Lab Record Essentials for Physics Experiments

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Questions and Answers

What are the essential components you must include in a minimal lab record?

A minimal lab record must include a labeled circuit diagram, specific procedures and measurements, and commentary on inaccuracies.

Why is it important to sketch waveforms directly from the oscilloscope in your lab notebook?

Sketching waveforms directly prevents the introduction of new errors and ensures that the data is recorded as accurately as possible.

What should be noted if data appears unexpectedly large or small during experiments?

If data is unexpectedly large or small, it should be noted in the lab notebook as part of the recorded data.

How should the precision of your readings be indicated in your lab notebook?

The precision of readings should be explicitly noted along with the measured data. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of including your predictions in the lab notebook before taking measurements?

Including predictions helps to establish a baseline expectation for the outcomes, aiding in the interpretation of results. Signup and view all the answers

What guidelines should be followed for recording raw data in the lab notebook?

Raw data should be recorded immediately and interpreted later, while ensuring that any adjustments or measurements are accurately documented. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the labeled circuit diagram play in your lab record?

The labeled circuit diagram serves as a visual reference for the experimental setup and the components used. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to ground non-current-carrying metal parts of equipment?

Grounding prevents accidental electrical shocks by providing a safe path for electricity. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you need to perform maintenance on electrical equipment?

Completely disconnect the equipment from the power source before starting maintenance. Signup and view all the answers

What actions should be taken when an electrical outlet's protective cover is damaged?

Inform the Lab Assistant and Lab Engineer immediately for repairs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of using dry hands and tools around electrical equipment?

Using dry hands and tools reduces the risk of electrical shock. Signup and view all the answers

Why should you unplug electrical cords by the plug instead of the cord?

Pulling on the plug prevents damage to the cord's insulation. Signup and view all the answers

What precautions should be taken with extension cords in the lab?

Use extension cords temporarily and ensure they are properly rated and grounded. Signup and view all the answers

What should you avoid doing with the grounding post of a 3 prong plug?

Never remove the grounding post to use a 2 prong outlet or cord. Signup and view all the answers

How should portable equipment be handled to ensure safety?

Always carry portable equipment by the handle or base, not by the cord. Signup and view all the answers

What steps should be taken if cords are obstructing paths in the lab?

Re-route cords away from floors, rugs, and doorways to prevent tripping and damage. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the electric field intensity and the angle of deflection of the electron beam?

The angle of deflection increases with electric field intensity. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the impact of beam velocity on the deflection of the electron beam within the electric field.

As beam velocity increases, the angle of deflection decreases. Signup and view all the answers

What precaution should be taken regarding the electron beam's interaction with the glass envelope of the tube?

Do not allow the electron beam to strike any single point of the tube's glass envelope for extended periods. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to allow the Bainbridge tube to warm up before applying accelerating voltage?

Warming up the tube helps ensure stable operation and prevents damage. Signup and view all the answers

What measures should be taken when storing the Bainbridge tube to preserve its integrity?

Store the tube separately in its original packing box, away from moisture and impacts. Signup and view all the answers

Calculate the % difference for a measured voltage of 12V and a standard voltage of 10V.

20% Signup and view all the answers

What voltage range is typically output from a regulated DC power supply?

0V to the maximum rated voltage (e.g., 30V). Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum current value that is safe to draw from a fixed voltage terminal?

Typically 3A or 5A, depending on the power supply specifications. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the purpose of current limiting in power supplies.

To prevent excessive current that could damage components. Signup and view all the answers

What do the CC and CV LEDs indicate in a power supply?

CC indicates Constant Current, and CV indicates Constant Voltage. Signup and view all the answers

What do silver and gold color codes represent in resistor values?

Gold represents ±5% tolerance and silver represents ±10% tolerance. Signup and view all the answers

How are 4 color and 5 color resistances decoded? Provide an example.

4 color: first two colors are significant figures, third is multiplier, fourth is tolerance. Example: Red-Red-Brown-Gold (22Ω ±5%). Signup and view all the answers

What is the standard resistance for a red-red-brown banded resistor?

22Ω. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if the measured voltage exceeds the expected voltage by 15%?

Investigate potential faults in the supply or equipment. Signup and view all the answers

What are the implications of heat generated by high current in a power supply?

Heat can lead to component failure and reduced lifespan. Signup and view all the answers

What relationship does equation 9 establish concerning the charge-to-mass ratio of the electron?

Equation 9 relates the charge-to-mass ratio of the electron to measurable quantities such as voltage, coil radius, current, and electron path radius. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how the average value of the charge-to-mass ratio is obtained in the experiment.

The average value is obtained by substituting measured values of voltage, current, and radius into equation 9 for multiple conditions and then averaging the results. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the electron beam when the Bainbridge tube is rotated?

Rotating the tube imparts a component of velocity parallel to the magnetic flux, causing the beam to follow a helical path while the perpendicular component is deflected. Signup and view all the answers

What role do the static deflection plates play in the Bainbridge tube experiment?

The static deflection plates are used to deflect the electron beam in an electric field, enabling the study of electron motion under different forces. Signup and view all the answers

How can the mass of a single electron be determined using the charge-to-mass ratio?

The mass of a single electron can be determined by dividing its known charge by the experimentally calculated charge-to-mass ratio. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of measuring the radius of the electron beam path.

Measuring the radius is crucial because it is directly related to the force exerted by the magnetic field on the electron beam, impacting the determination of the charge-to-mass ratio. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main components that affect the deflection of the electron beam in different fields?

The two main components are the magnetic field, which causes circular deflection, and the electric field, which leads to straight-line deflection in a different manner. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the measured value of current through the coils important in this experiment?

The measured current is essential because it influences the magnetic field strength, which affects the electron beam's behavior and the calculated charge-to-mass ratio. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'helical path' refer to in the context of the Bainbridge tube experiment?

A helical path refers to the spiral trajectory of the electron beam, which is a result of the superposition of circular motion due to the magnetic field and linear motion along the axis of the tube. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

In-Lab Notebook

Detailed notes outlining the steps taken, observations made, and any adjustments or unexpected results encountered during an experiment.

Labeled Circuit Diagram

A labeled diagram of the circuit used in the experiment, including all components and their values, connections, and instrument settings.