Columbia University Physics Lecture Demonstrations


Categories
Mechanics
Fluid Mechanics
Oscillation and Waves
Thermodynamics
Electricity and Magnetism
Optics
Modern Physics
Astronomy

1A10.1 Kilogram Mass and Meter Stick

[Setup Time: 2 Min.] [Current Condition: Good]

Info

Show that the displacement of a spring is proportional to the applied force, using spring scales or springs of different spring constants.

Parts List

Kilogram in A. Mechanics, Mech 1C

Meter Stick in A, Mechanics, Mech 1C

Relevant Simulation

N/A

Other Information

Meter, Kilogram, Second
Video from 1975 to convince Americans to convert to metric (Goes over unit conversions and the history of the meter)
PIRA Site

UMN Physics Lecture Demonstrations Pages: 1,2

Real-Life Examples

Scales of Mass table from UCLA
Scales of Length table from UCLA
Problems caused by multiple definitions of the foot in the U

More Advanced Reading

Kilogram definition redefined
Explanation of the new kilogram, plus brief mention of the definition of the meter from Veritasium
Writeup in Physics Today
Explanation of the meter from NIST