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.
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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 |
Related Links
- Open House
You can watch many of these demonstrations live at the Mag Lab's annual Open House.
- Audio Slideshows
Audio slideshows about the Mag Lab.
- Try This at Home
Do try these cool science activities at home!
