Prospectus

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Physics Experiments 1

Course
2018-2019

Toegangseisen

Optica, Klassieke Mechanica a, Analyse 2 (na), Experimentele Natuurkunde

Beschrijving

The most interesting thing about this course is that it teaches you a relatively simple method to describe, solve, and predict physical phenomena.
These physical phenomena have to have the property that the output of the system changes linearly in response to a small change in the input of the system (linear systems). In the time domain such phenomena are describe by coupled linear differential equations. When, after a Fourier transform, we look at these phenomena in the frequency domain the differential equations become ordinary algebraic equations which are easily solvable.

To show the importance of this theory in doing research this course will contain practical work besides lectures and exercise classes. The practical work will connect theory and practice and will show how the theory applies to various problems. Python is used in both the exercise classes and the practical work.
During the exercise classes you will learn how to implement the Discrete Fourier transform in Python and how to use that to model various physical phenomena also in Python.
During the practical work your knowledge of Python will be deepened in the areas of designing a graphical user interface (GUI) and object oriented programming (OOP). Furthermore you will learn how to control experiments and measure data using the MyDAQ and Python and thereby be able to measure transfer functions experimentally.
Because of this structure of the course you will not only get to know a powerful theory that is applicable to many physical phenomena, but also be able to use that theory in practice.

This course treats the following subjects in a physically relevant context:

  • Fourier series & Fourier transform

  • Discrete Fourier transform

  • Converting time domain signals to frequency domain signals and vice versa

  • Signal analysis of time-dependent signals in the frequency domain

  • Drafting and solving linear differential equations for physical phenomena

  • Complex impedance of electronic and mechanical components (resistance, coil, capacitor, damping of a spring, mass, spring constant)

  • Transfer functions & Bodeplots for mechanical systems (filters & harmonic oscillators)

  • Transfer functions & Bodeplots for electronic systems (filters & harmonic oscillators)

  • Transfer functions for optical systems (single slit, double slit & gratings)

  • Fourier relations

Leerdoelen

At the end of this course you will be able to: To describe periodic phenomena by means of a Fourier series Calculate and apply the coefficients of a Fourier series in a physically relevant context Draft simple differential equations for electronic, mechanical and optical physical phenomena Implement the Fourier transformations of a number of physically relevant functions independently Analyze time-dependent signals in the frequency domain by applying a Fourier transformation Model simple physical systems in the time domain by determining the transfer function in the frequency domain To name and explain the analogy and differences in the description of electronic, mechanical and optical systems Perform numerical Fourier transformations using Python and interpret these calculate and describe the transfer functions of simple electronic filters by using complex impedance and Bodeplots Describe and calculate the transfer function of a driven damped harmonic oscillator Model and predict the behavior of linear systems numerically using Fourier transforms and transfer functions Create a simple graphical user interface (GUI) in Python Perform simple data acquisition by controlling hardware using Python Independently set up experiments to determine the transfer function of a system Identify and name different sources of noise by using the frequency domain Explain diffraction of single slit, double slit and gratings using Fourier transforms Name Fourier relations between k and x, and ω and t

Generic skills (soft skills)

The following skills will be trained during this course:

  • Thinking in a different domain from the time domain.

  • Attaining new Python skills that you can use again in all other courses.

Rooster

Rooster

Onderwijsvorm

Practicum

Toetsing

Blackboard

Op Blackboard vindt men de handleidingen voor de proeven, de namen, tel nummer en emails van alle deelnemende studenten en assistenten en de meest recente versies van het rooster.
Voor toegang tot Blackboard is een ULCN-account nodig).Blackboard UL

Literatuur

Handleidingen

Contact

Contact data lecturers: Dr. M.de Dood (Michiel) Dr.ir. P. Logman (Paul)