Use of the Python Uncertainties Module in the calculation of experimental uncertainties of the potential difference and electric current of an experimental prototype

In this article, the Python Uncertainties Module was used in the development of the codes to perform the calculations of experimental uncertainties, both for the potential difference and for the electric currents. For this purpose, an experimental prototype was developed that demonstrates the photovoltaic effect from the use of low-cost materials and, therefore, with the objective of observing and quantifying the referred physical quantities involved. In addition, a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the photovoltaic effect was carried out, as well as of Ohm’s First Law. In this perspective, the prototype was associated with a multimeter, that allowed direct measurement of the potential difference, whose main value was (0,4558 ± 0,0004) V, when a laser beam was focused on a photodiode present in a 2N3055 transistor, but also the values of the electric currents, the main values being (81,7100 ± 0,1118) μA and (1,9990 ± 0,0320) μA, when the ohmic resistors of 1,0 kΩ and 220,0 kΩ were used, respectively. Finally, it is important to note that this article proposal aims at the annexation of physical computing in school routine, as well as promoting scientific awakening in the manufacture of specific instruments for teaching and learning physics.

Keywords
Python; Physics Teaching; Instrumentation for Physics Teaching; Ohm’s First Law