Open Educational Resources
Document Type
Activity or Lab
Publication Date
Spring 1-8-2024
Abstract
The physics 100-level laboratory part demonstrates and applies the material learned from related classes. This document shows guidelines for collecting data and analyzing them by using Microsoft Excel. Laboratory components of PHY 114/ PHY 206/SLS 261 (Introduction to Physics and Nature of Physical Processes), PHY116/PHY 121 (Physics I and General Physics I), and PHY 156/PHY 161 (Physics II and General Physics II) at College of Staten Island are in-person mandatory sessions for students and it is required to pass to receive a passing grade for that class. This part is taught by different instructors. Although everyone is supposed to follow the lab manual, instructors have the freedom to redesign the experimental procedure, data collection, and data analysis. Therefore, this document will be very helpful not only for students but also for instructors to redesign or modify as they would like. PHY 114 covers general physics concepts by using very simple algebraic calculations which cover scientific measurements, significant figures, estimation, units, linear and rotational motion, vectors, forces, energy, momentum, collision, impulse, projectile motion, circular motion, thermodynamics, oscillating waves, electricity and magnetism, properties of lights, reflection, refraction, atomic nuclei, and radioactivity. PHY 206 or SLS261 covers general topics in physics like the topics in PHY114, but more focused on laws of physics and problems in education majors. PHY 116 is the first part of two semester algebra-based introductory physics course that covers many topics in laws of classical mechanics, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, wave motion, and sound. PHY 121 covers the same topics as PHY116, but is calculus-based. PHY 156 is the second part of two semester algebra-based introductory physics course which covers topics in laws of electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics. PHY 161 covers the same topics as PHY156, but is calculus-based. In this document, all Microsoft Excel data collection tables, plots, and data analysis guidelines are provided as Open Education Resources (OER), but guided laboratory manuals will be provided electronically to all students and instructors from the physics department through institutional LMS (Learning Management System).