The ever-increasing use of the computer as a tool for data analysis and acquisition has not eliminated the need
for a grounding, sound experimentation design, Baird continues to emphasize the fundamentals of experimentation
with added consideration for the power of new technology.
Features
Chapter 1 : Outlines physics lab work, emphasizing the nature of experimenting
Chapters 2 - 4 : Provide information on measurement, statistics and scientific procedures
Chapter 5 : Unfolds, step-by-step, the practical requirements in designing an experiment
Chapter 6 : Provides the procedures for evaluating the results of the experiment
Chapter 7 : Contains suggestions for writing lab reports
Offers appendices covering the mathematical derivation of some of the equations in the text.
Adds material on computer processing of experimental observations.
Describes the basic characteristics of experimentation and measurement as relevant and accessible to a wide
range of students, not only those who will proceed to professional work in physics.
Tracks one sample case experiment throughout the text.
Contains suggestions for writing lab reports.
Table of Contents
1. Approach to Laboratory Work.
2. Measurement and Uncertainty.
3. Statistics of Observation.
4. Scientific Thinking and Experimenting.
5. Experiment Design.
6. Experiment Evaluation.
7. Writing Scientific Reports.
Appendix 1. Mathematical Properties of the Gaussian or Normal Distribution.
Appendix 2. The Principle of Least Squares.
Appendix 3. Difference Tables an the Calculus of Finite Differences.
Appendix 4. Specimen Experiment.
