=15 MARKS)

Organization (Marks: 3)
Below average (0) Average (0-1.5) Good (1.5-3)

The report is not organized in a The main element of the report are The report is organized in a standard
standard way. present but still in the non-standard way and there is a progressive flow
form. of knowledge.

Quality of analysis (Marks: 6)

Below average (0) Average (0-3) Good (3-6)
Analysis is organized and well
Analysis is inadequate and the Analysis is relatively complete but supported by equations, models etc.
reader is unable to interpret the not well supported by equations, Proper interpretation of the results
results. models etc. along with the conclusion are made.

Use of graphs and figures (Marks: 6)

Below average (0) Average (0-3) Good (3-6)
Graphs and figures are present but Interpretation of data is well
No graphs and figures are present in adequate data is missing and not supported by the figures and graphs
the report. properly utilized for the and proper conclusions have been
interpretation of results. made.

AFFECTIVE DOMAIN (PRESENTATION, VIVA=15)

Presentation Layout (5)

Below average (0) Average (0-2.5) Good (2.5-5)
The presentation is not The main element of the The presentation is organized in a
organized in a standard presentation are present but still standard way and there is a
way. in the non-standard form. progressive flow of knowledge.
Confidence (4)
Below average (0) Average (0-2) Good (2-4)
No eye contact, gestures, Proper eye contact and gestures Proper eye contact and use of proper
Feeling uncomfortable. but feeling hesitation. gestures. Feeling comfortable.
Depth of Knowledge (6)
Below average (0) Average (0-3) Good (3-6)

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Department of Mechanical Engineering, COMSATS University Islamabad, Wah

LAB MANUAL Applied Physics for Mechanical Engineers

Unable to answer basic Able to answer basic level Able to answer basic level question
level questions and key question and key concepts. and key concepts in an effective way.
concepts.

Issue date: -----------

Prepared by ----------- Reviewed by: ----------- Approved by: ------------------

Health & Safety Regulations

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Department of Mechanical Engineering, COMSATS University Islamabad, Wah

LAB MANUAL Applied Physics for Mechanical Engineers

Usersof Physics for Chemical Engineers Laboratory must comply with the following safety instructions.
At the beginning of the course the instructor should brief the students about health and safety. The
students should know where the fire exits, fire extinguisher, fire alarm and the assembly point are in case
of emergency such as fire or earthquake etc.

• No experiments should be conducted in the absence of Lab engineer and technician.

• Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the Lab.

• There should be no over-crowding. Only one person should operate one machine. In case, the
experiment needs more than one person for the operation, other group mates would join.

• Before operating any machine, you must be aware of the following:

a. Location of fire extinguishers, fire blanket and the outside exits.

b. How to work on apparatus. Read instructions or manual of the apparatus before operating it.

• Do not run inside the lab and concentrate on the present task.

• Always use the right tools for the given task.

• Handle the tools and equipments with extreme care and return the tools to their proper places.

• Please leave the Lab clean and tidy at end of experiment.

Experiment # 01

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Department of Mechanical Engineering, COMSATS University Islamabad, Wah

LAB MANUAL Applied Physics for Mechanical Engineers

To measure the dimensions and area of a specimen using VernierCallipers

Figure 1.1: Vernier Caliper

Objectives
■Take measurements of different specimen using Verniercallipers

Theory

The modern Vernier caliper was invented by Joseph R. Brown in 1851. It was the first practical
tool for exact measurements that could be sold at an affordable price to ordinary machinists.

A calliper is a device used to measure the distance between two opposing sides of an object.
With the help of the caliper, length can be measured with accuracy greater than that obtainable
from the main scale.

Construction

The Verniercalliper consists of a main scale fixed with a jaw at one end. Another jaw, containing
the Vernier scale, moves over the main scale.

Figure 1.2: Vernier Scale and Main Scale.

Zero Error

When the two jaws are in contact, the zero of the main scale and the zero of the Vernier scale
should coincide. If both the zeros do not coincide, there will be a positive or negative zero error. 

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LAB MANUAL Applied Physics for Mechanical Engineers

Least Count

Smallest division of main scale (1)

Least Count =
Total number of divisions on Vernier scale

Working

The slide callipers consists of a steel scale, called the main scale (m.s) with a jaw (A) fixed at
one end at right angles to its length as shown in Fig. 1 A second jaw (B) carrying a Vernier scale
and capable of moving along the main scale can be fixed to any position by means of a screw cap
S. The main scale is graduated in centimeters or inches. The zero of the main scale and Vernier
scale coincide when the moveable jaw is allowed to touch the fixed jaw. To use the side callipers
procedure is as follows:

1. Loosen the screw S and let the two jaws touch each other. If the zeros or both the Vernier
and the main scales coincide then the instrumental error is zero
2. Find the Vernier constant (v.c) of the slide callipers by recording data in the tabular form
as shown in Table 1
3. Put the movable jaw away from the fixed jaw and hold the object whose length is to be
measured against the fixed jaw. Allow the movable jaw to touch the object. Lock the
movable jaw by means of the screw S
4. Find the length L of the object by taking readings (a) on the main scale and (b) on the
Vernier scale. Note the readings as follows:
a) If the zero of the Vernier stands after lth division of the main scale then note
the reading of the main scale corresponding to the lth division. Let the reading be
l(cm)
b) If the pthdivision of the Vernier is found to be in line with a main scale graduation
then the Vernier scale reading is p (Vernier constant) Therefore, the length L of
the object is

L=l+ ( p × v . c . ) cm (2)

wherev.c. is given in cm.

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Department of Mechanical Engineering, COMSATS University Islamabad, Wah

LAB MANUAL Applied Physics for Mechanical Engineers

Note

 The VernierCallipers give direct readings of length measured to high accuracy

 The specimens must have uniform dimension throughout

Learning Outcomes

Students get to know the use of Vernier calipers, least count of vernier calipers and calculate the
diameter of different types of specimen.

Observations

Table 1.1: Record the data in tabular form

Quantity Main scale Vernier scale Area

reading
Sr. to be Reading n×(L.C) R' =R+ n×(L.C) R'± Z.E or
R(mm)
Measure (n) Volume

Result

Comments

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Department of Mechanical Engineering, COMSATS University Islamabad, Wah

LAB MANUAL Applied Physics for Mechanical Engineers

Experiment # 02
To measure the diameter/area of a specimen using micrometer

Figure 2.1: Micrometer

Objectives
■Measure the diameter and area of different specimen using micrometer

Theory
The micrometer is a precision measuring instrument, used by engineers shown in Figure 1. Each
revolution of the rachet moves the spindle face 0.5mm towards the anvil face. The object to be
measured is placed between the anvil face and the spindle face. The rachet is turned clockwise
until the object is ‘trapped’ between these two surfaces and the rachet makes a ‘clicking’ noise.
This means that the rachet cannot be tightened anymore and the measurement can be read.The
screw has a known pitch such as 0.5 mm. Pitch of the screw is the distance moved by the spindle
per revolution. Hence in this case, for one revolution of the screw the spindle moves forward or
backward 0.5 mm. This movement of the spindle is shown on an engraved linear millimeter scale
on the sleeve. On the thimble there is a circular scale which is divided into 50 or 100 equal parts.

Least count

Smallest division of pitch (1)

Least Count =
Total number of divisions on circular scale

Zero Error

When the anvil and spindle end are brought in contact, the edge of the circular scale should be at
the zero of the sleeve (linear scale) and the zero of the circular scale should be opposite to the
datum line of the sleeve. If the zero is not coinciding with the datum line, there will be a positive
or negative zero error as shown in Figure 2.

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Department of Mechanical Engineering, COMSATS University Islamabad, Wah

LAB MANUAL Applied Physics for Mechanical Engineers

Figure 2.2: Types of Zero Error

Working

 Dry and clean the measuring surface of the item to be measured with clean cloth (or
soaked with cleaning oil)
 Turn the thimble to make sure the 0 line align with the centre long line on the sleeve
completely
 Place the given specimen between the stud and spindle of screw gauge and turn the screw
till specimen is gently pressed. Note the readings of visible divisions of liner scale
denoted by "R". Now note the number of circular scale divisions conceding with index
line "n"
 Now multiply "n" with least count. This will give fraction to be added in main or liner
scale reading and the result will be taken as observed diameter of the specimen
 To find the exact diameter apply zero corrections
 Take 3 readings at different points, then find radius of specimen to calculate area by
using formula

A=π r 2 (2)

 Find volume by using formula

V =π r 2 l (3)

Note

 Micrometer is a very accurate instrument which can measure over the accuracy 0.01mm

 The specimens must have uniform dimension throughout

Learning Outcome

Students get to know the use of Micrometer Screw gauge, least count of Micrometer Screw gauge
and calculate the diameter of different types of specimen.

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Department of Mechanical Engineering, COMSATS University Islamabad, Wah

 LAB MANUAL Applied Physics for Mechanical Engineers

Observations
Table 2.1: Record the data in tabular form

Quantity Main scale Circular scale

Sr. to be reading reading n×(L.C) R'=R+ n×(L.C) R’± Z.E
Measure R(mm) (n)

1
2
3
4
5

Result

Comments

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Department of Mechanical Engineering, COMSATS University Islamabad, Wah

LAB MANUAL Applied Physics for Mechanical Engineers

Experiment # 03
To measure the moment of inertia of flywheel mounted on wall

Figure 3.1: Fly Wheel

Objectives
■Determine the moment of inertia of fly wheel

.Theory

The flywheel consists of a heavy circular disc/massive wheel fitted with a strong axle projecting
on either side.The axle is mounted on ball bearings on two fixed supports. There is a small peg
on the axle. One end of a cord is loosely looped around the peg and its other end carries the
weight-hanger.
                                                    
Let "m" be the mass of the weight hanger and hanging rings (weight assembly).When the mass
"m" descends through a height "h", the loss in potential energy is
 
Ploss=mgh (1)

The resulting gain of kinetic energy in the rotating flywheel assembly (flywheel and axle) is
1
K Flywheel = (Iω2) (2)
2
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Department of Mechanical Engineering, COMSATS University Islamabad, Wah

LAB MANUAL Applied Physics for Mechanical Engineers

Where

I = moment of inertia of the flywheel assembly

ω= angular velocity at the instant the weight assembly touches the ground

The gain of kinetic energy in the descending weight assembly is,

1
Kweight = (mv2)  (3)
2

Where v is the velocity at the instant the weight assembly touches the ground.
The work done in overcoming the friction of the bearings supporting the flywheel assembly is
 
W Friction = nW (4)
Where
n = number of times the cord is wrapped around the axle
Wf = work done to overcome the frictional torque in rotating the flywheel assembly completely
once
Therefore from the law of conservation of energy we get

Ploss = Kflywheel + Kweight + Wfriction (5)

On substituting the values we get

1 1 (6)
mgh = (Iω2)+ (mv2)+ nW
2 2
Now the kinetic energy of the flywheel assembly is expended in rotating N times against the
same frictional torque. Therefore
1 1
  NWf = (Iω2) and Wf= N(Iω2) (7)
2 2
If r is the radius of the axle, then velocity v of the weight assembly is related to r by the equation

V = ωr (8)
Substituting the values of v and Wf we get:
1 1 n 1
mgh= ( l ω2 ) + ( m ×r 2 ×ω 2 ) +( ) × ( l ω2 )
2 2 N 2 (9)
 Now solving the above equation for I
Nm 2 gh 2 (3)
I=
[
N +n ω 2
−r
]
Where,

I = Moment of inertia of the flywheel assembly (kgm2)

N = Number of rotation of the flywheel before it stopped
m = mass of the ring (m)
n = Number of windings of the string on the axle

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Department of Mechanical Engineering, COMSATS University Islamabad, Wah

LAB MANUAL Applied Physics for Mechanical Engineers

g = Acceleration due to gravity of the environment (m/s2)

h = Height of the weight assembly from the ground (m)
 r = Radius of the axle (m)
 
.Working

 The length of the cord is carefully adjusted, so that when the weight-hanger just touches
the ground, the loop slips off the peg
 A suitable weight is placed in the weight hanger
 A chalk mark is made on the rim so that it is against the pointer when the weight hanger
just touches the ground
 The other end of the cord is loosely looped around the peg keeping the weight hanger just
touching the ground
 The flywheel is given a suitable number (n) of rotation so that the cord is wound round
the axle without overlapping
 The height (h) of the weight hanger from the ground is measured
 The flywheel is released
 The weight hanger descends and the flywheel rotates
 The cord slips off from the peg when the weight hanger just touches the ground. By this
time the flywheel would have made n rotations
 A stop clock is started just when the weight hanger touches the ground
 The time taken by the flywheel to come to a stop is determined as t seconds
 The number of rotations (N) made by the flywheel during this interval is counted
 The experiment is repeated by changing the value of n and m
 From these values the moment of inertia of the flywheel is calculated using

Nm 2 gh 2 (11)
I=
[
N +n ω 2
−r
]
Note

 Do not stand too close to the polystyrene tile when releasing the mass
 The turns of the string must not overlap the other
 Stop Watch must be handled with care in order to avoid any error in the reading
 The first few turns of the string should overlap the others
 The mass should be wound up to the same height in all trials

Learning Outcomes

Students get to know about the flywheel, moment of inertia and its application,calculate the moment
of inertia of flywheel and know how to operate flywheel apparatus.

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Department of Mechanical Engineering, COMSATS University Islamabad, Wah

 LAB MANUAL Applied Physics for Mechanical Engineers

Observations

Table 3.1: Record the data in tabular form

Num of Nm 2 gh 2
Sr.
no.
Rotations

(N)
winding
of string
Height
(h)
Time
1. (sec)
Time
2. (sec)
(Total
time)/
2 (sec)
Time
avg/n
T
(mean)
I=
[
N +n ω 2
−r
]
(n) (kg-m2)

Result

Comments

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Department of Mechanical Engineering, COMSATS University Islamabad, Wah

LAB MANUAL Applied Physics for Mechanical Engineers

Experiment # 04
To measure the Rotational Kinetic Energy by means of flywheel mounted on wall

Figure 4.1: Fly Wheel

Objectives

■Determine the Rotational Kinetic Energy of fly wheel

.Theory

The flywheel consists of a heavy circular disc/massive wheel fitted with a strong axle projecting
on either side. The axle is mounted on ball bearings on two fixed supports. There is a small peg
on the axle. One end of a cord is loosely looped around the peg and its other end carries the
weight-hanger.
                                                    

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Department of Mechanical Engineering, COMSATS University Islamabad, Wah

LAB MANUAL Applied Physics for Mechanical Engineers

Let "m" be the mass of the weight hanger and hanging rings (weight assembly).When the mass
"m" descends through a height "h", the loss in potential energy is
 
Ploss=mgh (1)
The resulting gain of kinetic energy in the rotating flywheel assembly (flywheel and axle) is
1
K Flywheel = (Iω2) (2)
2
Where
I = moment of inertia of the flywheel assembly
ω= angular velocity at the instant the weight assembly touches the ground.

The gain of kinetic energy in the descending weight assembly is

1
Kweight =(mv2)  (3)
2
Where v is the velocity at the instant the weight assembly touches the ground.
The work done in overcoming the friction of the bearings supporting the flywheel assembly is
 
W Friction = nW (4)
Where
n = number of times the cord is wrapped around the axle
Wf = work done to overcome the frictional torque in rotating the flywheel assembly completely
once

Therefore from the law of conservation of energy we get

Ploss = Kflywheel + Kweight + Wfriction (5)

On substituting the values we get
1 1
mgh= (Iω2)+ (mv2)+ nW (6)
2 2
Now the kinetic energy of the flywheel assembly is expended in rotating N times against the
same frictional torque. Therefore
1 1
  NWf = = (Iω2) and Wf = = N(Iω2) (7)
2 2
If r is the radius of the axle, then velocity v of the weight assembly is related to r by the equation

V = ωr (8)
Substituting the values of v and Wf we get:
1 1 n 1
mgh= ( l ω2 ) + ( m ×r 2 ×ω 2 ) +( ) × ( l ω2 )
2 2 N 2 (9)
 Now solving the above equation for I
Nm 2 gh 2 (10)
I=
[
N +n ω 2
−r
]
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Department of Mechanical Engineering, COMSATS University Islamabad, Wah

LAB MANUAL Applied Physics for Mechanical Engineers

Where

I = Moment of inertia of the flywheel assembly. (kgm2)

N = Number of rotation of the flywheel before it stopped.
m = mass of the ring. (m)
n = Number of windings of the string on the axle.
g = Acceleration due to gravity of the environment. (m/s2)
h = Height of the weight assembly from the ground. (m)
 r = Radius of the axle. (m)
.Working

 The length of the cord is carefully adjusted, so that when the weight-hanger just touches
the ground, the loop slips off the peg
 A suitable weight is placed in the weight hanger
 A chalk mark is made on the rim so that it is against the pointer when the weight hanger
just touches the ground
 The other end of the cord is loosely looped around the peg keeping the weight hanger just
touching the ground
 The flywheel is given a suitable number (n) of rotation so that the cord is wound round
the axle without overlapping
 The height (h) of the weight hanger from the ground is measured
 The weight hanger descends and the flywheel rotates
 The cord slips off from the peg when the weight hanger just touches the ground. By this
time the flywheel would have made n rotations
 A stop clock is started just when the weight hanger touches the ground
 The time taken by the flywheel to come to a stop is determined as t seconds
 The number of rotations (N) made by the flywheel during this interval is counted
 The experiment is repeated by changing the value of n and m
 From these values the moment of inertia of the flywheel is calculated
 From the moment of inertia of the flywheel we can calculate kinetic energy of flywheel
using
1 (11)
K . E= l ω2
2
Where
Nm 2 gh 2 (12)
I=
[
N +n ω 2
−r
]
Note
 Do not stand too close to the polystyrene tile when releasing the mass
 The turns of the string must not overlap the other
 Stop Watch must be handled with care in order to avoid any error in the reading
 The first few turns of the string should overlap the others
 The mass should be wound up to the same height in all trials

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Department of Mechanical Engineering, COMSATS University Islamabad, Wah

 LAB MANUAL Applied Physics for Mechanical Engineers

Learning Outcomes

Students get to know about the flywheel and its applications ;get to know about the rotational K.E and
able to calculate the rotational K.E of flywheel.

Observations

Table 4.1: Record the data in tabular form

Num of Nm 2 gh 2
Sr.
no.
Rotations

(N)
winding
of string
Height
(h)
Time
1. (sec)
Time
2. (sec)
(Total
time)/
2 (sec)
Time
avg/n
T

(mean)
I=
[
N +n ω 2
−r
2
]
(n) (kg-m )

Result

Comments

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LAB MANUAL Applied Physics for Mechanical Engineers

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Department of Mechanical Engineering, COMSATS University Islamabad, Wah