The Physlab is preparing and compiling a set of demonstrations to be used by physics teachers at the LUMS SSE, other universities in Pakistan as well as for schools and colleges. This is an ongoing project and we will keep on adding information here as the projects and kits build up.
| Triboelectricity |
Electric charge is generated by proximity effects in a Van de Graaf Generator. This is a useful demonstration at the level of F.Sc. or B.Sc. electrostatics courses. The setup also demonstrates useful aspects of static electricity such as:
- charge is stored on surfaces
- electric field increases at sharp edges
- Q=CV
- Field in the interior of a metallic shell is zero.
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| Monitoring the ECG |
This is a homemade physiological kit for acquiring the ECG signal. One can also find the pulse rate and detect the QRS complex. The kit is useful for physiology, biomedical engineering and signal processing courses. With the help of the Matlab and Labview based graphical interfaces, it can also be used for training medical technicians. |
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| Shape Memory Alloys |
Shape memory alloys change shape with temperature. One puts the shape memory wire into cold water and it coils into a spring. This is quite a unique demonstration for materials science and for highlighting the correlation between materials structure and properties. The demonstration is useful for school, college and university students. |
The SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device)
as a Quantum Interferometer: |
Superconductivity is a phenomenon whereby the resistance of a material falls to zero. Using a commercial superconducting device immersed in liquid nitrogen, we can easily demonstrate this behavior. In fact, we can demonstrate macroscopic quantum interference effects using this device. A very useful tool for modern physics and quantum mechanics courses at the degree level. |
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Image Gallery of Classroom Demonstration
