Below is a list of the experiments that are available for teachers to book as an excursion for their high school students. These are all experiments that are conducted in first year of physics at university, adjusted for the Stage 6 Physics syllabus. Each experiment is mapped to content from the Stage 6 Physics syllabus, and they also each address the Working Scientifically outcomes.
For more information: contact the School of Physics schools@phys.unsw.edu.au
Collisions
Analyses collisions and their elasticity, including measuring impulse and reducing maximum force.
Fields and the 'Slinky' coil
Examines the magnetic field around a solenoid using formula calculations.
Electrostatic field plotting
You will develop an understanding of electrical potential | equipotentials and their relation to filed lines.
Capacitors
Understand the process by which objects become electrically charged and the relationship to time and voltage.
Linear oscillatory motion
Using a simple harmonic oscillator to measure amplitude and frequency.
Gravitational field strength using Pendulum/Atwood Machine
Measure the period of a pendulum and the acceleration of an Atwood's machine.
Emission spectra and thin film interference
Develop an understanding of emission spectra and calculate the band gap of LEDs
Equilibrium of rigid bodies
Determine the number of vectors from scaled diagram and calculate force through orthogonal components.
Microwave optics
Investigate electromagnetic radiation through microwaves.
Rotational inertia
Introduces rotational velocity and rotational inertia as they relate to torque.
Spectrometer and diffraction gratings
Measure spectral lines of sodium and mercury lamps using a spectrometer.
Specific and latent heat
Understand the difference in heat and temperature as well as the concepts of heat capacity and latent heat.
Standing waves on a string
Observe, measure and understand standing waves in harmonics using an oscillator.
Static friction on an inclined plane
Measures the co-efficient of static friction using and inclined plane.
The photoelectric effect
Investigate photoelectric effect and calculate a value for Planck's constant.