Numerical Calculation for Physics Laboratory Projects Using Microsoft EXCEL(R)

Book excerpt: This book may be used as a companion for introductory laboratory courses, as well as possible STEM projects. It covers essential Microsoft EXCEL(R) computational skills while analyzing introductory physics projects. Topics of numerical analysis include: multiple graphs on the same sheet, calculation of descriptive statistical parameters, a 3-point interpolation, the Euler and the Runge-Kutter methods to solve equations of motion, the Fourier transform to calculate the normal modes of a double pendulum, matrix calculations to solve coupled linear equations of a DC circuit, animation of waves and Lissajous figures, electric and magnetic field calculations from the Poisson equation and its 3D surface graphs, variational calculus such as Fermat's least traveling time principle, and the least action principle. Nelson's stochastic quantum dynamics is also introduced to draw quantum particle trajectories.