The lab manual will be provided for you free of charge. You must read the manual BEFORE arriving at lab; pre-lab quizzes may be given without prior notice.
This laboratory accompanies Physics 114, a calculus-based introduction to classical Newtonian mechanics. Our hands-on experiences will include labs on: vectors, translational and rotational kinematics and dynamics, work, energy, impulse, and linear and angular momentum. The purpose of the laboratory is split fairly equally between acquiring a facility in laboratory work, and learning the concepts of Physics I in a tangible, applied way. You will not only learn about physics, but you will learn about how to measure and record data, then analyze and interpret the results for meaning.
The final grade will be calculated based on the following components:
Lab Reports. Each week, you and your group will turn in one lab report. The title page must contain:
The rest of the report is comprised of your recorded data, your analysis (calculations), your graphs and visual representations of data, and your comments, answers, and interpretation of the results. The lab is due in my mailbox by 3:00 p. m. on the Friday following the lab work. A grading form will give you an idea of what I'm looking for when I evaluate your labs.
Regular and prompt attendance and active class participation are so important to this course that if you miss more than one class period, I reserve the right to withdraw you from the class roll.
Exam. Near the end of the term, we will have a comprehensive exam. You will be asked to demonstrate your ability to analyze and interpret data, using methods learned and practiced in our weekly labs. This is the principal individual influence on your ultimate grade - it's your work, without lab partners to affect your performance.
Quizzes and other. During the term, from time to time, we will have the opportunity to earn points toward this category. Quizzes at the beginning of the lab period will be given occasionally. Be sure you come to lab prepared for the work, since quizzzes will be based on the introductory material and techniques described in the manual. Other assignments may also be given as needed (prelab worksheets, etc.).
Evaluation. Grading will emphasize understanding as well as mastery of technical details. Points for labs are awarded based on a set of rubrics, which function as guidelines for assigning partial credit. The rubrics for this lab section are listed on the grading form. The worksheets and quizzes, and the exam will also be evaluated for your demonstration of understanding and mastery of details.
Motivated by the goals and objectives of the course, these policies and procedures are intended to foster a safe and constructive environment for learning physics. To maintain this kind of environment, the instructor reserves the right to take any reasonable action sanctioned by University policy, including but not limited to failure on an assignment or withdrawal of student from the course. Disruptive behavior (including excessive talking), ethnic or racial discrimination, or sexual harassment will not be tolerated. Please turn off cell phones and pagers.
Academic Integrity. I expect the highest level of academic integrity from students in Physics 115. The daily quizzes, section tests, and exams are designed to reflect individual performance, and are not collaborative efforts. None of the tests or exams will be open book; no texts, notes, or other references may be used, with the exception of a distributed list of equations. Plagiarism (the use of another's ideas as your own) is not acceptable. Evidence of cheating, or anything contradicting these policies, may result in a score of zero on the assignment or other action at my discretion. Please know and practice the Kettering University Code of Academic Integrity, found on page 40 of the student handbook.
Office Hours. I will be in my office at the scheduled times, except under unusual circumstances. However, please feel free to visit me in my office whenever my door is open. A third alternative is a prearranged meeting set up in class, via email, or by calling my office.
Late Labs. Participation is crucial in a laboratory course. If you know you will miss a lab, contact your instructor in advance to arrange attendance in another section that week. If you miss a lab unexpectedly and cannot attend another section, you will be subject to hardship and inconvenience you have not yet imagined, at the discretion of your instructor. This is especially in force during Weeks 8 and 10 (Thanksgiving and last lab, respectively).
Course Withdraws. The Applied
Physics faculty adopted the following policy for student withdrawal from
Newtonian Mechanics (PHYS-114), Newtonian Mechanics Laboratory (PHYS-114),
Electricity and Magnetism (PHYS-224), and Electricity and Magnetism Laboratory
(PHYS-225).