- Docente: Sara Valentinetti
- Credits: 10
- Language: Italian
- Moduli: Sara Valentinetti (Modulo 1) Nicolò Jacazio (Modulo 2) Silvia Arcelli (Modulo 3) Silvia Arcelli (Modulo 4)
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures (Modulo 1) Traditional lectures (Modulo 2) Traditional lectures (Modulo 3) Traditional lectures (Modulo 4)
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Physics (cod. 9244)
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from Sep 21, 2023 to May 23, 2024
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from Mar 20, 2024 to May 29, 2024
Learning outcomes
The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to probability and statistics useful in the analysis of experimental data. Students are expected to be able to correctly measure physical quantities, analyse data taken during laboratory sessions and write short reports.
Course contents
Module 1
The measure of physical quantities
the experimental method; the International System (SI) of units; the experimental uncertanties (statistical and systematic errors); the Gauss distribution; the maximum likelihood method for the estimation of the parameters of a distribution; linear fits; rejection of data; the Student distribution; confidence intervals and confidence levels; the binomial and poissoninan disrtibution; the chi2 test.
Introduction to data acquisition based on electronic devices and personal computer
sensors and transducers; analog and digital signals; resolution, amplification, code width.
Statistics and probability
Basic elements of probability; random cariables; probability density functions; binomial, poisson, uniform, normale and gaussian distributions; mean and variance; covariance and correlation coefficient; confidence level; chauvenet thoerem; student distribution; maximum likelihood criterion; least squared method; weighted mean; linear regression; chi squared distribution; best fit; hypothesis tests and null hypothesis;
Experiment performed in laboratory
1) measurement of the inertia of a solid body;
2) calibration of a thermocouple;
3) linear and angular momentum conservation;
4) Ruchardt and Perrin experiments;
Experiments 3) and 4) are part of Moduls 2, 4 and 5
Data analysis could be performed using statistical function of software package ROOT.
Module 3
ROOT framework for data analysis
- User interface
- Representation of experimental data with ROOT: histograms, canvas and related commands;
- Monte Carlo generators;
- Examples of uniform, gaussina, exponential and gaussian distribution;
- Examples of ROOT macros for data aquired during laboratory sessions.
Readings/Bibliography
P. Fornasini "The uncertainty in physical measurements" Springer.
J. R. Tayor "Introduzione all'analisi degli errori" (seconda edizione)
Zanichelli.
Teaching methods
Lectures and laboratory sessions.
Assessment methods
Written examination consisting of 3 exercises on statistical method and 1 exercise on ROOT data analysis framework.
Oral examination consisting on the discussion of one experience performed in the laboratory sessions and 2 questions on statistical theory.
Teaching tools
Slides
Office hours
See the website of Sara Valentinetti
See the website of Nicolò Jacazio
See the website of Silvia Arcelli
See the website of Silvia Arcelli
SDGs
This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.