Modern Physics

Zoom image: Electric pickle

Zoom image: Electric pickle

A pickle is connected to 120 V AC through two electrodes and is electrocuted. The pickle will glow a deep yellow color due to the presence of sodium D-lines (~589 nm).

Electric pickle

Zoom image: Photoelectric effect

Zoom image: Photoelectric effect

Light incident on a material surface can eject electrons if the energy of the incoming photon is greater than the work function of the material, known as the photoelectric effect. This demo shows the effect of different color light and stopping voltage on photocurrent.

Photoelectric effect

Zoom image: Geiger counter

Zoom image: Geiger counter

A Geiger counter can be used for measurements of radioactive samples. There is also a check source on the side of the unit.

Geiger counter

Zoom image: Radioactivity

Zoom image: Radioactivity

Various radioactive samples such as uranium doped glass marbles and a gas mantle containing a small amount of thorium can be used to demonstrate radioactivity. The effects of irradiation on crystalline materials is demonstrated with irradiated NaCl. There is also a plastic replica of an uranium fuel pellet used in nuclear reactors.

Radioactivity