Hobby Physics

  A classic design was replicated for a mist vortex to explore the basic principles of tornados and whirlpools.

A DIY scanning spectrometer and its applications are described, demonstrating 1 nanometer resolution over wavelengths from 360nm to 980nm.

  An apparatus is described that calculates sine and cosine that can be used to understand the properties of these important functions.

  An apparatus to measure Planck's Constant using a photo-electric cell is described, along with the complications that limit its accuracy.

  Inspired by demonstrations of Pendulum Waves, an apparatus was created that utilizes the same mathematics, using pistons driven by a hand crank, allowing the patterns to evolve forward, backward or be paused.

  An alternative to the Piston Wave Project is explored using rotating disks that show unique patterns. 

  A compact DIY centrifuge and camera system is described with experiments and theory for pendulum motion, buoyancy, pseudo-gravity and fluid flow.

  A method to build and use a torsional pendulum are described to measure the Universal Gravitational Constant G within a few % of the accepted value. 

The motion of a pendulum is compared to that of a ball in a circular section track of the same radius. The physics is reviewed, and an apparatus is described to observe and understand the behavior. 

The design and building instructions for a low friction Air Track are presented. The dynamics of a 1D collision are discussed and predictions are compared with measured data. 

A device is described to demonstrate conservation of angular momentum (without getting dizzy).