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

Ball in Curved Tracks

Purpose:

To demonstrate that the kinetic energy of a ball dropped from the same height does not depend on the ball's trajectory but merely on the height difference.

Procedure:

Simultaneously release two balls from the same height following quite different paths. To demonstrate that the balls have had the same velocity while off their tracks, set the apparatus at the edge of the bench and observe that the balls' range on the floor is the same.

Hints:

The holder ship is inside the can along with the balls.

Equipment:

Brachistochrone curve apparatus