Get Your Physics On

The purpose of this activity is to see how light is polarized as it passes through special lenses.

The purpose of this activity is to see how sound waves will resonate in a pipe if the pipe is of the appropriate length compared to the length of a sound wave.

The purpose of this activity is to see how the ‘thin-lens equation’ allows you to predict where an image will be formed by a converging lens.

The purpose of this activity is to remind you of what you know about atomic transitions and how they determine the color of gas discharges. You will also get to review the electromagnetic spectrum.

The purpose of this activity is to measure the kinetic and potential energy at two positions of an object moving on a low-friction ramp.

The purpose of this activity is to look at the visible result of kinetic energy being converted to potential energy, and vice versa, on a simple ‘roller coaster toy.’

The purpose of this activity is to become familiar with a ballistic pendulum. You will make some connections between the concepts of momentum, kinetic energy, and gravitational potential energy. You will also remind yourself of the difference between elastic and inelastic collisions.

The purpose of this activity is to predict the current flowing in a simple circuit using Ohm’s Law and to use a multimeter as an ammeter to measure the current.

The purpose of this activity is to experience the transfer of charge from one object to another by contact, and to detect excess electric charge using an electroscope.

The purpose of this activity is to remind you of the different kinds of radiation that result when an atomic nucleus disintegrates, as well as to allow you to use a radiation monitor.

The purpose of this activity is to examine the effect of a magnetic field on the path of moving electrons.

The purpose of this activity is to learn how to use a hand-held visual stroboscope to measure time intervals. In the process, you will learn or review some basics about the period of a pendulum.

The purpose of this activity is to use an accelerometer to measure the acceleration of a cart on a ramp.

The purpose of this activity is to introduce you to (or remind you of) Hooke's Law and get you acquainted with the use of the force sensor.

The purpose of this activity is to remind you of the difference between average velocity and instantaneous velocity, and to see how both can be measured with photogates.

An introduction to the Get Your Physics On podcast series by Paula Hitibidal, Education Specialist, High School Science; Region 15 Education Service Center.