Fundamental Constants - Modern Physics Laboratory

这个项目导致了一系列的实验模块，作为一个整体，这些模块组成了一个物理专业的实验室，但单独地适用于化学和天文学课程。每个模块都建立在确定基本常量或重要物理常量的实验的基础上。这些实验与传统的化学或天文学实验明显不同，无论是在所寻求的信息的性质上，还是在许多情况下，所使用的技术和过程都是如此。然而，它们确实是这些课程不可或缺的一部分。在每一种情况下，目标都是强调物理学在其所支持的学科中所起的作用，同时将其确定为一门独特的学科。该实验的教育目标是(1)让学生认识到辅助物理实验的相关性，因为它是在相关的非物理课程中进行的；(2)最大限度地增加学生接触到里程碑式的物理实验的人数；以及(3)增加学生对物理作为一门学科的独特性质的欣赏。这些实验的目的是(1)仅在计算机辅助教学下进行；(2)使用计算机接口来实现高精度工作并支持计算；以及(3)测量对相关课程有直接影响的基本常量。

This project leads to a series of laboratory modules that, as a whole, compose a laboratory for physics majors, but individually are appropriate for courses in chemistry and astronomy. Each module is being built upon an experiment that determines a fundamental constant or important physical constant. The experiments are clearly distinct from the traditional chemistry or astronomy experiments both in the nature of the information sought and, in many cases, by the techniques and processes used. They do, however, serve as an integral part of these courses. In each case, the goal is to emphasize the role that physics plays in the discipline it supports while simultaneously identifying it as a distinct discipline. The educational goals of the experiment are to (1) have students appreciate the relevance of the supporting physics experiment since it is carried out within the related nonphysics course; (2) maximize the number of students that are exposed to landmark physics experiments; and (3) increase the student's appreciation of the distinctive nature of physics as a discipline. The experiments are designed to (1) be carried out with only computer-aided instruction; (2) use computer interfaces to allow for high- precision work and to support calculations; and (3) measure fundamental constants that have a direct impact on the associated course.