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M21LABPRAC

The document provides an introduction to various pieces of laboratory equipment that students will use in their first year physics experiments, including: Vernier scales, callipers, micrometers, digital multimeters, function generators, and oscilloscopes. It explains what each tool is used for and how to take basic measurements. Students are instructed to familiarize themselves with the equipment through interactive tutorials. The document also emphasizes the importance of keeping thorough lab notebooks to document experiments and findings. Lab notebooks should contain all procedures, data, ideas, and evidence in a clear manner so others can understand and follow the experimental work.

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Malik Ismail awan
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
18 views

M21LABPRAC

The document provides an introduction to various pieces of laboratory equipment that students will use in their first year physics experiments, including: Vernier scales, callipers, micrometers, digital multimeters, function generators, and oscilloscopes. It explains what each tool is used for and how to take basic measurements. Students are instructed to familiarize themselves with the equipment through interactive tutorials. The document also emphasizes the importance of keeping thorough lab notebooks to document experiments and findings. Lab notebooks should contain all procedures, data, ideas, and evidence in a clear manner so others can understand and follow the experimental work.

Uploaded by

Malik Ismail awan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Ismail/pk100/1789 Tawara University Science

TAWARA PHYSICS PRACTICAL WORKSHOPS


Guide produced by:Ismail
Laboratory Equipment
Here are some examples of equipment you will use in the physics and engineering laboratories as
you do your experimental work in the first year. It is not a complete list, but you will find more
detailed instructions for using the equipment in the manuals that we have produced for each lab-
work experiment. For each piece of equipment, interactive tutorials and activities are provided for
you to check your understanding of their use.
Vernier Scales digital display. The analogue display calliper
provides the final readout on a dial, while the
Vernier scales are used in several applications.
digital ones replace the dial with an electronic
You will use them in the lab when using
display.
callipers, angular Vernier scales and travelling
microscopes. They allow the user to read off Micrometres
values with greater precision than when using These are used to make precise measurements
more basic scales. of small objects. They also have a main
On a measuring device with a Vernier scale, (coarse) scale and a fine scale to refine the
this latter lies next to the main scale. It is measurement. The micrometre will be
designed so that ten of its divisions equal nine equipped with a friction screw to tighten the
of those on the main scale. A rough reading jaws onto the object to be measured. The
can be taken on the main scale and this can friction screw ensures the jaws do not
then be refined by measuring a more precise overtighten on the object and possibly damage
value on the Vernier scale. it. A locking lever locks the jaws in place once
Vernier Scale Callipers fixed on the object to be measured. The first
reading is taken on the coarse scale and this is
These may be used to measure the:
then refined by turning the “thimble” on the
external diameter of an object
end which provides the fine reading by
internal diameter
moving the jaws by 0.5mm for each rotation.
depth of a cavity
small angles for setting up e.g. an astronomical Digital Multimeters
telescope. These can be used to measure various
Vernier scales may provide readouts on a properties of electrical circuits. These
linear scale, using an analogue dial or with a properties include voltage, current and

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Ismail/pk100/1789 Tawara University Science

resistance. To measure the current, you would repeatedly from left to right across the screen
use the multimeter as an ammeter. You will to make a trace or “waveform.”
also use one to measure voltage, or resistance These are just some of the items of
using it as an ohmmeter. Detailed instructions equipment you will use in your
for connecting up the multimeter for its experiments in the first year of lab
different functions are included in the work. You should familiarise
interactive tutorials. In general, if you are yourself with them and their
unsure about the range of measurements you functions through the interactive
are taking, it is better to start with a high tutorials and activities linked to
setting and work towards a lower one. this introduction.

FUNCTION Laboratory Notebook Skills


GENERATOR You will also need to keep notes of your

Also known as a signal generator, this device experiments in your lab report notebook.

can produce various patterns of voltage at Conventions for keeping and presenting lab

different frequencies and amplitude. You can reports can be found in the tutorial, [insert

use it to test the response of a circuit to known link to tutorial here] but you should also

signal inputs. Using a signal generator, you consult your lab supervisor.

can produce sine, square or triangular waves Why Do We Need Lab Books?
and view these by connecting to an To keep a record of what you found, how you
oscilloscope. See the interactive tutorials to did it and what you think. An essential part of
check your understanding before connecting experimental science is a well-maintained lab
and using the signal generator in your lab book which records all your work. It is a place
sessions. for you to record your data and the procedure
Oscilloscope you undertook. It is the place to write down all

As already mentioned, this piece of equipment your ideas and your findings, even if, at the

will be used to display the output, for example, time, you think they are unimportant. In

from a signal generator in visual form. A essence it contains all the evidence for your

digital display will represent in two findings and your logical deductions. The lab

dimensions one or more potential differences. book is evidence of good laboratory practice.

This will usually be voltage on the vertical A good lab book ensures that your colleagues

axis (Y-axis) plotted against time on the can clearly follow your procedures and

horizontal axis (X-axis). The display will scan understand your logic.

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The lab book is evidence.


The lab book is a resource.
The lab book is NOT a copy of the
experimental script
 The lab book is a bound A4 notebook.
You may alternatively keep a digital copy of
your lab book using software we recommend.

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