Freshman Physics Project

这个项目正在改变介绍力学 实验室，使新生获得经验， 逼真的电子仪器，同时学习 力学基础 该项目是一个广泛的 课程开发伴随着一个季度的变化 日历到一个学期。新的实验增加了动态 力传感器、声纳测距仪、数字读出选通 照明、内窥镜和数字读出功能 发电机到空气轨道，光门，空气轴承 旋转装置和PC计算机以前使用。新 实验包括非线性系统，小振荡， 旋转物体的静态和动态不平衡，以及旋转 关于一点的刚体。软模式等新课题， 自发的对称破缺和混沌也被包括在内。 折叠起来是一个介绍电子仪器 包括使用示波器，研究波形， 触发、信号调节以及 计算机进入测量系统。新实验室提供了一个 更丰富多样的重要力学现象， 有趣，更好地为学生就业做好准备， 一个现代化的工业或研究环境。 与非联邦资金来源相匹配。

This project is transforming the introductory mechanics laboratory so that freshmen students gain experience with realistic electronic instrumentation while learning the fundamentals of mechanics. The project is part of an extensive curriculum development accompanying a change from a quarter calendar to a semester one. New experiments are adding dynamic force transducers, sonar rangers, digital readout strobe lighting, oscilloscopes, and digital readout function generators to the air tracks, light gates, air-bearing rotational apparatus, and PC computers previously used. The new experiments include non-linear systems, small oscillations, static and dynamic unbalance in rotating objects, and rotation of rigid bodies about a point. Such new topics as soft modes, spontaneous symmetry breaking, and chaos are being included. Folded in are an introduction to electronic instrumentation including use of oscilloscopes, and study of wave forms, triggering, signal conditioning, and the integration of computers into the measurement system. The new lab presents a richer variety of important mechanical phenomena, is more interesting, and better prepares the students for employment in a modern industrial or research setting.NSF grant funds are being matched with funds from non-federal sources.