Nuclear Animation

In standard level IB physics, my seniors are currently studying topic 7, Atomic and Nuclear Physics. I have never been overly excited about drawing the models of the atom and the diagrams for the Rutherford experiment to find the nucleus. To ease the boredom a bit, here are some helpful links.

Here is a picture of plum pudding. I have only found about 6 people in the entire world who have ever eaten it. Thus, this picture will be essential to students’ understanding of Thomson’s Plum Pudding model of the atom.

Here is a great animation (with dialogue) about the Rutherford Experiment, aka the Geiger Marsden Experiment.

How to Make Speakers

Making a speaker out of something like a paper plate, and then hearing it play music from your ipod is a life changing experience, as hopefully you can tell from the pictures above. If you use something even more exciting like a hat as your speaker, people start passing out from the awesomeness.

Here’s how it’s done.
1. Using coated wire, make a small coil, and strip the ends.
2. Tape the coil to something light and stiff. Cups, stryofoam, and cardboard all work well.
3. Take the + and - output wires from a stereo amplifier and connect them to your wire coil. I recommend you add some resistance to the circuit to protect your amplifier.
4. Connect your ipod to your stereo input.
5. Hold a strong magnet behind the coil and speaker.
6. Revel in the scientific splendor.

In the beginning

I'm trying to start a blog so i have an online site to share my physics resources with others. Much of these will be related to the International Baccalaureate Physics program.

Much of the lab materials posted are simply modifications i have made to the labs of my colleague (Mike Dickinson), so that they align with the newest IB syllabus.