Responding to the developments of the past twenty years, Les Kirkup has thoroughly updated his popular book on experimental methods, while retaining the extensive coverage and practical advice from the first edition. Many topics from that edition remain, including keeping a record of work, how to deal with measurement uncertainties, understanding the statistical basis of data analysis and reporting the results of experiments. However, with new technologies influencing how experiments are devised, carried out, analyzed, presented and reported, this new edition reflects the digital changes which have taken place and the increased emphasis on the importance of communication skills in reporting results. Bringing together key elements of experimental methods into one coherent book, it is perfect for students seeking guidance with their experimental work, including how to acquire, analyse and present data. Exercises, worked examples and end-of-chapter problems are provided throughout the book to reinforce fundamental principles.
Author(s): Les Kirkup
Edition: 2nd Edition
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Year: 2019
Language: English
Pages: 240
Tags: Physical Sciences: Experiments: Data Processing, Engineering: Experiments: Data Processing
Cover......Page 1
Front Matter
......Page 3
Reviews......Page 4
Experimental Methods for Science and Engineering Students:
An Introduction to the Analysis and Presentation of Data......Page 5
Copyright
......Page 6
Dedication
......Page 7
Contents
......Page 9
Preface to the Second Edition......Page 13
Preface to the First Edition
......Page 15
1 Introduction to Experimentation......Page 17
2 Characteristics of Experimental Data......Page 25
3 Graphical Presentation of Data......Page 40
4 Dealing with Uncertainties......Page 75
5 Statistical Approach to Variability
in Measurements......Page 101
6 Fitting a Line to x–y Data Using the
Method of Least Squares......Page 127
7 Report Writing and Presentations......Page 155
8 Using Excel to Present and Analyse Data......Page 184
9 Computer-Aided Data Capture......Page 201
APPENDIX 1.
Degrees of Freedom and the t Distribution......Page 213
APPENDIX 2.
Propagation of Uncertainties Where Errors
Are Uncorrelated......Page 216
Solutions to Exercises and Problems......Page 218
Further Reading......Page 234
References......Page 236
Index......Page 237
