Systematic and statistical errors. Minimum chi square estimation. Error propagation. Operative definition of physical quantities. DC circuits. Ohm’s law. Resistance, capacitance, and inductance. AC circuits. Impedance and basics of circuits. The oscilloscope. Geometrical optics: refractive index. Snell’s law. Thin lenses. Lens constructor’s law. Introduction to optical physics. Diffraction. Laboratory experiments of mechanics and electricity.
An Introduction to Error Analysis: The Study of Uncertainties in Physical Measurements 2nd Edition by John R. Taylor; Circuiti Elettrici, C.K. Alexander - M.N.O. Sadiku, McGraw-Hill
Learning Objectives
The course aims at introducing the student to the quantitative evaluation of experimental measurements based on the study about the origin and the propagation of the sources of errors connected. The students are going to carry on simple experimental measurements of mechanical and electrical quantities. Each experiment has to be described, analysed and presented in a written report, one for each of the experiments.
Hours for Lectures (hours): 48. Time for experiences in laboratory: 12
Further information
Type of Assessment
Discussion of the laboratory reports and oral examination, no tests along the course
Course program
Experimental definition of a physical quantity. Introduction to experimental errors (systematic and statistical) and their propagation. Chi-square, minimum of Chi-square and linear regression. Error function. Gauss function and probability. Elements of electrical circuits in d.c. currents. Potential energy and potential. Potential difference, current and resistance. Ohm’s law and its limits. Capacitance and inductance. Study of the charging and discharging of RC and RL circuits.AC circuits Impedance. Low ang high pass band circuits. Introduction to geometrical optics. Refractive index. Snell’s law. Thin lenses. Image construction. Introduction to physical optics. (Electromagnetic waves and light propagation, diffraction). Laboratory experiments about mechanics and electricity, with the production of a written report.