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

video - Newton's Rings

Purpose:

To demonstrate an interference pattern fomed by the reflection from a thin air gap formed by two glass pieces.

Procedure:

DEMO VIDEO DOWNLOAD

Place a lightbox at 45-degrees to the Newton's Rings apparatus front surface. Then, aim a camera at 45-degrees to the glass surface. The spacings can be adjusted by the thumbscrews on the bottom of the device. Gently pinch the apparatus with the fingers and observe the shifting pattern.

Hints:

The apparatus is too small to view from the lecture bench. So, if one does not have access to a camera to project the demo to the class, then, instead, pass around the Newton's Rings apparatus so the students can see it in their own hands.

Equipment:

Newton Rings Apparatus