Pendulum Experiment: Paper

First year physics lab was my first introduction to rigorous experimentation. I learned how to minimize uncertainty in experimental setups, perform elementary error and uncertainty analysis, and create best fit functions for experimental data.

On the left is the initial pendulum setup created. Using only one string allows for movement in and out of the camera frame, leading to energy loses which effects the period of the pendulum. On the right is the second setup, where the pendulum is held by two strings, ensuring movement only occurs along two axes.

Canadian Young Physicist Tournament

I participated in CaYPT in 2023, where I was in charge of designing experiments to observe two phenomenons and presenting the relevant theory. Our team received a bronze medal.

Oscillating Sphere

Described how a magnetic field affects the motion of an oscillating conducting sphere rotating about its z-axis. Key physics involved the damped harmonic oscillator to describe the motion of the oscillating sphere on its own. Introducing a magnetic field in the presence of a conductor induces eddy currents by Faraday's law. Lenz's law states these moving currents induce a magnetic field that opposes the motion of the sphere, leading to magnetic braking by converting kinetic to thermal energy.

This experiment taught me how to design experiments that enable data collection. For example, I placed a black dot on the rotating sphere and used tracker software to measure its angular position. I also had to learn new branches of physics alone.

Euler's Pendulum

Described how a tower of neodymium magnets rotates when spun about its z-axis. This experiment involved identifying relevant variables to adjust (magnetic strength, initial velocity of pendulum, height of release, distance between top magnet and magnetic tower). I also used Euler's method to solve the second order ODE given by Newton's second law.

Pulses in Cables: Paper

Investigated how pulses travelling through a transmission line can be modeled as a wave. Finding a characteristic impedence to minimize wave reflection, the pulse velocity, and attenuation factor of a cable were the main objectives.

This experiment developed my ability to analyze fits with goodness of fit parameters, uncertainty propogation formula, and systematically identify sources of error.

Electron Spin Resonance: Paper

We know electrons can have two quantized spin states. What is the energy difference between these states? To find this energy difference, we must excite the electron with a specific amount of energy.

This experiment involved generating a magnetic field using helmholtz coils, and using an RF coil containing some sample to excite. The RF coil generates a perpendicular magnetic field, and has energy proportional to its frequency. By adjusting the frequency or strength of the magnetic field, we can cause an electron to absorb energy.