Synopses & Reviews
The authors of RealTime Physics - David Sokoloff, Priscilla Laws, and Ron Thornton - have been pioneers in the revolution of the physics industry. In this edition, they provide a set of labs that utilize modern lab technology to provide hands-on information, as well as an empirical look at several new key concepts. They focus on the teaching/learning issues in the lecture portion of the course, as well as logistical lab issues such as space, class size, staffing, and equipment maintenance. Issues similar to those in the lecture have to with preparation and willingness to study.
Synopsis
RealTime Physics is a series of introductory laboratory modules that use computer data acquisition tools (microcomputer-based lab or MBL tools) to help students develop important physics concepts while acquiring vital laboratory skills. Besides data acquisition, computers are used for basic mathematical modeling, data analysis, and simulations.
There are 4 RealTime Physics modules: Module 1: Mechanics, Module 2: Heat and Thermodynamics, Module 3: Electricity and Magnetism, and Module 4: Light and Optics.
Table of Contents
Lab 1: Electric Charges, Forces and Fields /1
Lab 2: Electric Fields, Flux and Gauss’ Law /19
Lab 3: Electric and Gravitational Potential /35
Lab 4: Batteries, Bulbs, and Current /53
Lab 5: Current in Simple DC Circuits /77
Lab 6: Voltage in Simple DC Circuits and Ohm’s Law /103
Lab 7: Kirchhoff’s Circuit Rules /127
Lab 8: Introduction to Capacitors and RC Circuits /147
Lab 9: Magnetism /165
Lab 10: Electromagnetism /191
Appendix A: RealTime Physics Electric Circuits Experiment Configuration Files /215