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PRAXIS 5266 · COURSE

Praxis 5266 Physics course

38 guided lessons across 5 sections. Read the first chapter free — no account needed.

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Experimental controls

What would you predict about experimental controls before calculating?

Key words

Experimental controls
Change one independent variable while measuring the dependent variable and holding other conditions comparable. — e.g. Compare pendulum periods at different lengths while keeping bob mass and release angle fixed.
Physical model
A mathematical or conceptual description used to predict experimental controls. — e.g. Compare pendulum periods at different lengths while keeping bob mass and release angle fixed.
Evidence
Observations that can test an explanation involving experimental controls. — e.g. Compare pendulum periods at different lengths while keeping bob mass and release angle fixed.
Prediction
A result anticipated from the governing rule for experimental controls. — e.g. Change one independent variable while measuring the dependent variable and holding other conditions comparable.
Common error
A plausible but incorrect claim about experimental controls. — e.g. Changing length and release angle simultaneously confounds the result.

CONCEPT

Change one independent variable while measuring the dependent variable and holding other conditions comparable.

PLAIN LANGUAGE

Compare pendulum periods at different lengths while keeping bob mass and release angle fixed.

I DO — MODEL

Read the quantities and physical conditions first. Compare pendulum periods at different lengths while keeping bob mass and release angle fixed. Explain why the result follows from: Change one independent variable while measuring the dependent variable and holding other conditions comparable.

WE DO — GUIDED

Have a learner identify the known values, select the physical law, and justify the answer for this situation: Compare pendulum periods at different lengths while keeping bob mass and release angle fixed.

YOU DO — INDEPENDENT

Predict what would change if one condition changed. Explain why this tempting statement is false: Changing length and release angle simultaneously confounds the result.

Remember this

  • Change one independent variable while measuring the dependent variable and holding other conditions comparable.
  • Compare pendulum periods at different lengths while keeping bob mass and release angle fixed.
  • Avoid: Changing length and release angle simultaneously confounds the result.

Experimental controls: identify quantities → choose law → check units and direction

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Every lesson in the course

I. Nature and Impact of Science and Engineering

12%
  1. Experimental controlsFree
  2. Measurement uncertainty
  3. Graph interpretation
  4. Engineering design

II. Principles and Models of Matter and Energy

15%
  1. Atomic spectra
  2. Nuclear processes
  3. Temperature and heat
  4. Phase changes
  5. Thermodynamics

III. Mechanics

35%
  1. Displacement and velocity
  2. Constant acceleration
  3. Projectile motion
  4. Newton second law
  5. Friction and forces
  6. Work and kinetic energy
  7. Energy conservation
  8. Impulse and momentum
  9. Circular motion
  10. Gravity and orbits
  11. Torque and equilibrium
  12. Fluids and buoyancy
  13. Simple harmonic motion

IV. Electricity and Magnetism

21%
  1. Electric charge and Coulomb law
  2. Electric fields
  3. Electric potential
  4. Ohm law
  5. Series circuits
  6. Parallel circuits
  7. Electrical power
  8. Magnetic force
  9. Electromagnetic induction

V. Waves

17%
  1. Wave speed and frequency
  2. Superposition and interference
  3. Standing waves and resonance
  4. Sound and Doppler effect
  5. Reflection and refraction
  6. Lenses and images
  7. Electromagnetic spectrum
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