Optics and Waves

Zoom image: Bell jar A bell jar can be used to demonstrate that sound waves can't propagate in vacuum.

Bell jar

Zoom image: Large spherical mirror A large spherical mirror is used for an optical illusion. An inverted light bulb is hidden in the post. Its erect image appears at the location of the lamp mount.

Large spherical mirror

Zoom image: Shive wave machine Shive wave machine consists of a series of rods connected by a torsion wire at their center. Move the rod at one end periodically to demonstrate wave motion. The rod on the opposite end can be clipped in place to demonstrate reflection from a fixed end.

Shive wave machine

Zoom image: Total internal reflection A laser ray box with adjustable angles and a tank of water can be used to demonstrate total internal reflection.

Total internal reflection

Zoom image: Vortex rings Vortex rings can be produced using a plastic bucket and a smoke generator.

Vortex rings

Zoom image: Diffraction A variable single slit, double slit and diffraction gratings can be used along with a laser pointer to demonstrate diffraction.

Diffraction

Zoom image: Light source and prism A light source and prism can be used to produce a rainbow, demonstrating that white light is a mixture of various colors.

Light source and prism

Zoom image: Speakers Two identical speakers can be used to demonstrate beats due to sound waves at very close frequencies.

Speakers

Zoom image: Tuning forks Tuning forks produce sound at a certain frequency when stuck by another object, such as a rubber ball.

Tuning forks

Zoom image: Geometric optics kit A laser ray box, various lenses and an adjustable mirror can be used to demonstrate various properties of geometric optics.

Geometric optics kit

Zoom image: Polarizers A set of polarizer plates for demonstrating the polarization of light.

Polarizers

Zoom image: Standing wave on a string A standing wave on a string can be created with a mechanical wave driver.

Standing wave on a string

Zoom image: Vernier optics kit Vernier optics kit can be used to demonstrate properties of various lenses, mirrors and polarizers. It can also be used to build a simple microscope and a telescope.

Vernier optics kit