The document describes two physics experiments that can be conducted at a coffee shop using inexpensive materials and an IO lab device. The first experiment involves charging and discharging a capacitor in an RC circuit to determine the circuit's time constant. The second tests Ampere's law by measuring the magnetic field around a current-carrying wire at various distances. Guidelines for virtual labs are discussed. Instructions and videos are provided to support students in gathering and analyzing data remotely.

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E&M labs that can be done
at Starbucks!
Christopher Ubing
Physics / Astronomy Instructor.
Presented to Arizona Section of AAPT
8, April, 2017
Abstract
• I present two lab activities in Circuits and Magnetism that can be
done with the IO lab device in a non-classroom environment. It will
be demonstrated, using this device with its software and some
common materials, the student can carry out a lab that conforms to
the best practices we do in the classroom.

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Flipped and Distance Ed in Physics.
• Create Lectures by:
• PowerPoint or other presentation software
• Video capture packages e.g. Snagit, Camista etc…
• Interactive problems can be generated either using a commercial product
(Mastering) or created via Python.
• Tests can be done at a testing center, proctored via video, or online.
• Labs:
• Virtual Labs e.g. NAAP, PHET, Oregon.
• Maricopa lab kits.
Flipped and Distance Physics: The Problem.
• Labs are the difficult in a distance environment.
• Guidelines for Lab Design:
• Constructing Knowledge.
• Modeling.
• Designing Experiments.
• Developing Technical and Practical Laboratory Skills.
• Analyzing and visualizing data.
• Communicating Physics.

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Solution.
Specs.

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Labs for E/M
• Three challenges.
• RC circuit.
• Ampere’s Law.
• Faraday’s Law.
• All done with inexpensive materials.
• All done at a local coffee shop.
RC-Charge and Discharge.
• AA Battery holder. $1.00
• 100 µF Capacitor. $0.60
• 10 k Ω Resistor. $0.60
• Breadboard. $5.00
• Breadboard wire. $10.00

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Support for Student
Analysis
• Obtain time constant to 98 % of accepted value.
• Given capacitor, student can determine the value of unknown resistor
to 5% (tolerance).
• Student able to generate graphical representation using IO software
then generate a mathematical representation of data using Logger
Pro or spreadsheet software.

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Ampere’s Law
Ampere’s Law
• Magnetic copper wire: 1- 2 m
$1.00
• Single or Double throw switch:
$2.00
• AA Battery Holder with leads:
$1.00
• Clear Plastic Ruler:
$2.00
• Tape. Masking or Duct.

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Procedure.
• Set up distances from the wire. z= 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 cm.
• Determine the magnetic field of the Earth. No current.
• Measure magnetic field with current on.
• Setup for data analysis.
• Curve fitting with Logger Pro.
Support.

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Analysis of Data:
Data Table Logger Pro

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Plots of data
Faraday-Lenz’ Law.

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YouTube Link
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCh2pp9rCEChRQdCXQMTtCg
• Supports student with setup and working with data.
• Supports using data repository and Logger Pro.
Conclusions.
• All labs presented here are ready to go.
• Can be conducted anywhere the student is.
• Meets standards recommended by AAPT.
• Questions: chris.ubing@gmail.com
• Mats@illinois.edu
• Thank you to Richard ”Bubba” Hall for asking this question in my first
year and encouraging my investigation.

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References.
• http://per.physics.illinois.edu/research/papers-
talks/details.asp?id=18035
• AAPT Recommendations for the Undergraduate Physics Laboratory
Curriculum.
• Ansell, Woessner, Salen, “Student see or student do? Comparing
video demonstrations and Hands on experiences in online
instruction.”
• http://www.iolab.science/documents/IOLab_Description_onepage.p
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