WSU Pullman

Physics and Astronomy Demonstrations

Modern Physics   Quantum Effects   Photoelectric Effect in Zinc PIRA: 7A10.10 Description: Discharge a clean zinc plate mounted on an electroscope with UV light.   Vibrating Circular Wire (Bohr’s Model) PIRA: 7A50.40 Description: Excite a circular wire at audio frequencies by an electromagnet drive to produce standing waves. A model of the electrons and […]

Optics   Geometrical Optics Optical Elements PIRA: 6A10.05 Description: Optical equipment that can show a variety of effects. Corner Cube Concave and Convex Mirrors Full view mirrors Spherical Mirror Refraction Tank Birefringent Crystals Fresnel Lens   Blackboard Optics PIRA: 6A10.10 Description: A kit of optical elements to perform most optical experiments with ray diagrams. Plane […]

Electricity & Magnetism   Electrostatics   Electrostatics Box PIRA: 5A10.10 Description: Items included in this box are as follows: silk, glass rod, fur, plastic rod, pith balls, resistor, charging plates, packing peanuts in a Ziploc bag, and a ping pong ball on a string. We have two boxes described as above. Numerous electrostatic demonstrations can […]

  Oscillations & Waves   Oscillations Simple Pendulum PIRA: 3A10.10 Description: A simple pendulum can be erected, set into motion and timed to discuss the period of a simple harmonic oscillator. By using a motion sensor, the sinusoidal motion of the pendulum can be displayed. Bowling Ball Pendulum with Motion Sensor PIRA: 3A10.15 Description: The […]

Thermodynamics   Thermal Properties of Matter   Thermometers PIRA: 4A10.10 Description: Show the varying types of thermometers and describe what each is used for.   Linear Expansion Apparatus PIRA: 4A30.05 Description: As a rod is heated, it deflects the needle showing expansion.   Bimetal Strip PIRA: 4A30.10 Description: A bimetal strip is manufactured by pressing […]

Fluid Mechanics   Surface Tension Submerged Float PIRA: 2A10.15 Description: A ring with a large cork stopper attached is weighted so that it will float with the ring above the surface. When the ring is forced below the surface, it cannot rise above the surface due to surface tension. Needle Float PIRA: 2A10.20 Description: The […]

Glover Middle School MESA, Spokane, WA, 10-28-2019 Kamiah Middle School, 7th grade students, 10-15-2019 canceled Timberline Middle School, 7th grade students, 10-8-2019 Clearwater Valley Jr. High, 7th grade students, 10-1-2019 Mabton School District, 6-9 grade students, 8-1-2019 NY’EHE Camp, 9th and 10th grade students, 7-18-2019 Cougs Rise, high school students, 5 WA. Schools – 7-17-2019 […]

Mechanics Fluid Mechanics Thermodynamics Oscillations and Waves Electricity and Magnetism Optics Modern Physics Other Resouces Multimedia Collection Astronomy Picture of the Day Tesla Downunder