Breadcrumb
3B45.35 - Shock Wave Fronts
![]() |
![]() |
Code Number: 3B45.35
Demo Title: Shock Wave Fronts
Condition: Excellent
Principle: Meeting of two wave fronts, Plasma Interactions
Area of Study: Oscillations & Acoustics, Solar and Galactic Astronomy
Equipment:
Shock Wave Demo
Procedure:
This demo should need no preparation unless the liquids should need changing. To change the liquids it may be necessary to empty the unit with a syringe and long needle. Rinse several times with ethyl alcohol and dry with a small air hose. Use water and food coloring for the bottom layer and castor oil for the top layer. Make sure all air bubbles are removed. Place on a level surface. If the unit has not been used in a long time it may be a good idea to flip it over several times to rewet the inner walls with oil before demonstrating. As the Plexiglas allows water to pass over time, it will be necessary to take the air out and refill with a small amount of water about every year.
References:
- Bob Barrett, "Physics in a Soap Dispenser - Dancing Dolphins", TPT, Vol. 38, # 8, Nov. 2000, p. 480.
- Jodi and Roy McCullough, "Index Refraction with an Ocean Desk Toy", The Role of Toys in Teaching Physics, p. 3.23.
- Robert Ehrlich, "8.17 - Three-Cent Shock Waves", Why Toast Lands Jelly-Side Down, p. 141-142.