Fordham University

The notes for the physics lab on centripetal motion explore the principles governing the motion of an object traveling in a circular path. Key topics include the relationship between centripetal force, mass, velocity, and radius, as well as the role of tension, gravity, or friction in providing the necessary centripetal force. The lab involves measuring variables such as period, radius, and mass to calculate centripetal acceleration and compare experimental results with theoretical predictions. ...

The notes for the physics lab on vectors focus on understanding vector quantities and their applications. Key topics include vector addition, subtraction, and resolution into components. The lab involves graphical and mathematical methods to combine vectors and verify results experimentally, emphasizing the concepts of magnitude and direction.

The notes for the physics lab on the simple pendulum focus on studying the motion of a pendulum and verifying the relationship between its period, length, and gravitational acceleration. Key concepts include periodic motion, the dependence of the period on the length of the pendulum, and the independence of the period from mass and amplitude (for small angles). The lab involves measuring the pendulum’s period for varying lengths and using the data to calculate the acceleration due to gravity.

The notes for the physics lab on simple harmonic motion explore the oscillatory motion of systems like springs and pendulums. Key concepts include amplitude, period, frequency, and the relationship between restoring force and displacement. The lab involves measuring periods and analyzing factors like mass, spring constant, or length to verify the theoretical equations governing simple harmonic motion.

The notes for the physics lab on range prediction focus on analyzing the horizontal distance (range) traveled by a projectile. Key concepts include initial velocity, launch angle, and the effects of gravity. The lab involves using equations of motion to predict the range and comparing experimental results to theoretical calculations.

The notes for the physics lab on propagation of uncertainties focus on understanding how measurement uncertainties affect calculated results. Key topics include identifying sources of error, combining uncertainties in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and using significant figures appropriately. The lab involves applying uncertainty rules to experimental data to quantify the reliability of final results and improve measurement precision.

The notes for the physics lab on Newton's Second Law focus on verifying the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration, expressed as

The notes for the physics lab on free fall focus on studying the motion of objects under the influence of gravity alone. Key concepts include acceleration due to gravity (g), equations of motion, and the absence of air resistance. The lab involves measuring the time and displacement of a falling object to calculate g and compare it to the theoretical value.

The notes for the physics lab on conservation of momentum focus on verifying the principle that the total momentum of a system remains constant in the absence of external forces. The lab includes experiments involving collisions between objects, both elastic and inelastic, to observe and calculate momentum before and after the interaction. Key concepts include the momentum equation, the distinction between elastic and inelastic collisions, and the importance of accounting for experimental uncert...

This course provides a mathematical foundation for students to become confident and critical users of quantitative information of all kinds.