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

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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
Momentum
Rotational Motion
Properties of Matter

Force and Tension

Purpose:

To demonstrate the effect of a small force through a large distance.

Procedure:

Have two powerful students stretch the rope between them and put as much tension on it as they can. Have a frail student come to the middle of the rope and quickly press down with one finger. The large and powerful students will be pulled off balance.

Equipment:

Diminutive and Frail Student
2 Huge and Powerful Student
Long Piece of Strong Rope (approx. 50 ft.)