Mach's Disks
Mach's Disk
Mach's Disk
Mach's Disk

 

Code Number: 6J11.42

Demo Title: Mach's Bands

Condition: Excellent

Principle: Eye Perception

Area of Study: Optics, Human Biology

Equipment:

Mach Band disks, small DC motor, 0 to 20 volt power supply.

Procedure:

Place and tighten the desired pattern disk onto the motor shaft.  Adjust the voltage on the power supply until the black or white bands that shouldn't be present are indeed clearly visible.

References:

  • Richard Held, "Contour and Contrast", Scientific American, May 1974, p. 17.
  • R. W. Pohl, "(c) Mach's Bands", Physical Principles of Mechanics and Acoustics, p. 3.