clock, laser pointer for optical lever arms demo

Code Number: 1A50.20

Demo Title: Optical Lever Arms

Condition: Good

Principle: Magnification of small movements.

Area of Study: Mechanics

Equipment:

Clock with mirror mounted on the hour hand, laser pointer.

Procedure:

Place a battery in the clock and lay it flat on a table. Point the laser pointer at the mirror and adjust so that the beam falls onto a distant wall or screen. Most people are surprised to notice that the spot will travel about 6 to 9 inches per minute.

References:

Erlend H. Graf, "Physics for Poets?", TPT, Vol. 43, # 2, Feb. 2005, p. 118 - 119.

Disclaimer

These demonstrations are provided only for illustrative use by persons affiliated with The University of Iowa and only under the direction of a trained instructor or physicist. The University of Iowa is not responsible for demonstrations performed by those using their own equipment or who choose to use this reference material for their own purpose. The demonstrations included here are within the public domain and can be found in materials contained in libraries, bookstores, and through electronic sources. Performing all or any portion of any of these demonstrations, with or without revisions not depicted here entails inherent risks. These risks include, without limitation, bodily injury (and possibly death), including risks to health that may be temporary or permanent and that may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition; and property loss or damage. Anyone performing any part of these demonstrations, even with revisions, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with them.

Instructional Resources and Lecture Demonstrations

1A50.20 - Optical Lever Arms

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