Uncertainty Measurements and the Wavelength of Light
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Abstract
This high school physics lesson is designed to help students understand how very small measurements can be made (even at the nanoscale) and how the accuracy of those measurements affects their results. In this lab, students will calculate the wavelength of a laser (on the nanoscale) using simple classroom materials. Students will also take into account uncertainties in their measurements. By incorporating these uncertainties, students will determine a range of acceptable wavelengths of the laser and compare their value to that provided by the manufacturer.
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Developed by the University of Minnesota NNIN RET program.
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This lesson was developed with support of the National Science Foundation -- NNIN and the NNIN RET program.
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Submitter
NNCI Education and Outreach, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA