PREFACE

PREFACE

 The teaching of physics is clearly enhanced by the use of demonstrations. Visual examples of abstract concepts aid immeasurably in their mastery. They also provide an opportunity to illustrate the scientific method and to teach the student to relate experimental observation to scientific theory. Experiments represent the means by which scientific knowledge has advanced so rapidly in modern times. Finally, not to be underestimated, the use of demonstrations makes the learning of physics much more enjoyable!
This book is a compilation of many of the demonstrations that have been used at the University of Wisconsin - Madison in the teaching of elementary physics over the years as well as a number of demonstrations that I have developed for use in a series of popular lectures, "The Wonders of Physics," aimed at the general public and children in particular. Included also are a number of demonstrations that have been suggested and used by friends or colleagues. All of the demonstrations have been thoroughly tested in a classroom setting or before an audience of the general public.
To write a book that purports to describe all possible physics demonstrations would be a formidable task since the discipline of physics is so all-encompassing. Instead, I have selected demonstrations that are especially dramatic or provocative, as well as some of the standard demonstrations that can be presented in unusual ways. In part, this reflects my feeling that it is necessary to get the attention of the students and convince them that physics is interesting before any real learning can occur, but also because there seems to be little help available for the instructor who wants to improve the quality of his or her presentation. This book is thus not meant to contain a complete set of demonstrations for the teaching of elementary physics, but rather to provide the instructor with ideas for new demonstrations and better ways to present old ones.