Physics 71.

1 Course Syllabus
1st Semester, AY 2010-2011

A. Course Information
Course Number: Physics 71.1
Course Description: Elementary Physics Laboratory I
Credit: 1 unit
Schedule (Days/Time):
Instructor:
Name: _______________________________________________________
Faculty Room: __________________________________________________
Consultation Hours: _____________________________________________
Contact Information: _____________________________________________
Group Mates (Names/Contact Numbers/Email Addresses):
Name Contact Number E-mail Address

B. Course Mission
The Physics 71.1 (Elementary Physics Laboratory I) course will develop basic skills in taking and reporting
scientific observation and relating it to a theory or model.

C. Specific Goals
At the end of the semester the students should
 have developed basic skills in taking and reporting scientific observation;
 be able to appreciate the role of direct observation to the development of theory and vice versa;
 have developed collaborative learning skills;
 have gained better understanding of the concepts of classical mechanics.

D. Course Requirements and Grading System

Grading Scheme:
Activity Worksheets 60%
Practical Examination 15% [92, 100]  1.00
Written Examination 15% [88, 92)  1.25
Class Performance, [84, 88)  1.50
Attendance and 10 % [80, 84)  1.75
Quizzes [76, 80)  2.00
[72, 76)  2.25
[68, 72]  2.50
[64, 68)  2.75
E. Important Dates [60, 64)  3.00
Quezon City Day: 19 Aug 2010 (Thu) [50, 60)  4.00
Mid Semester: 05 Aug 2010 (Thu) [0, 50)  5.00
Deadline for Dropping: 07 Sep 2010 (Tue)
Practical Examination: TBA
Written Examination: TBA
End of Classes: 07 Oct 2010 (Thu)
Grade Submission: 27 Oct 2010 (Wed)
F. Activities
Activity module Concepts/Objectives Meetings Things To Bring
Exercise 1  Report the best estimate of observables Calculator
Measurement,  Determine if a theoretical prediction is acceptable given the
Uncertainty and precision and accuracy of experimental data
Deviation  Report the final data in terms of the proper order of approximation
Appreciate the role of measurements in scientific endeavor
1
Exercise 2  Create a graphical representation of a given set of data that will Laptop with
Graphical best show its purpose spreadsheet
Analysis  Formulate a theory or a model based on the parameters from a preferably MS
graph of experimental data using linear fit and trend lines 1 Excel 2003 and
Learn how to use spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel) and some of its USB storage
basic functions device

Experiment 1  Appreciate the relation of available measurement precision to the 5 cent coin and
Using Calipers practical choice of measuring device 1 calculator
 Measure the dimensions of an object using a ruler, a Vernier caliper
and a micrometer caliper
Identify a metal sample based on its density

Experiment 2  Show that the sum of forces acting on a system in static equilibrium Calculator
Vectors and Force is zero.
Table  Obtain the equilibriant of two or more forces using the concept of
equilibriant.
 Obtain the orthogonal components of a force.

Experiment 3  Determine experimentally the magnitude of acceleration of an Calculator and
Uniformly object undergoing uniformly accelerated linear motion USB storage
Accelerated  Plot experimentally the graphs illustrating the position and velocity 1 device
Linear Motion as a function of time for an object undergoing uniformly
(Ball and Picket accelerated linear motion
Fence)
Experiment 4  Determine the trajectory of a projectile and study motion in two Scratch papers,
Projectile Motion dimensions. 1 masking tape
and calculator
Experiment 5  Illustrate the law of conservation of energy and momentum using a Scratch papers
Conservation of ramp-ball system 1 and masking
Energy and Linear tape and
Momentum calculator
Experiment 6  Determine experimentally where an object must be suspended Masking tape
Static Equilibrium (center of gravity) and the conditions which it must satisfy 1 and calculator
(conditions of equilibrium) for it to be in static equilibrium
 Apply the conditions of equilibrium in finding the mass of an object

Experiment 7  Determine the dependence of the period of the simple harmonic Calculator and
Simple Harmonic motion on the amount of displacement and mass of an object 1 USB storage
Motion: Spring-  Obtain the best estimate of the elastic (spring) constant for the device
Mass System vertical spring-mass system
 Determine the mass of an object using the concept of simple
harmonic motion using a spring-mass system.

Experiment 8  Measure the speed of sound. Thick hard

Sound Waves  Determine the frequency, period and amplitude of sound waves bound book,
 Understand and observe interference and beats using sound waves calculator and
 Measure the beat frequency of two tuning forks. 1 USB storage
device

G. Guidelines
1. Laboratory Protocol
 A student is responsible for knowing the proper operation of any apparatus/equipment assigned to
him/her or his/her group. Any student who has damaged or defaced any apparatus/equipment shall be
liable for the corresponding repair, or in the case of irreparable damage, shall be made to pay an
amount equal to the cost of the apparatus at the present time.
 Eating, drinking, smoking, and horse playing inside the laboratory are forbidden.
 Maintain cleanliness in the designated group table.
 Return all borrowed materials and equipment to the property office (R209) after use.
2. Worksheet Guidelines
 Raw data will be checked at the end of every experiment.
 Worksheets must be accomplished either by group or individually and are due the following meeting.
 Worksheets will be collected during class hours before the start of the next experiment. Late
worksheets will be given a 50% deduction for every week late.
 Copying another person’s worksheet (except for raw data, in the case of group mates) is forbidden.
Anyone caught violating this rule will immediately be suspected of cheating and as such, will be subject
to disciplinary action appropriate to the gravity of the offense committed, which shall include, but not
limited to (a) issuance of a grade of zero for the worksheet; (b) issuance of a grade of 5.0 for the
course, or; (c) reporting of the event to the Student Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT).
 All worksheets must be returned to the instructor on the day of the written examination. Students who
will not surrender all their worksheets will be given a grade of INC.
3. On attendance and missed activities
 In case classes are suspended for any valid reason, the schedule of activities shall be moved by an
amount of time equal to that which is lost due to the suspension.
 A student is given a grade of 5.0 if the accumulated unexcused absences reach 20% (3 meetings) of the
total number of meetings.
 Make-up for a missed activity will be given only if the student presents a valid excuse slip/letter on the
first day he/she is able to come to class. A valid excuse slip/letter is in the form of either (a) a medical
certificate from the UP Health Service or (b) letter from parent/guardian in case of family member’s
death. Only one make-up activity is allowed, and the worksheet for an unexcused missed
activity/excused missed activity without make-up is given a grade of zero.
 A student absent during an examination with a valid excuse will be given a grade of INC unless the
student makes-up for the missed exam.
5. On conditional status
 A grade of DRP will be given to a student only if the instructor receives the duly validated copy of the
dropping slip.
 A student granted a leave of absence (LOA) will only be given a grade of either DRP or 5.0. A grade of
5.0 is given if the LOA is granted after ¾ of the semester has elapsed and the student is failing;
otherwise, a grade of DRP is given.
 A grade of INC can be removed by completing the missed requirement within one academic year. The
grade of INC will be converted to a numerical final grade upon re-calculation of the grade including the
requirements completed.
 The student must re-take the course when a grade of 4.0 was incurred.