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
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

Human Lever Arm

Purpose:

Using simple see-saw mechanism to demonstrate conservation of energy principle. Based after R. Feynman book "The Character of Physical Law" pp.71 and 72.

Procedure:

Have two students of vastly different sizes balance out on the see-saw. Show qualitatively that the total potential energy of the system doesn't change because heavier person raises to smaller height. This of course is the lever law but from a different perspective.

Hints:

Use an aluminum elbow for pivot.

Equipment:

Large Wooden Plank