Measuring g using a rotating liquid mirror: Enhancing laboratory learning

• We describe a low-cost yet experimentally challenging method to measure the acceleration of gravity, g, using a liquid in a rotating bowl and a laser pointer. The idea underpinning this novel method is that the rotating liquid surface will form a parabolic reflector which will focus light into a unique focal point. By measuring the height of the focal point, g could be determined to m s-2. We discuss the pedagogical merits of this method compared to more traditional methods for measuring g, and how it can be implemented as an experimental problem at different educational levels.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Fysik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Physical Sciences (hsv//eng)

Publication and Content Type

art (subject category)

ref (subject category)