Experimental Physics

2.

Fundamentals of Measurement

2.1.

Physical Quantities and Units

2.1.1.

2.1.1.1.

2.1.1.2.

2.1.1.3.

2.1.1.4.

2.1.1.5.

2.1.1.6.

2.1.1.7.

2.1.2.

2.1.2.1.

2.1.2.2.

2.1.2.3.

2.1.2.4.

2.1.2.5.

2.1.2.6.

2.1.2.7.

2.1.2.8.

2.1.3.

Dimensional Analysis

2.1.3.1.

Dimensional Homogeneity

2.1.3.2.

Checking Equations for Consistency

2.1.3.3.

Conversion between Units

2.1.3.4.

Buckingham Pi Theorem

2.2.

Measurement Uncertainty and Error

2.2.1.

Sources of Error

2.2.1.1.

Systematic Errors

2.2.1.1.1.

Instrumental Errors

2.2.1.1.2.

Environmental Errors

2.2.1.1.3.

Methodological Errors

2.2.1.1.4.

Calibration Errors

2.2.1.2.

2.2.1.2.1.

Statistical Fluctuations

2.2.1.2.2.

2.2.1.2.3.

Electronic Noise

2.2.1.3.

Personal Errors

2.2.1.3.1.

Misreading Instruments

2.2.1.3.2.

Recording Mistakes

2.2.1.3.3.

Parallax Errors

2.2.2.

Quantifying Uncertainty

2.2.2.1.

Absolute and Relative Uncertainty

2.2.2.2.

Standard Deviation

2.2.2.3.

Standard Error of the Mean

2.2.2.4.

Confidence Intervals

2.2.2.5.

Type A and Type B Uncertainties

2.2.3.

Propagation of Uncertainty

2.2.3.1.

Addition and Subtraction

2.2.3.2.

Multiplication and Division

2.2.3.3.

General Formula for Independent Variables

2.2.3.4.

Correlated Uncertainties

2.2.3.5.

Partial Derivatives Method

2.3.

Precision vs. Accuracy

2.3.1.

Definitions and Distinctions

2.3.2.

Improving Precision

2.3.3.

Improving Accuracy

2.3.4.

Examples and Case Studies

2.3.5.

Calibration and Traceability

2.4.

Significant Figures

2.4.1.

Rules for Counting Significant Figures

2.4.2.

Rounding and Reporting Results

2.4.3.

Significant Figures in Calculations

2.4.4.

Scientific Notation

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1. Foundations of Experimental Physics

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3. Experimental Design and Methodology