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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Measurement
Motion In One Dimension
Motion In Two Dimensions
Newton's First Law
Newton's Second Law
Newton's Third Law
Statics Of Rigid Bodies: video - Center of Mass of Virginia; video - Center of Mass Toys; Stacking Blocks; video - Stability Track; photos - Tension in a String; Rope and Three Students; photos - Knot in Static Equilibrium; Force and Tension; The Roman Arch; Rotational Equilibrium; video - Giant Yo-Yo
Applications Of Newton's Laws
Gravity
Work and Energy
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Rotational Motion
Properties of Matter

video - Center of Mass of Virginia

Purpose:

To illustrate a technique for finding the center of mass of an irregularly shaped object.

Procedure:

DEMO VIDEO DOWNLOAD

There are four holes in the map, one of them at the center of mass. Hang the map from each of the outer three holes each time also hanging the plumb bob and marking the plumb line on the map with a piece of chalk. The chalk marks will cross at the fourth hole. Hanging the map from the hole at the center of mass it can be seen to be balanced in any orientation.

Equipment:

Plumb Line
Stand
Map of Virginia