Water Hammer

water hammer

 

  •  The water-containing flask has been partially evacuated, allowing the water inside to fall as one solid column. (Typically water breaks up as it falls through air, due to drag.) The sound made when the water hits the bottom is quite remarkable.
  • To use: hold the flask vertically with the bulb at the top. Quickly shake the flask up and down once. When the water hits the bottom it sounds (and feels!) more like a solid metal object than a fluid.  In fact, I’m convinced that the flask would break if shaken hard enough, though the information sheet doesn’t caution against it.
  • Located in L02, section D1.

 

Penny & Feather

 

1130171259

1130171300

1130171300a

 

  • Show that a penny and a feather fall at the same rate in
    a vacuum. 
  • Feather tends to stick to the walls of the container (static cling). Use styrofoam pieces instead.
  • Located in L02, section B2- top shelf, in large plastic container. Pump located in L02, section D1.

 

 

Boil Water with Vacuum

 

Boil Water with Vacuum Demo Picture Boil Water with Vacuum Demo Picture 2 Boil Water with Vacuum Demo Picture 3

  • Evacuate chamber with vacuum pump and water boils.
  • Explanation: Room temperature water contains enough energy to boil but won’t because atmospheric pressure pushes in on the liquid from all sides, preventing vapor bubbles from forming.Remove pressure and water will boil.
  • Demo located in L02, section C-3.