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
Applications Of Newton's Laws
Gravity
Work and Energy: Potential Energy; Simple Machines; video - Inclined Plane; Human Lever Arm; video - Conservative System; video - Pendulum with Moveable Peg; video - Loop - the - Loop; Ball in Curved Tracks; Maxwell's Wheel (Yo-Yo); Work Done by a Compressed Spring; video - Work Done on a Cart; Energy Conversion and Conservation
Momentum
Rotational Motion
Properties of Matter

Simple Machines

Purpose:

To illustrate the principle of conservation of energy by means of the six classical "simple machines".

Procedure:

Show that force x distance in equals force x distance out in the absence of friction (the ideal case). Also discuss the much more prevalent, actual case.

Equipment:

Hammer
Human Forearm
Inclined Plane
Lever
Pulley (block and tackle)
Screw (old fashioned automobile jack)
Wedge (log splitting)
Wheel and Axle (winch)