Begun in 1990, this handbook is an ongoing project to create a comprehensive library of physics demonstrations available at the Harvard University Science Center. Beyond a complete compilation of all the demonstrations in our current repertoire (about 600), it is our intention to make this guide as useful as possible. A concerted effort has been put into utilitarian categorization and cross referencing. The handbook is divided into two main sections: Quick Reference and Demos in Depth.

The demonstrations are divided into ten topic sections relating to particular areas of physics. Each topic section has a two letter code associated with it; for example, Newtonian Mechanics is NM. These letters identify a demonstration with a particular topic area, and simplify location and cross-referencing.

The Quick Reference section is a deliberately light diet of information. It allows you to scan rapidly through a topic area, picking out demos that tie in with your needs. Basically you will find a demonstration's name and a brief one sentence description of it and, using code letters, you will also know the size of the demonstration, the length of time it takes to set up, and an overall rating. The Quick Reference section also serves as the table of contents for Demos in Depth (the white pages).

Size is indicated by s,m,l,xl.

Small (s) suggests a benchtop piece that will probably need an audio-visual aid to be seen by the audience.

Medium (m) will sit on a bench or cart, and will be fairly clear to the audience by itself.

Large (l) demos occupy a fair amount of floor space, so sheer bulk should be taken into consideration.

Extra-large (xl) demos take up most of the hall.

Setup time is indicated by T, T+, T++

(T) demos can be put out immediately.

(T+) demos take around ten minutes to set up.

(T++) require fifteen minutes or beyond. These are awkward if your class immediately follows another.

Rating is indicated by ** (the more the better). Unlike restaurant ratings, a single star does not mean poor! Poor or flawed demonstrations should simply not be done and we don't bother to list them for that reason.

* (OK) ** (good) *** (great) **** (wow!)

No rating means that we have not yet written up that demo in the Demos in Depth section, at which time it receives a rating. Thus you can also use the rating as an indicator for whether or not you will find a complete description of that demo in the Demos in Depth section.

An example:

CM3.5 Superconductivity. Meissner Effect suspension of magnet above superconducting disc. [TP5.6] (s) (T+)***

CM3.5 is a small demo that requires a close-up camera and TV projection. It takes around ten minutes to set up. The experiment is also listed in the low temperature section of Thermal Physics as TP5.6. If a cross reference appears in bold typeface, it means that the write-up of the demonstration is in that section of Demos in Depth. We think it's a great demo.

Any demo rated with three or four stars is highly recommended and considered "a must" if it fits your lecture topic. A couple more points to note. Even though a demo is listed as T+, if it is to be accompanied by three other T+ demos, the time may well be cumulative. Also, the apparatus for even a T demo may not be immediately available if it is already in use! A few days notice helps avoid such conflicts.

Frequently used abbreviations throughout this guide are CRO (cathode ray oscilloscope), OHP (overhead projector or "Viewgraph"), SHM (simple harmonic motion), and SHO (simple harmonic oscillator).

The title of each demonstration is followed by several "catchwords" which summarize the important physics concepts or phenomena being demonstrated. These catchwords will be indexed in future printings. Following the catchwords are details on "what it shows," "how it works," and (for the demonstrator) "setting it up." We conclude each write-up with "comments" which may include relevant references, videos, film loops, computer software, and a rating.

The Demos in Depth section is forever in progress and is about 41% complete. The final version will be cross referenced to the PIRA classification scheme. Appendices are also being added. They include a Tools of the Trade section and an annotated Bibliography for further reference. Any suggestions from you, the user, are greatly appreciated. Simply mail them to either one of us, regular or e-mail. If you send us your annotated copy of this guide, we'll return a new copy to you upon receipt.

Wolfgang Rueckner and Simon Steel

Cambridge, MA

1998