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.

Choose a Topic or Enter a keyword to search:

Mechanics
Fluid Mechanics
Oscillations And Waves
Thermodynamics
Electricity And Magnetism
Optics
Modern Physics
Audio-Visual
New or Modified Entries (within the last month)

I cannot find what I want!

You have selected the following Demos:

None Selected

Choose a subtopic:
(Clicking a green button will add that demo to your list)

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 - Thin Film Interference

Purpose:

To demonstrate the wavelength dependence of interference in a thin film held vertical so that it is thicker at the bottom than at the top, producing a muti-colored effect.

Procedure:

DEMO VIDEO DOWNLOAD

DEMO VIDEO DOWNLOAD

Reflect the lightbox rays off the soap film in the circular frame and focus it on the screen with the lens. To get film on the circular frame, bring bubble solution jar up and dip frame into the liquid and let the excess drip away. The film should last about 1/2 minute before it "pops". As the bubble liquid settles down, the thin film (thinner at top, thicker at bottom) shows excellent color bands.

Equipment:

Slide Projector
Bubble fluid
Light Shield
Magnifying Lens
Stand
Thin Film Apparatus