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Phy 119

The document outlines the course PHY 119, focusing on practical physics concepts such as the equation of a straight line, graph plotting, and error analysis in measurements. It discusses types of errors, including random and systematic errors, and provides guidelines for accurate measurements using various instruments like meter sticks and Vernier calipers. Additionally, it includes an experiment on Hooke's Law, detailing procedures and exercises related to spring constants and graphing data.

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8 views21 pages

Phy 119

The document outlines the course PHY 119, focusing on practical physics concepts such as the equation of a straight line, graph plotting, and error analysis in measurements. It discusses types of errors, including random and systematic errors, and provides guidelines for accurate measurements using various instruments like meter sticks and Vernier calipers. Additionally, it includes an experiment on Hooke's Law, detailing procedures and exercises related to spring constants and graphing data.

Uploaded by

isogiesuccess671
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PRACTICAL PHYSICS I

PHY 119

Course Lecturers
ADEKOYA, M. A. Ph.D.
UKHUREBOR, K. E. Ph.D.
OLAYINKA, A. S. Ph.D.
EQUATION OF A STRAIGTH LINE
The general equation of a straight line is given by
y = mx + c
Where, m=gradient or slope, c= constant and x and y are the
variables
PLOTTING GRAPHS

• When investigating the relation between two measured quantities,

always plot the data on a graph.

• Label the axes of the graph clearly, including the units of the

quantities plotted.

• Make the graph large enough to illustrate the quality of the data.

• As general rule use chose the range of the scale on the graph to

match the range of the data.


ERRORS AND THEIR TREATMENT
Errors arise because of limitations and imperfections of apparatus,
personal judgment, scale limitation, approximate theory used and
fluctuations of environmental conditions

WHY ESTIMATE ERRORS?

A measurement of a physical quantity is unlikely to yield exactly


the true value. An estimate of the size of the likely difference
between the true and measured value is important if significant
conclusions are to be drawn from the result
RANDOM AND SYSTEMATIC ERRORS

RANDOM
A random error occurs when repeated measurements vary around
the mean value without a pattern.

SYSTEMATIC ERRORS
Systematic errors are usually more difficult to estimate and must be
identified by consideration of the experimental method. A simple
example of a systematic error is one that is the same throughout a set
of readings
ERRORS IN READING INSTRUMENTS

The error in reading a scale, for example on a ruler or on an analogue


meter, can arise from a number of sources:

Parallax error: If the line of sight is not at right angles to the


scale, a gap between the object being measured (the pointer in the
case of the meter) and the scale will cause an error

Zeroing error: Most instruments have the provision to set the


reading to zero when zero input is present. If the instrument is not
correctly zeroed, actual reading will be offset by the offset of the zero

Back lash Error


While measuring a physical quantity there may be an error due to
wear and tear in the instruments like screw gauge or spherometer due
to defective fittings
ERRORS IN READING INSTRUMENTS

End Correction
Sometimes the zero marking of the metre scale may be worn out.
Unless we are careful, this will lead to incorrect measurements

Errors due to changes in the Instrument parameters


Usually, in experiments involving electrical quantities, the value of
the electrical quantities change during the course of the experiment
due to heating or other causes

Defective Calibration
Occasionally instruments may not be properly calibrated leading to
errors in the results of measurement
OBSERVATIONAL
These arise due to errors in judgment of an observer when
reading a scale to the smallest division.

ENVIRONMENTAL
These arise due to causes like unpredictable fluctuations inline
voltage, variation in temperature etc.
SCALE READING ERRORS
The scale can only be read to some accuracy which depends on
how finely the scale is engraved.

CALIBRATION ERRORS
The accuracy of the reading of every instrument, analogue or
digital, will depend on the calibration.
PERCENTAGE ERROR
The actual error is the amount by which the experimental value
differs from the true value.

For example, if a man measure the length of a rope to be 3m instead


of 3.2m. The actual error in the measurement is 0.2m.
Actual Error
Then, the relative or fractional error =
TrueValue
Actual Error
In general, Percentage Error = 100%
True Value
PERCENTAGE DIFFERENCE
This involves comparing two results or measurements, that is, we
intend to find the percentage difference between the two.
Deviation
Percentage difference = 100%
Average Value
THE DISTRIBUTION OF MEASUREMENTS
The best estimate of the true value of the quantity will be given by
the mean of these readings:
Mean:

xi
x=
N
where N = number of readings
ERROR IN SLOPE

The standard Error in slope may be estimated from the points by the
formula
4w
Error in Slpoe =
nR

where Range (R) =Xmax - Xmin ,


n= number of points and
w= distance drawn parallel to y-axis
MEASUREMENT

Objectives:
1. To learn how to make measurements of length with a meter stick,
a Vernier caliper and a micrometer.
2. To learn to make dimensional analysis calculations between
English and SI systems of measurements.
3. To understand the relationship between the construction of a
measuring instrument and the precision of the measurements made
with it.
4. Become familiar with elementary statistical treatment of data.
Meter Stick / Ruler Measurement

(1)When making measurements using a meter stick or ruler, the


following suggestions in mind:
a) Since the end of the meter stick or ruler may be worn or
damaged, start the measurement at an intermediate mark.
b) When you make a measurement with the meter stick or ruler
place the device on edge.
c) Estimate your measurement to the nearest 0.5 mm. The last digit
of your measurement, which is an estimate, should be 0 or 5.
Vernier Caliper

1) The Vernier caliper consists of two SI scales and two English scales as shown in the
figure 2 below.

1. Lower Jaws
2. Upper Jaws
3. Depth Gauge
4. Fixed SI scale
5. Fixed English scale
6. Moving SI scale
7. Moving English scale
8. Brake
a.) The fixed scales have a jaw at one end. The SI fixed scale is divided into cm and mm.

The fixed English scale is divided into inches and 8ths of inches.

b.) The moving scales (Vernier) are attached to the moving jaw that slides across the fixed

scale. The moving SI scale is divided into ten divisions and the moving English scale

is divided into 8 divisions.

2) To use the caliper, separate the jaws, place the object to be measured between them,

and close the jaws firmly.

a.) Centimeters and tenths of cm are read on the fixed scale. Hundreds of cm is read on

the moving scale.

b.) Inches and 8ths of inches are read on the fixed scale and 64th of inch are read on the

moving scale.
Title Hooke’s Law

Apparatus List the requires apparatus:

Procedure An experiment was carried out using Hooke’s Law Simulation.


The Top spring constant is 250N/m and Bottom spring
constant is 200N/m. The results of the experiment are
reported in the table given below. Compute the missing
values in the table.
Applied Top Bottom Displacement, P=FA*x P/2 x2 (m2)
Force Spring Spring x (m) (Nm) (Nm)
FA (N) Force, Force,
FTS (N) FBS (N)
10 5.60 4.40 0.022
20 11.10 8.90 0.044
30 16.70 13.30 0.067
40 22.20 17.80 0.089
50 27.80 22.20 0.111
Exercise
i. Use the above information to plot the graph of P/2(Nm) against
x2(m2) and determine the slope m.
ii. The spring constants k1, k2 and k3 are 3N/m, 4N/m and 6N/m
respectively in series. calculate the resultant spring k
iii. State Hooke’s law
iv. State two precautions

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