Physics307L F08:People/Franco/Franco's Speed of Light
Speed of Light Lab Summary
The speed of light in vacuum is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second according to wikipedia[[1]]. Our estimated measurement was 352,261,684 meters per secondSJK 22:36, 6 October 2008 (EDT)
. The 17 % difference could be explained due, to many things: the lab was not done in a vacuum, or there could be instrument failure, or old instruments could have defects and give altered data, or there were not a sufficient amount of data points taken, or inaccuracy in human error such as taking measurements, etc. SJK 22:36, 6 October 2008 (EDT)
Over the setup and the procedure, those are correct in method. They were mediated by Koch and Aram.
If I were to do the lab over again, I would take more data points, and have several sets of data. I would have the LED come closer to the PED, then have it go away. With that I would compare the two, and maybe even have another set. I would take the average slope of the two- far to close, close to far. I would ensure that the data that is held constant to be constant. I would ensure that the equipment works correctly. Overall, I would make the experiment as precise as possible.