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
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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
Applications Of Newton's Laws
Gravity: Brachistochrone curve; Cavendish Balance Model; Gravitational field model
Work and Energy
Momentum
Rotational Motion
Properties of Matter

Gravitational field model

Purpose:

To demonstrate the orbit of an object in a gravitational potential well.

Procedure:

A Lexan sheet is heated and then stretched to produce a surface very close to inverse square gravitational field. Start the ball rolling tangentially in the bowl to obtain an orbit, then observe the effects of conservation of angular momentum.

Hints:

Practice is needed to achieve good orbit.
An alternative setup of a fabric stretched over the trash can is available.