Foundations of Physical Measurements 1

Course guarantor:

Petr Chaloupka

Lecturer:

Petr Chaloupka, Solangel Rojas Torres, Libor Škoda, Peter Švihra

Tutor:

Supervisor:

Department of Physics

Synopsis:

The lecture is designed for students of physical specializations (Experimental particle physics, Physical engineering, Nuclear engineering), however, it can be attended by students of other branches. The goal of the lecture is to introduce the basics of physical measurements, the methods of processing and evaluation of acquired data on a PC. Students learn the basic habits of work in a physics lab.

Requirements:

The assessment includes three assigned homework assignments in the form of a measurement report. These are necessary to complete the course. Finally, the assessment is in the form of an exam.

Syllabus of lectures:

1. Physical quantities and units.

2. Basic methods of measurement.

3. General structure of an experiment.

4. Basic concepts of statistics.

5. Evaluation of data and measurement errors.

6. Evaluation of data on a PC.

7. Measurement of length, mass, time; mechanical and thermal measurements.

8. Electrical measurements analogue and digital measurement apparatus, oscilloscope, XY recorder, frequency generator.

9. Computer in an experiment.

10. Presentation of an experimental results.

Syllabus of tutorials:

Study Objective:

Study materials:

Key references:

[1] J. H. Moore, M. A. Coplan, S. C. Greer, Building a Scientific Apparatus, Cambridge University Press 2009

[2] J. D. Wilson, C. A. Hernández-Hall, Physics Laboratory Experiments, Cengage Learning, 2014

Recommended references:

[3] C. Tilley and J. Nicholson: Practical Experiments in Physics, Blake Education, Leichhardt, 2002

Note:

Time-table for winter semester 2025/2026:

Time-table is not available yet

Time-table for summer semester 2025/2026:

Time-table is not available yet

The course is a part of the following study plans:

• Physical Engineering - Computational physics (elective course)
• Quantum Technologies (compulsory course in the program)
• Nuclear and Particle Physics (compulsory course in the program)
• Mathematical Engineering - Mathematical Physics (elective course)
• Physical Engineering - Plasma Physics and Thermonuclear Fusion (elective course)
• Physical Engineering - Solid State Engineering (elective course)
• Physical Engineering - Laser Technology and Photonics (elective course)