Forward

Spring, 2005
This version is only modestly changed from the previous versions. We are gradually revising the manual to improve the clarity and interest of the activities. In particular the dynamic nature of web materials and the change of venue (from Sterling to Chamberlin Hall) has required a number of cosmetic and operational changes. In particular the PASCO computer interface and software have been upgraded from Scientific Workshop to DataStudio.

M.J. Winokur

In reference to the 1997 edition

Much has changed since the implementation of the first edition and a major overhaul was very much in need. In particular, the rapid introduction of the computer into the educational arena has drastically and irreversibly changed the way in which information is acquired, analyzed and recorded. To reflect these changes in the introductory laboratory we have endeavored to create a educational tool which utilizes this technology; hopefully while enhancing the learning process and the understanding of physics principles. Thus, when fully deployed, this new edition will be available not only in hard copy but also as a fully integrated web document so that the manual itself has become an interactive tool in the laboratory environment.

As always we are indebted to the hard work and efforts by Joe Sylvester to maintain the labortory equipment in excellent working condition.

M.J. Winokur
M. Thompson

From the original edition

The experiments in this manual evolved from many years of use at the University of Wisconsin. Past manuals have included ``cookbooks" with directions so complete and detailed that you can perform an experiment without knowing what you are doing or why, and manuals in which theory is so complete that no reference to text or lecture was necessary.

This manual avoids the``cookbook" approach and assumes that correlation between lecture and lab is sufficiently close that explanations (and theory) can be brief: in many cases merely a list of suggestions and precautions. Generally you will need at least an elementary understanding of the material in order to perform the experiment expeditiously and well. We hope that by the time you have completed an experiment, your understanding will have deepened in a manner not achievable by reading books or by working "paper problems". If the lab should get ahead of the lecture, please read the pertinent material, as recommended by the instructor, before doing the experiment.

The manual does not describe equipment in detail. We find it more efficient to have the apparatus out on a table and take a few minutes at the start to name the pieces and give suggestions for use. Also in this way changes in equipment, (sometimes necessary), need not cause confusion.

Many faculty members have contributed to this manual. Professors Barschall, Blanchard, Camerini, Erwin, Haeberli, Miller, Olsson, Visiting Professor Wickliffe and former Professor Moran have been especially helpful. However, any deficiencies or errors are our responsibility. We welcome suggestions for improvements.

Our lab support staff, Joe Sylvester and Harley Nelson (now retired), have made important contributions not only in maintaining the equipment in good working order, but also in improving the mechanical and aesthetic design of the apparatus.

Likewise our electronic support staff not only maintain the electronic equipment, but also have contributed excellent original circuits and component design for many of the experiments.

R. Rollefson
H. T. Richards


Michael Winokur 2007-09-07