Science Demonstrations
These audio slideshows demonstrate concepts related to magnetism, electricity and other areas of science. The slideshows require Adobe Flash Player, which you can download easily for free. You can also view these on the MagLab's YouTube page.
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The Tesla Coil
What's behind the cool purple sparks? Neat science about resonance and transformers. (Length: 6 minutes) |
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Shrinking Quarter Machine
The interplay of magnetic and electric forces can shrink a U.S. quarter to the size of a dime – in one millionth of a second.
(Length: 4 minutes, 30 seconds) |
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Maglev Trains
Prof. Eric Hellstrom of the lab's Applied Superconductivity Center uses a toy train to demonstrate magnetic levitation, the Meissner Effect and magnetic flux trapping.
(Length: 6 minutes, 30 seconds) |
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How Atmospheric Pressure Affects Objects
A bell jar, Peeps and balloons demonstrate how changing the atmospheric pressure around objects can change their size.
(Length: 3 minutes, 18 seconds) |
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Eddy Currents and Lenz's Law
Learn about electromagnetic induction, Lenz's Law and eddy currents.
(Length: 3 minutes, 28 seconds) |
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Potato Cannon
A slideshow carbo-loaded with information on how the pneumatic potato cannon works.
(Length: 3 minutes) |
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Make a Comet
How to make a model of a comet – and why models are important to scientists.
(Length: 4 minutes, 16 seconds) |
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Bubble Wall
A bubble wall illustrates the surface tension of water and the forces behind it.
(Length: 3 minutes) |
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Make an Electromagnet
Learn how to make a simple electromagnet right at home.
Length: 48 seconds |
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Make a Compass
Learn how to make a simple compass right at home.
Length: 1 minute, 21 seconds |
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Seeing Magnetic Field Lines
Compasses and special metal filings help you "see" the invisible force of magnetic fields.
Length: 2 minutes, 25 seconds |
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Classroom Outreach
