Computation and Experimentation as Equal Partners in a Modern Physics Lab Exercise

TL;DR

This paper presents an integrated physics lab approach where computational and experimental methods are combined as equal partners, enhancing students' understanding of the interplay between theory, computation, and experiment in modern physics.

Contribution

It introduces a novel lab design that unifies computational and experimental work, moving beyond traditional siloed approaches to better reflect real-world physics practice.

Findings

Students engage more deeply with theory, computation, and experiment.

The integrated labs improve understanding of physical models.

Potential for iterative learning through model refinement.

Abstract

Experience with experimental and computational work are important components of students' understanding of the practice of physics. Physics departments typically use specific experimental lab courses and computational lab courses to develop students' skills in these areas. However these siloed experiences do not accurately represent the nuanced interplay between the theory, computation, and experiment that occurs outside of the curricular setting when physicists are building and testing models of the physical world. To expose students to this interplay, we have integrated computational and experimental work as equal partners within two radioactivity labs that occur within our modern physics lab course - the decay of $^{137}{\rm Ba}$ and the simultaneous decay of two silver isotopes in pre-1965 quarters. We present both of these labs and potential extensions that allow students to iterate on their theoretical, computational and/or experimental models based on what they learn from their initial investigation.