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

Rotational Equilibrium

Purpose:

To show that the sum of the torques is zero when a body is in rotational equilibrium.

Procedure:

Mount plate by inserting support rod. Tie strings to holes on rim of plate. Position strings over pulleys and hang weights on ends. Calculate torques and verify that in equilibrium the sum of the torques is zero.
Measure angles of forces using plumb bob as a vertical reference. By setting sum of horizontal and vertical components equal to zero, show that force exerted by axis is zero. Remove axis.

Equipment:

Meter Stick
Irregular Plate
Large Protractor
Plumb Bob
Pulley
Stand
String
Support w/ rod to fit in center hole
Weights