Skip to main content

Purpose and Objectives of Physics Labs

Goals of the Introductory Physics Labs at UNC-CH

The Art of Experimentation

The introductory laboratory should engage each student in significant experiences with experimental processes and design. Physical principles are explored through hypothesis development based on empirical observations (inductive reasoning) and testing of theories (deductive reasoning).

Experimental and Analytical Skills

The laboratory should facilitate development of a broad array of basic skills and tools of experimental physics and data analysis, which students can utilize in a variety of career fields.

Conceptual Learning

Labs should enhance student understanding of basic physics concepts through direct observation of empirical evidence and hands-on learning.

Understanding the Basis of Knowledge in Physics

The laboratory should help students understand the role of direct observation in physics and to distinguish between inferences based on theory and the outcomes of experiments.

Appreciation for Scientific Inquiry

Labs should instill interest in how the physical world works and inspire students to creatively explore hypotheses through experimentation.

Communication

The laboratory should facilitate students’ ability to communicate their findings through written reports.

Collaborative Learning Skills

The laboratory should help students develop collaborative learning skills that are vital to success in many lifelong endeavors.

Introduction to Measurement and Error Analysis

Introduction to Measurement and Error Analysis

The UNC Honor Code

The Department of Physics and Astronomy fully supports the Code of Student Conduct, as expressed in the document “The Instrument of Student Judicial Governance for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill” (1991). It is the responsibility of this department to inform students that the UNC Honor Code is in effect in all courses, and to identify clearly to students what constitutes cheating and plagiarism in physics courses. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of, and abide by, the Honor Code, and to pledge all written work, including lab reports.

During this course, you will be working with one or more partners with whom you may discuss any points concerning laboratory work. However, you must write your lab report, in your own words. Lab reports that contain identical language are not acceptable, so do not copy your lab partner’s writing.

Once your TA has initialed your data sheet, do not make any alterations to your copy. If there is a problem with your data, include an explanation in your report. Recognition of a mistake and a well-reasoned explanation is more important than having high-quality data, and will be rewarded accordingly by your instructor. A lab report containing data that is inconsistent with the original data sheet will be considered a violation of the Honor Code.

Falsification of data or plagiarism of a report will result in prosecution of the offender(s) under the University Honor Code.

On your first lab report you must write out the entire honor pledge:

“The work presented in this report is my own, and the data was obtained by my lab partner and myself during the lab period.”

On future reports you may simply write “Laboratory Honor Pledge” and sign your name.

Laboratory Safety

  • Always keep safety in mind when working in a laboratory situation.
  • Loose apparel and long hair should be held in place to avoid being caught in a rotating apparatus.
  • Consult with your instructor before attempting any unauthorized experiment.
  • Report any broken equipment or hazardous conditions to your instructor.
  • Give special consideration to any specific warnings included in the lab manual or given by your instructor.
  • No food or drinks may be consumed in the laboratory.

Enrollment and Attendance Policies

Lab Enrollment

You must be officially registered through the Registrar’s Office for the physics lab section you attend; otherwise you may not receive credit for the entire physics course. It is your responsibility to make certain you are properly enrolled for the lab you are attending.

During the registration Course Add period at the beginning of the semester, if you need to change your lab section enrollment, you may do so via the web or through the Department Main Office in Phillips 278. All lab section changes must be made before the end of the Course Add period.

Lab Attendance and Missed Labs

You are expected to attend all scheduled labs that correspond to your physics course. If you are unable to attend a lab, contact your lab instructor or consult the schedule of available lab sections (search for classes via Connect Carolina) as soon as possible to arrange to attend another lab section in which you can perform the missed experiment. Before attending a lab section other than the one in which you are officially enrolled, you must first get permission from the TA for that section since space for additional students is often limited. After receiving permission and attending another lab section, submit your lab report to your regular lab instructor, who will grade and return it to you. If attendance in another lab section is not possible due to circumstances beyond your control, you may seek an excused absence from the Lab Manager or Lab Director in order to have that lab score dropped. A missed lab will be dropped as an excused absence only in cases where a student has no other alternatives and the absence is well justified and verifiable; otherwise a zero will be recorded for the missed lab. A maximum of one lab score may be dropped as an excused absence during a single term; any additional missed labs will receive a zero regardless of the reason for the absence. Note: The Lab Exam is required for all students. Excused absences will not be granted to those who miss it.