A list named the"10 characteristic experiences of physics" does it exist?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the existence of a list referred to as the "10 characteristic experiences of physics." Participants explore the nature of this list, its potential translation issues, and related concepts in physics demonstrations and experiments.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Christian inquires about the "10 characteristic experiences of physics," recalling a demonstration of the "triple point of water" as part of this list.
  • Some participants clarify that the term "experience" may be a translation issue, suggesting "experiment" as the more appropriate term.
  • One participant asserts that there is no definitive list of "10 characteristic experiments of physics," stating that any such list would be subjective and based on personal choice.
  • A reference is made to a list published by the New York Times titled "Science's 10 most beautiful experiments," which, while physics-related, may not align with the original inquiry.
  • Another participant notes that the triple point demonstration is not included in the aforementioned list and describes it as a form of educational entertainment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that there is no established list of "10 characteristic experiments of physics," but there is disagreement regarding the terminology and the existence of similar lists.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential translation issues between the French word "expérience" and its English counterpart "experiment," which may affect the understanding of the original inquiry.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in physics education, experimental demonstrations, and the cultural aspects of scientific communication may find this discussion relevant.

Christian Desbordes
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Hello,

A few years ago I heard about a list named the "10 characteristic experiences of physics", may I know if a such list exist?

A few years ago, at the physics workshops at the Palais de la découverte, I saw the so-called "triple point of water" experience.
The experimenter told us that this experience was part of the "10 characteristic experiments of physics".
Unfortunately, I have not succeeded to find these "10 characteristic experiences of physics" on the internet and the Palais de la découverte has been closed.
Can you help me, please?
If not, would you know a list of other physics experiments that are as spectacular and relatively simple to perform?
Thank you and best regards.
Christian
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Christian Desbordes said:
A few years ago, at the physics workshops at the Palais de la découverte, I saw the so-called "triple point of water" experience.

That would be considered a demonstration. Not an experience. You may be thinking of experiment.
 
I am looking for something called "10 characteristic experiences of physics" and it is about 10 experiences
Thank you.
 
Hmmm... I was thinking that somehow a translation from the French was responsible for what I saw. Sorry.
 
@Mister T,
I believe you are correct. The french word for experiment is "Expérience".

@Christian Desbordes,
I could suggest you search instead for "10 characteristic experiments of physics" but I think you would be wasting your time.

There is no such thing as a definitive list of "10 characteristic experiments of physics", any such list would be the personal choice of whoever made the list.

You could try searching on the experimenters name plus 'characteristic experiments (or experiences) of physics' if you can remember the name.

Don't forget that the french word for experiment is "Expérience".

Good luck.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Dadface and berkeman
New York Times has published a list of Science's 10 most beautiful experiments. They are all physics related though so the title is a bit of a misdirect.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: berkeman
Thank you.
 
Note that the triple point demonstration is not among the ten!

I think of that triple point demonstration as something designed to be shown to an audience or class as a way of educating people while entertaining them. A series of demonstrations like this is sometimes called a Physics Magic Show.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 46 ·
2
Replies
46
Views
6K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
  • · Replies 50 ·
2
Replies
50
Views
11K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
7K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
6K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K