Modernization of Introductory Physics Laboratories Using Computers

该部门进行了广泛的现代化计划，并扩展了整个实验室计划。该项目的主要主题是开发与获取、显示、分析和解释测量数据相关的技能。正在介绍现代研究和工业实验室的典型仪器和微型计算机。这个项目，作为下一个主要步骤，包括1)在力学实验室安装微型计算机，直接连接到空气轨道实验的光电门。去年的一个试点项目非常成功。2)引入现代示波器，用于声音、带电抗的交流电路和时变直流电路的实验。一个新的实验将基于示波器本身。现在是第六年，现代化计划将在未来4年内完成。

The Department has undertaken an extensive program of modernization and extension of its entire laboratory program. The major theme of the project is the development of skills related to the acquisition, display, analysis, and interpretation of measured data. Instrumentation and microcomputers typical of modern research and industrial laboratories are being introduced. This project, as the next major step, involves 1) the installation of microcomputers in the mechanics laboratories with direct interfacing to photogates for airtrack experiments. A pilot project last years with one set-up proved very successful. 2) the introduction of modern oscilloscopes for experiments on sound, AC circuits with reactance, and time-dependent DC circuits. A new experiment will be based on the oscilloscope itself. Now in its sixth year, the modernization program will be completed in another 4 years.