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Practical physics / G.L. Squires

Author
Squires, G. L. (Gordon Leslie)
Published
Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2001.
Edition
Fourth edition.
Physical Description
1 online resource (xi, 212 pages) : digital, PDF file(s).
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Contents
1 Object of practical physics 1 -- Part 1 Statistical Treatment of Data -- 2.1 Importance of estimating errors 5 -- 2.2 Systematic and random errors 6 -- 2.3 Systematic errors 8 -- 3 Treatment of a single variable 9 -- 3.2 Set of measurements 10 -- 3.3 Distribution of measurements 10 -- 3.4 Estimation of [sigma] and [sigma subscript m] 14 -- 3.5 Gaussian distribution 18 -- 3.6 Integral function 19 -- 3.7 Error in the error 22 -- 3.8 Discussion of the Gaussian distribution 22 -- Summary of symbols, nomenclature, and important formulae 24 -- 4 Further topics in statistical theory 27 -- 4.1 Treatment of functions 27 -- 4.2 Straight line--method of least squares 30 -- 4.3 Straight line--points in pairs 36 -- 4.4 Weighting of results 37 -- Summary of equations for the best straight line by the method of least squares 39 -- 5 Common sense in errors 43 -- 5.1 Error calculations in practice 43 -- 5.2 Complicated functions 46 -- 5.3 Errors and experimental procedure 48 -- Summary of treatment of errors 50 -- Part 2 Experimental Methods -- 6 Some laboratory instruments and methods 55 -- 6.2 Metre rule 55 -- 6.3 Micrometer screw gauge 57 -- 6.4 Measurement of length--choice of method 58 -- 6.5 Measurement of length--temperature effect 61 -- 6.6 Beat method of measuring frequency 62 -- 6.7 Negative feedback amplifier 64 -- 6.8 Servo systems 67 -- 6.9 Natural limits of measurement 69 -- 7 Some experimental techniques 73 -- 7.1 Rayleigh refractometer 73 -- 7.2 Measurement of resistivity 79 -- 7.3 Absolute measurement of the acceleration due to the Earth's gravity 86 -- 7.4 Measurement of frequency and time 94 -- 7.5 Global Positioning System 98 -- 8 Experimental logic 102 -- 8.2 Apparent symmetry in apparatus 102 -- 8.3 Sequence of measurements 103 -- 8.4 Intentional and unintentional changes 104 -- 8.5 Drift 105 -- 8.6 Systematic variations 106 -- 8.7 Calculated and empirical corrections 109 -- 8.8 Relative methods 111 -- 8.9 Null methods 113 -- 8.10 Why make precise measurements? 114 -- 9 Common sense in experiments 117 -- 9.1 Preliminary experiment 117 -- 9.2 Checking the obvious 118 -- 9.3 Personal errors 119 -- 9.4 Repetition of measurements 119 -- 9.5 Working out results 121 -- 9.6 Design of apparatus 122 -- Part 3 Record and Calculations -- 10 Record of the experiment 125 -- 10.2 Bound notebook versus loose-leaf 125 -- 10.3 Recording measurements 126 -- 10.4 Down with copying 126 -- 10.5 Diagrams 127 -- 10.7 Aids to clarity 130 -- 10.8 Some common faults--ambiguity and vagueness 131 -- 11 Graphs 133 -- 11.1 Use of graphs 133 -- 11.2 Choice of ruling 137 -- 11.3 Scale 137 -- 11.4 Units 138 -- 11.5 Some hints on drawing graphs 138 -- 11.6 Indicating errors 141 -- 11.7 Sensitivity 142 -- 12 Arithmetic 144 -- 12.1 Arithmetic is important 144 -- 12.2 Computers 144 -- 12.3 Calculators 145 -- 12.4 Ways of reducing arithmetical mistakes 145 -- 12.5 Checking algebra 148 -- 13 Writing a paper 152 -- 13.2 Title 152 -- 13.4 Plan of paper 153 -- 13.5 Sections of paper 153 -- 13.6 Diagrams, graphs, and tables 155 -- 13.8 Clarity 156 -- 13.9 Good English 156 -- A Evaluation of some integrals connected with the Gaussian function 161 -- B Variance of s[superscript 2] for a Gaussian distribution 164 -- C Straight line--the standard error in the slope and intercept 166 -- Comment on the dependence of m, c, and b 170 -- D Binomial and Poisson distributions 171 -- Binomial distribution 171 -- Poisson distribution 173 -- E X[superscript 2] distribution--test of goodness of fit 176 -- Derivation of x[superscript 2] distribution 177 -- Function P[subscript n](x[superscript 2]) 180 -- Degrees of freedom 181 -- Test of goodness of fit 182 -- Worked examples 184 -- F SI units 188 -- Names and symbols 189 -- Decimal factors 190 -- Relation to c.g.s. units 190 -- Definition of the SI base units 191 -- G Values of physical constants 192 -- H Mathematical tables 193 -- Values of the Gaussian function and the Gaussian integral function 193 -- Values of x[superscript 2] for given v and P 194.
Summary
Practical Physics demonstrates the purposive and critical approach that should be made to all experimental work in physics. It does not describe a systematic course of experiments, but is intended as a companion to any undergraduate course of practical work. The text is in three parts. The first deals with the statistical treatment of data, the second with experimental methods, and the third with such essential matters as keeping efficient records, accuracy in calculations, and scientific writing. The text is liberally illustrated with examples and exercises, with solutions to the latter. The new edition includes a treatment of the χ2 distribution, a section on atomic clocks, worked examples based on spreadsheets, and additional exercises. Existing examples and references have been brought up to date. Although intended for undergraduates, Practical Physics has proved of interest to school-students, teachers, and researchers, not only in physics, but also in other branches of science.
Subject(s)
ISBN
9781139164498 (ebook)
9780521770453 (hardback)
9780521779401 (paperback)
Note
Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 05 Oct 2015).
View MARC record | catkey: 34840141