Lecture Demo Search

  • Upside-Down Pendulum
    PIRA Code(s): 3A10.20
    Set up time:1 minute
    Operation: Move the weight along the hacksaw blade. Pull back on the blade and release. When the weight is at the top of the blade the frequency is smaller compared to when the weight is at the bottom.
    Physics and Science Concepts: Oscillations
    Safety: Edge of blade may be sharp.
  • Variable Angle Pendulum
    PIRA Code(s): 3A10.40
    Set up time:none
    Operation: Push the pendulum so that it swings back and forth at an angle of about 0 º. Then, slowly increase the angle, and watch the frequency decrease. For a more effective demonstration, start the pendulum at a relatively high angle, and then decrease the angle of the plane of oscillation so that the frequency of the pendulum will increase over time.
    Physics and Science Concepts: Oscillations
    Safety: None
  • Bell in Vacuum
    PIRA Code(s): 3B30.30
    Set up time:10 minutes (5 minutes to pump the bell jar)
    Operation: Plug in the pump and attach the clear tube of the pump to the valve. Turn the switch on the power supply to ascertain that the alarm is working properly. Then, pump out the air inside the bell jar. It will take about 5 minutes to obtain a low enough air pressure so that the alarm will not sound. Turn the alarm on and slowly open the valve, allowing the air pressure in the bell jar to increase. The sound of the alarm will also gradually increase.
    Physics and Science Concepts: Sound waves
    Safety: A glass jar containing a vacuum can be extremely hazardous if broken.
  • Slide Whistle
    PIRA Code(s): 3D32.15
    Set up time:No setup required.
    Operation: First, slide blow into the mouthpiece located at the top of the whistle. Next, move the piston to create different frequencies. If you have trouble moving the piston and blowing into the whistle simultaneously, have another person work the piston.
    Physics and Science Concepts: Waves, Oscillations, Frequency, Pitch
    Safety: Do not blow too hard or for extended periods of time as this may cause dizziness or headaches. Clean the mouthpiece in between use.
  • Various Tuning Forks and Equipment
    PIRA Code(s): 3D46.15
    Set up time:1 minute
    Operation: Hit a tuning fork with a striker to produce a sound wave.
    Physics and Science Concepts: Oscillations and Waves
    Safety: None
  • Projection Meter
    PIRA Code(s): 9A36.20
    Set up time:1 minute
    Operation: Place on overhead projector. Turn on overheard projector.
    Physics and Science Concepts: Angular Measurment
    Safety: None