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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Geometrical Optics
Diffraction
Interference: video - Interference and Diffraction; Multiple Slit Interference; Multiple Slit Interference II; Diffraction using CD; video - Newton's Rings; Laser Interference; video - Thin Film Interference; Michelson Interferometer
Color
Polarization
The Eye

Diffraction using CD

Purpose:

To demonstrate diffraction using Compact Disk.

Procedure:

A compact disc is placed on the ELMO with top lights on. The adjacent tracks on a CD's spiral groove are close enough to act as a diffraction grating (1.6 ∓0.1 μm). Rainbow pattern projected on the screen can be adjusted by moving the CD left and right.