Modern Physics

Normal Forces

Normal Forces

Arrange matter model as a 4x3x2 lattice.

Place book on top.

Discuss small scale normal forces.

Matter model

Book

Vibrations

Vibrations

Arrange matter model as a 4x3x2 lattice.

Strike the model and observe vibrational patterns.

Matter model

Forces

Torque and Shear

Arrange matter model as a 5x3x2 lattice.

Stretch and twist the model.

Matter model

Waves

Transverse and Longitudinal Waves

Arrange matter model in a linear fashion.

Shake one end for transverse waves.

Insert rod, squeeze "atoms" together, and release for longitudinal waves.

Matter model

36" rod

Waves

Wave Speed and Density

Arrange matter model in a linear fashion.

Shake one end for transverse waves.

Insert rod, squeeze "atoms" together, and release for longitudinal waves.

Increase the mass of the "atoms" to investigate wave speed-density relationship.

Matter model

Pressure

Atmospheric Pressure

Arrange matter model in a linear fashion.

Insert rod and hold vertically.

"Atoms" at the top are further apart than ones at the bottom.

Matter model

36" rod

Lattice Structure

Lattice Structures

Arrange matter model in various lattice structures: cubic, body-centered cubic, face-centered cubic, etc...

Matter model

Nuclear-01

Radioactivity

Geiger Counter

Let students hear clicks.
Try radioactive material (SEAL tritium watch, radium watch, Uranium glazed plate ...).

Geiger counter

Radioactive materials

Nuclear-02

Coming Soon

Nuclear Physics

Cosmic Ray Telescope

Turn it on.

Let it count.

Cosmic ray telescope

Nuclear-03

(see also:
Collisions-04)

Supernova Collapse

Double Ball Drop

Drop tennis ball.
Drop basketball.
Drop balls together with tennis ball on top.
Model of supernova with core collapse and rebound blowing off the outer layers.

Basketball

Tennis ball

Pour alcohol into chamber, place water pump into ice bath, and place radioactive sample into chamber.

Turn on pump and cloud chamber.

First tracks show up after 20-30 minutes.

Need lead time in order to buy ice beforehand.

Cloud chamber apparatus

Cooler

Ice

Isopropyl alcohol

Quantum-01

Coming Soon

Photoelectric Effect

Photoelectric Effect

Attach zinc plate to electroscope.
Charge plate positive.
Shine UV light on it (no discharge).
Charge plate negative.
Shine UV light on it (discharges).
Put glass plate between plate and light (no discharge).
See UMd web site for demo hints and interactivity hints.

Piece of zinc

Electroscope
UV or arc lamp

Glass, plastic and rubber rods

Fur, wool, and silk cloths

UMd - P2-02

General Relativity

Warping of Space

Attach 4 legs onto bottom of fabric hoop.

Place a 1-2 kg ball in the center of the fabric.

Roll other small objects around the large mass at various speeds and angles.

Discuss the warping of space and orbit shapes.

Wooden hoop with stretched Spandex

1-2 kg ball

Small masses such as marbles

General Relativity

Coin Funnel

Slide pennies into the funnel.

Discuss warping of space and orbits.

Coin funnel

Pennies