What Are Some Inexpensive Physics Experiments to Revive a University Club?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around inexpensive physics experiments that could help revive a university physics club. Participants share various experiment ideas aimed at boosting attendance and engagement within the club.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using a dry ice smoke ring generator, which can be scaled up for larger demonstrations.
  • Another participant proposes an experiment to determine the speed of light using marshmallows and a microwave oven, referencing the "Cavity Resonance" method.
  • The Mpemba effect is mentioned as an interesting experiment, highlighting the phenomenon where hot water can freeze faster than cold water, with an emphasis on the complexities involved.
  • One participant expresses enthusiasm for experimenting with spectra using a CD or DVD, along with household items.
  • A humorous suggestion is made to "try raising the dead," which adds a light-hearted tone to the conversation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of sharing experiment ideas, but there is no consensus on a specific experiment or approach, as multiple suggestions are presented without resolution.

Contextual Notes

Some experiments mentioned may depend on specific conditions or materials that are not detailed in the discussion, and the effectiveness of the proposed experiments may vary based on execution.

Who May Find This Useful

Students, educators, and hobbyists interested in engaging physics experiments and activities for educational or recreational purposes.

VanOosten
Messages
34
Reaction score
0
Me and a couple friends are trying to resurrect the old physics club at my university and could use some cool inexpensive experiment ideas to try and boost attendance and have some fun. Any ideas?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Last edited:
One of my favorite experiments is determining the speed of light (within about 5% or so) using marshmallows and a microwave oven. I mean how cool is that!

Look at the "Cavity Resonance" method of determining the speed of light on the wiki:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_of_light

The experiment is described nicely right here:

http://www.physics.umd.edu/icpe/newsletters/n34/marshmal.htm

Another interesting one to play with is the Mpemba effect. Hot water can freeze before room temperature water. Nobody totally understands all the factors involved, but it's a fun one to experiment with:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mpemba_effect

Also goes to show how we shouldn't assume something just because it makes sense to us, or seems intuitively correct.

I'm going to try and take spectra of things using a CD or DVD, a box, two razor blades and a tube from a toilet paper roll. Should be fun!
 
great ideas guys thanks for the help
 
try raising the dead.
 
Lacy33 said:
try raising the dead.

You crack me up, Lacy :smile:
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
822
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
5K
  • · Replies 52 ·
2
Replies
52
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 76 ·
3
Replies
76
Views
7K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K