(Posted October 31, 2016)

One of many demonstrations slated for Physics Phun Night at 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 3, in Alumni Hall in the Brumbaugh Academic Center.
Juniata file photo
One of many demonstrations slated for Physics Phun Night at 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 3, in Alumni Hall in the Brumbaugh Academic Center.
Juniata file photo

HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- It’s always easier to understand scientific principles when an accessible teacher demonstrates how the world works. That’s what’s happening at Physics Phun Night, the annual demonstration event staged by Juniata College physics students at 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 3, in Alumni Hall in the Brumbaugh Academic Center.

            The event, now in its 19th year, is free and open to the public. Typically, the outreach event, sponsored by the student club, the Society of Physics Students, is held during spring semester. This year the club is moving the event to fall semester to accommodate a construction project in Brumbaugh Academic Center later in the academic year.

            Physics Phun Night’s highlight has always been the demonstration showing how the distribution of force over a wide area can lessen the effects of the force. Or described another way: James Borgardt, professor of physics, will take sledgehammer in hand to break a cement block balanced atop Matthew Damschroder, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, at Juniata College.

            The Society of Physics Students, a student club which received Outstanding Chapter Award for the 18th straight year, combines entertainment and education for fellow Juniata students and community members.

            Other demonstrations may include:

Bowling Ball Pendulum: A Bowling ball is used to demonstrate conservation of energy.

 

Methane Bubbles:  Students ignite flaming balls of methane gas.

 

Reuben Tube: The demonstration shows visible sound waves in tube using protruding gas fire.

            Vortex Cannon: Physics students use scientific principles to shoot table tennis balls out of a tube.

            The Bernoulli Effect & Fun with Toilet Paper: Using household items to demonstrate pressure and flow.        

Lycopodium Powder: This demonstration illustrates how diffuse powder can ignite.

            In all, the students will demonstrate more than a dozen concepts in an entertaining and informative presentation.

The Juniata chapter has more than 20 active members for the 2016-2017 academic year. The student leaders for Juniata’s SPS chapter are as follows: Adam Anthony, a senior from Centre Hall, Pa., is president; Sara Roberts, a senior from Ellicott City, N.C., is vice president; Isaac Robbins, a junior from Kane, Pa., is treasurer; and Kate Jamison, a sophomore from Mechanicsburg, Pa., is secretary.

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.