Physics Demo Manual

Demonstrations are cataloged according to PIRA Bibliography

PLEASE REQUEST DEMOS WELL IN ADVANCE

Due to Physics Building renovations, the lead time to set up demo requests has increased due to the need to transport equipment across campus. Please be kind and let me know well ahead of time what you need.

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Mechanics
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Harmonic Motion: video - Pendula, Spring and Simple; Pendula, Conical and Torsional; video - Pendula, Physical (Center of Percussion); Projected Uniform Circular Motion; Damped Mass on Spring; video - Forced Oscillations; Hacksaw Blade Resonance; video - Resonance Wire Ring; video - Inverted Pendulum - Function Generator; Inverted Pendulum - Reciprocating Saw; Coupled Pendulum Oscillators; Coupled Magnetic Oscillations; Coupled Harmonic Oscillators; Lissajous Figures on the Scope; Lissajous Fifures with Laser; Parametric Amplifier / Oscillator
Waves
Acoustics
Instruments

Projected Uniform Circular Motion

Purpose:

To show that uniform circular motion is harmonic when projected on a diameter.

Procedure:

The idea is to superimpose the shadows of the simple harmonic motion of the pendulum and the rubber ball which rotates on the turntable. This demo takes practice releasing the pendulum and choosing the right string length so that it has the same period as the turntable. The slide projector is used to project the images and should be positioned to minimize parallax.

Equipment:

Slide Projector
Simple Pendulum
33 rpm turntable
Rubber Ball
Weighted Stand