1. Introduction to Physics 340
Amartya Dutta

2. Modern Physics (but is it really, though?)
e/m experiment - first done in 1897 by JJ Thomson
Stefan-Boltzmann experiment – experimentally in 1879 by J Stefan and derived in 1884 theoretically by L Boltzmann
Photoelectric effect – Discovery by H Hertz in 1887
Compton scattering – observed first in 1923 by AH Compton

3. Objectives
To repeat some very important experiments which ultimately led to the formulation of quantum mechanics
To gain experience with various experimental techniques, and analyse and synthesize non-trivial experimental data
To get an idea of writing a lab report based on the experimental work performed

4. General lab procedures/practices
Notebook – bound, quadrille lined (coarsely gridded graph paper) computation notebook Avery Dennison No or equivalent
Every page of notebook should be numbered; writing should be legible, clear, in ink and in serial order
No blanks except for table of contents
Additional loose information must be permanently affixed
No erasures, white-outs or scribble-outs

5. General lab procedures/practices
Table of contents on first few pages
Dates on all pages; no writing on a page with an earlier date
Units with every dimensioned quantity
Associate results with corresponding uncertainties and significant errors

6. General lab procedures/practices
Come prepared to lab
Refer to books read regarding experiments, including lab handouts
Outline goal of the experiment
Outline basic theory; deriving equations preferable to copying
Outline experimental setup and procedures
Cutting schematics and diagrams from lab handouts allowed, but drawing preferred

7. General lab procedures/practices
In Lab: Collect some preliminary data and analyze before proceeding
In Lab: Plot an initial graph to make sure things are correct; it need not be perfect but should be included in notebook
Graph should be re plotted more perfectly by hand or on computer during final analysis

8. General lab procedures/practices
Tabulate results, if possible
Show data analysis by at least one detailed calculation, showing what is being done and why
Diary function
End-of-class check
Final write-up

9. Final Write-up Summarize everything done in not more than 2 pages
Include best value for experimentally determined quantity and best assessment for uncertainty on the value
Comparison with “accepted” values
Can have references to notebook pages where more details can be found

10. What not to do
Spending no time writing in notebook prior to experiment
No derivation of important equations in notebook
Entries in notebook dated one week apart
Paste graphs or spreadsheets on one page
No error quote in final value

11. What not to do No final write-up
No identification numbers on graphs and data tables
Copying data from loose data sheets into notebook

12. Notebook grading Formatting Prelab: Theory, Procedure, Data
Postlab: Analysis, Final Write-Up

13. Notebook grading

14. Notebook grading 12% e/m lab report
20% first lab notebook reading (Stefan-Boltzmann)
20% Photoelectric lab report
20% Second notebook reading (Compton effect)
20% Final experiment lab report
8% attendance

15. Graphs Should have titles and units on each axis
Too small symbols should not be used to represent data points in graph
Barring a few exceptions, should have error bars
Should explain meaning/origin of line through data

16. Graphs
Unacceptable

17. Graphs
Acceptable

18. Graphs

19. Formal Lab report
Should represent scientific papers ready for submission
Encouraged to read a few papers in the American Journal of Physics
Should have a format as given in lab manual
Will be judged on: 1) quality of scientific content and ) quality and clarity of writing
Use of spreadsheets/graphing programs

20. How to get an A Follow the do’s and don’ts of lab
Submit your lab report by the deadline
Keep your work organized, legible and original

21. Emergency Response To report an emergency, call 911.
To obtain updates regarding an ongoing emergency, sign up for Purdue Alert text messages, view
There are nearly 300 Emergency Telephones outdoors across campus and in parking garages that connect directly to the PUPD. If you feel threatened or need help, push the button and you will be connected immediately.
If we hear a fire alarm during class we will immediately suspend class, evacuate the building, and proceed outdoors. Do not use the elevator.
If we are notified during class of a Shelter in Place requirement for a tornado warning, we will suspend class and shelter in [the basement].
If we are notified during class of a Shelter in Place requirement for a hazardous materials release, or a civil disturbance, including a shooting or other use of weapons, we will suspend class and shelter in the classroom, shutting the door and turning off the lights.