- Sections
- A. General Materials & Mathematics
- B. Statics
- C. Kinematics & Dynamics
- D. Rotational Mechanics
- E. Gravitation & Astronomy
- F. Fluid Mechanics
- G. Vibrations & Mechanical Waves
- H. Sound
- I. Thermodynamics
- J. Electrostatics & Magnetostatics
- K. Electromagnetic Principles
- L. Geometrical Optics
- M. Wave Optics
- N. Spectra & Color
- O. Vision
- P. Modern Physics
M8-02. Optical Activity - Glass In Karo Syrup Tank
Purpose
Exotic demonstration of optical activity.
Equipment
Karo syrup tank with stressed glass artifacts, rotating polarizing sheet.
Suggestions
Try not to disturb the various parts so that things fall over, etc. The Karo syrup gets pretty groty after a few years, and we don't want to have to go in there to fix it.
Setup Time
5 minutes.
Images
Description
A trapezoidal tank, lit from behind by polarized light from a rotating polarizer, contains various examples of optically active materials, including stressed glass. As the rear polaroid rotates a fixed polaroid on the front of the tank makes the patterns visible. This is a wonderful hallway demonstration.
References
Lecture Demonstrations Design Sketches and Calculations.
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See pagesm2. diffraction circular
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See pagesm3. interferometers
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See pagesm4. thin film interference
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See pagesm6. holograms
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See pagesm7. polarization & scattering
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See pagesm8. optical activity & birefringence
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See pagesm9. elliptical polarization
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See pagesm2. diffraction circular
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See pagesm3. interferometers
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See pagesm4. thin film interference
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See pagesm6. holograms
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See pagesm7. polarization & scattering
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See pagesm8. optical activity & birefringence
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See pagesm9. elliptical polarization