May Linn Phyu,MM029,2318 Tawara University Science
TAWARA PHYSICS PRACTICAL WORKSHOPS
Guide produced by:May Linn Phyu
Laboratory Equipment
Here are some examples of equipment you will use in the physics and engineering laboratories as you
do your experimental work in the first year. It is not a complete list, but you will find more detailed
instruuctions for using the equipment in the manuals that we have produced for each lab-work
experiment. For each piece of equipment, interactive tutorals and activities are provided for you to
check your understanding of their use.
Vernier Scales Vernier Scale Callipers
Vernier scales are used in several applications. These may be used to measure the:
You will use them in the lab when using
external diameter of an object
callipers, angular Vernier scales and travelling
microscopes. They allow the user to read off internal diameter
values with greater precision than when using
more basic scales. depth of a cavity
On a measuring device with a Vernier scale, small angles for setting up e.g. an astronomical
this latter lies next to the main scale. It is telescope.
designed so that ten of its divisions equal nine
Vernier scales may provide readouts on a linear
of those on the main scale. A rough reading can
scale, using an analogue dial or with a digital
be taken on the main scale and this can then be
display. The analogue display calliper provides
refined by measuring a more precise value on
the final readout on a dial, while the digital ones
the Vernier scale.
replace the dial with an electronic display.
Micrometers
These are used to make precise measurements
of small objects. They also have a main (coarse)
scale and a fine scale to refine the measurement.
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May Linn Phyu,MM029,2318 Tawara University Science
The micrometer will be equipped with a friction Using a signal generator, you can produce sine,
screw to tighten the jaws onto the object to be square or triangular waves and view these by
measured. The friction screw ensures the jaws connecting to an oscilloscope. See the
do not overtighten on the object and possibly interactive tutorials to check your
damage it. A locking lever locks the jaws in understanding before connecting and using the
place once fixed on the object to be measured. signal generator in your lab sessions.
The first reading is taken on the coarse scale
and this is then refined by turning the “thimble”
Oscilloscope
on the end which provides the fine reading by As already mentioned, this piece of equipment
moving the jaws by 0.5mm for each rotation. will be used to display the output, for example,
from a signal generator in visual form. A digital
Digital Multimeters display will represent in two dimensions one or
These can be used to measure various more potential differences. This will usually be
properties of electrical circuits. These voltage on the vertical axis (Y-axis) plotted
properties include voltage, current and against time on the horizontal axis (X-axis).
resistance. To measure the current, you would The display will scan repeatedly from left to
use the multimeter as an ammeter. You will also right across the screen to make a trace or
use one to measure voltage, or resistance using “waveform”.
it as an ohmmeter. Detailed instructions for
These are just some of the items of
connecting up the multimeter for its different
equipment you will use in your
functions are included in the interactive
experiments in the first year of lab
tutorials. In general, if you are unsure about the
work. You should familiarise
range of measurements you are taking, it is
yourself with them and their
better to start with a high setting and work
functions through the interactive
towards a lower one.
tutorials and activities linked to this
Function Generator introduction.
Also known as a signal generator, this device
can produce various patterns of voltage at
different frequencies and amplitude. You can
use it to test the response of a circuit to known
signal inputs.
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May Linn Phyu,MM029,2318 Tawara University Science
Laboratory Notebook Skills It is a place for you to record your data and the
procedure you undertook. It is the place to write
You will also need to keep notes of your
down all your ideas and your findings, even if,
experiments in your lab report notebook.
at the time, you think they are unimportant. In
Conventions for keeping and presenting lab
essence it contains all the evidence for your
reports can be found in the tutorial, [insert link
findings and your logical deductions. The lab
to tutorial here] but you should also consult
book is evidence of good laboratory practice.
your lab supervisor.
A good lab book ensures that your colleagues
Why Do We Need Lab Books?
can clearly follow your procedures and
To keep a record of what you found, how you understand your logic.
did it and what you think. An essential part of
experimental science is a well-maintained lab The lab book is evidence
The lab book is a resource
book which records all your work.
The lab book is NOT a copy of the
experimental script
The lab book is a bound A4 notebook.
You may alternatively keep a digital copy of
your lab book using software we recommend.
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