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
Applications Of Newton's Laws: Ladder Against a Wall; Walking the Giant YoYo; Weight Dependence of Friction; video - Contact Area Independence of Friction; Coefficient of Friction
Gravity
Work and Energy
Momentum
Rotational Motion
Properties of Matter

Coefficient of Friction

Purpose:

To show that the coefficient of static friction is greater than the coefficient of kinetic friction.

Procedure:

Place the block on the plane and increase the angle between the plane and the table until the block just begins to slide. Measure this angle (it can be pointed out that the coefficient of static friction is equal to the tangent of this angle). Start again and slowly approach this angle, then give the block a nudge, noting that once it breaks away it accelerates.

Equipment:

Friction Block
Hinged Inclined Plane
Large Protractor