PHYS 103: Elements of Physics Lab

A long-form lab home for manuals, experiment sequencing, and preparation guidance.

Course overview

PHYS 103 introduces experimental physics through measurement, motion, waves, and electricity labs that emphasize observation, data collection, and clear reasoning.

Lab sequence

  1. Measurement Lab Manual
  2. Density Lab Manual
  3. Constant Acceleration Lab Manual
  4. Simple Pendulum Lab Manual
  5. Hooke's Law Lab Manual
  6. Latent Heat of Fusion Lab Manual
  7. Sound Lab Manual
  8. Electrical Circuits Lab Manual
  9. Reflection and Refraction Lab Manual
  10. Spectroscopy Lab Manual

Suggested workflow

  1. Read the assigned manual before class and identify the objective, apparatus, and major calculations.
  2. Bring a notebook or printed data sheet for measurements and observations.
  3. Record units, setup changes, and uncertainties as you work through the procedure.
  4. Use the analysis and discussion prompts after the experiment to connect data to physical ideas.
  5. Review completed manuals before quizzes, practical checks, or lab reports.

Resources

  • Current-term due dates and submission instructions should be checked in Canvas.
  • Contact Prof. Volk for section-specific questions.
  • Use Physics Labs to return to the broader lab-course index.