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
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Modern Physics
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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
Momentum
Rotational Motion
Properties of Matter: Hooke's Law; Force Constant of a Spring; Spring Scale Collection; Strings and Springs; Breaking Wire (Plasticity); Bending Beams; Prince Rupert's Drops; Shear Block; Happy and unhappy balls; video - Coefficient of Restitution; Crystal Models

Breaking Wire (Plasticity)

Purpose:

To demonstrate plasticity and breaking point of metals.

Procedure:

Hook up a .51mm (0.020" or 24 AWG) diameter copper wire on a stand as shown on a picture. Start hanging weights on the bottom of the wire. At about 4.5-5kg, the wire will stretch (linearly?). At about 5.5kg, the elasticity limit will be reached and the wire will break.

Hints:

Use a Haywire Twist knot on both ends of wire. Take care not to kink the wire loop at its bend.
Place a rubber mat or a wooden pallet under the stand so as not to damage the floors.

Equipment:

1000 gm weight