Experiments in Optics, Waves, and Heat for PHYS: 2703

Experiments in Optics, Waves, and Heat for PHYS: 2703 is a laboratory manual that introduces students to fundamental concepts in oscillations, heat, waves, sound, and optics through a series of experiments. The manual begins with investigations of simple harmonic motion and underdamped oscillations before exploring thermal topics such as the determination of absolute zero, the mechanical equivalent of heat, and specific heat. It also includes an introduction to oscilloscopes, providing students with experience using laboratory instruments to study physical phenomena.

The manual continues with experiments on the speed of sound, standing waves in air and vibrating strings, Fourier analysis, and sound waves in air, followed by optical investigations of refraction, prism spectrometry, thin lenses, and diffraction using gratings and single slits. Together, these experiments provide a broad introduction to the study of optics, waves, and heat while emphasizing practical laboratory skills and experimental observation.