Physics Lab Exams: Theoretical or Experimental?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Physics lab exams vary significantly across universities, with some institutions opting for purely experimental assessments while others incorporate theoretical components. A common approach involves a mix of both, where students apply learned theories to solve problems and then conduct related experiments. One educator highlighted the effectiveness of this hybrid method, citing practical exams that require students to analyze elastic and inelastic collisions with unknown masses. This discussion emphasizes the need for diverse examination strategies in physics education.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of experimental physics principles
  • Familiarity with elastic and inelastic collision concepts
  • Knowledge of laboratory procedures and safety protocols
  • Ability to apply theoretical physics to practical scenarios
NEXT STEPS
  • Research best practices for designing hybrid physics lab exams
  • Explore methods for assessing student understanding in experimental settings
  • Learn about the impact of different examination formats on student performance
  • Investigate the use of technology in conducting and evaluating physics experiments
USEFUL FOR

Physics educators, curriculum developers, and academic administrators interested in enhancing assessment strategies in laboratory courses.

Physicist
Messages
43
Reaction score
0
Hello all,

Do you have exams for physics labs?

How is the exam done? Theoretical or experimental?


Thank you
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Probably the thing to ask a professor who teaches such a course.
 
Thank you Bitter.
I want to know the rules at different universities.

I teach physics labs and we have a final experimental exam which includes the same experiments done during the semester. I don't agree completely with this way of examining and wanted to see how other universities examine.
 
My exams for the labs where a mix of both. We where given problems, where we had to compute the numerical answer by applying the various theories we had learned. Then we would set up experiments based on the questions. I prefer this method as opposed to just replicating prior experiments.
 
We had a practical exam too. An earlier experiment had us examine elastic and inelastic collisions with known masses. The exam had us do the same thing but with unknown mass. I don't remember the details really since it was a long time ago.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
889
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
1K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K