What Do You Do in a Physics Lab? The Experiments in PHYS 200L

In a physics lab, you collect measurements, use them to test physical ideas, analyze uncertainty, and explain your results in a report.

What do you do in a physics lab?

You follow an experimental procedure, record measurements with units, perform calculations, and decide whether the results support a prediction. You also consider uncertainty: measurements are never perfectly precise, and experimental conditions can affect the outcome.

For example, a motion experiment might ask you to record positions at different times and use a graph to understand how an object moves. Your conclusion should explain what the data show, not just whether the experiment produced the answer you expected.

What does a physics lab look like?

A physical lab may have benches, measuring instruments, ramps, timers, and electrical equipment. An online lab can show those tools on a screen instead: you interact with a simulated setup and collect data from virtual instruments.

The Physics Lab course uses eight browser-based simulations with calibrated virtual instruments. Each session generates its own specimen data set, so the report is based on that student's session. The syllabus below shows the activities and estimated hours for each part of the course.

A virtual experiment gives you practice collecting and interpreting data, but it is not the same experience as physically setting up equipment. For more on the format, see how an online physics lab works.

What physics lab experiments do you do?

The eight PHYS 200L experiments cover the following topics:

1. Measurement and uncertainty: Read a virtual caliper, measure mass, and time a glider. Report measurements with suitable units and precision.
2. Vectors and displacement: Measure segments, resolve them into components, and find the resultant displacement.
3. One-dimensional motion and free fall: Use position data, velocities, and a graph to investigate motion and measure gravitational acceleration.
4. Projectile motion: Use launch and height measurements to predict a landing position, then test the prediction.
5. Newton's laws and friction: Investigate a slipping angle and spring-scale readings, then use a free-body diagram to analyze forces.
6. Work and energy: Measure a ramp setup, run release trials, and account for changes in energy.
7. Oscillations and sound: Investigate a pendulum and acoustic resonance, including a calculation of the speed of sound.
8. Fluids and circuits: Examine density and buoyancy, then use circuit data to explore Ohm's law, resistance, and power.

For background on why experimental measurements matter, read classic physics experiments explained.

How does an online physics lab work?

Each lab starts with a student handout and directions, followed by a virtual sequence that includes an overview, pre-lab, experimental parts, calculations, and a post-lab. You complete the simulation at your own pace and export the auto-compiled report for submission.

There are eight reports and eight graded quizzes. You take each 10-question quiz after submitting the corresponding report. Reports count for 70% of the overall grade and quizzes for 30%; the stated passing rule is a score of 70 or above. Missing a required component may result in failure.

How do you write a physics lab report?

A physics lab report explains what you investigated, how you collected data, what you calculated, and what the results mean. Use the lab's directions and rubric to determine the required format; include units, appropriate significant figures, and an explanation of relevant uncertainty.

For example, if your measured result differs from a prediction, discuss plausible sources of error and how they could affect the result. Avoid calling a result wrong solely because it differs: compare the difference with the uncertainty when the information is available.

The simulations compile the reports for export, but the course requires clear presentation of data, calculations, and conclusions. See how to write a physics lab report for more guidance.

Which colleges list Physics Lab on an equivalency chart?

These colleges show Physics Lab (PHYS 200L) on their equivalency charts with UPI Study. Open a college for its full chart.

See the rest of the equivalency on the Physics Lab course page, or open a college above for its full chart. ACE and NCCRS have over 2,100 cooperating colleges that will consider accepting credits; the final decision is with the universities.

Frequently Asked Questions about Physics Lab

Final Thoughts on Physics Lab

Start by checking your program's lab requirement, especially whether it accepts a virtual format. Then review the experiment list and report expectations to see whether the course fits what you need to learn.