Conceptual Physics 11th Edition
Laboratory Manual: Activities · Experiments · Demonstrations · Tech Labs

by Paul G. Hewitt and Dean Baird · © 2010 by Pearson Addison Wesley ISBN 0321732480


PhET-based Tech Labs has moved


The laboratory activities below are based on computer simulations developed by the University of Colorado's Physics Educational Technology Program (PhET). Most are also included in the Conceptual Physics 11th Edition Laboratory Manual: Activities · Experiments · Demonstrations · Tech Labs by Paul G. Hewitt and Dean Baird © 2010 by Pearson Addison Wesley ISBN 0321732480. Click the link to see the lab manual's complete table of contents.

Permission: Instructors are allowed to duplicate the materials here for purposes of classroom instruction.

Instructor's notes are available to instructors via email. Enjoy!

Conceptual Physics 11e
Laboratory Activity Title and Purpose
PhET Simulation
Part One:
Mechanics
Manipulating the Moving Man [Motion Graphs]
Purpose: To study one-dimensional motion through the use of a computer simulation
The Moving Man
Worlds of Wonder [Orbital Mechanics]
Purpose: To use a simulation to study the orbital mechanics of a simplified solar system
My Solar System
Part Two:
Properties of Matter
Spring to Another World [Hooke's Law]
Purpose: To use a simulation of masses and springs to determine force constants, a mass value, and the gravitational acceleration of an unknown planet
Masses and Springs
Part Three:
Heat
Bouncing Off the Walls [Kinetic Theory]
Purpose: To control and observe the behavior of gas particles (atoms or molecules) as modeled in a simulation to investigate properties of gas such as temperature and pressure
Gas Properties
Part Four:
Sound
Water Waves in an Electric Sink [Wave Mechanics]
Purpose: To observe and control waves in a ripple tank simulation to learn the basics of wave mechanics
Wave Interference
Part Five:
Electricity and
Magnetism


Electric Field Hockey [Electric Forces and Fields]
Purpose: To use a simulation to gain a sense of the vector nature of the electric field and the consequence of the inverse square law that governs electrostatic force by completing a series of game-like challenges
Electric Field Hockey
'Lectronic Plates [Uniform Electric Fields]
Purpose: To study the uniform electric field between charged, parallrl plates and determine which factors play a roll in its strength
Capacitor Lab
Greased Lightning [Static Charging and Discharging]
Purpose: To determine the likelihood of getting a “carpet shock” (based on controllable variables), and to avoid or produce such shocks under a series of challenging conditions
John Travoltage
The Two-Plate Special [Parallel Plate Capacitors]
Purpose: To investigate the characteristics and relationships that govern parallel plate capacitors (capacitance and energy storage)
Capacitor Lab
Part Six:
Light
The Fringe of Optics [Light Wave Interference] Beta!
Purpose: To construct the mathematical relationship describing interference patterns
Wave Interference
Part Seven:
Atomic and
Nuclear Physics
Shine a Light [The Photoelectric Effect]
Coming Soon! Please check back later.
The Photoelectric Effect
Radioactive Speed Dating [Radiometric Dating] Beta!
Purpose: Correctly estimate the age of the various virtual objects (skulls, rocks, etc.) using the principles of radiometric dating
Radioactive Dating Game


This page is maintained solely by Dean Baird. Actual Lab Manual content may vary; activities posted here are "works in progress."
Please direct inquiries to Dean Baird: dean@phyz.org.