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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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
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The Roman Arch

Purpose:

To investigate the construction of a particular form of architecture, i.e., the Roman Arch.

Procedure:

The blocks are numbered according to position and order so the arch can be constructed in front of the class and then tested for strength. A detailed force-vector matrix analysis can be done to see how the arch grows stronger as more force is applied to it (up to an upper limit, of course). Discuss the need for thorough study before building any structure that will be subject to stresses and strains.

Equipment:

Set of Roman Arch blocks