Shock Wave Fronts


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 Code Number :   3B45.35 

Disclaimer:

Reprinted by permission of Dick Berg, University of Maryland, for use on this website.

The demonstrations contained and referenced herein are listed for the purposes of cataloging and describing physics demonstrations which should be conducted only under the direction of a trained instructional support professional or physicist. These demonstrations are not presented for the purpose of being conducted by persons unconnected to this Facility and/or persons not consulting with or being supervised by the recognized instructional support professional or physicist and his/her staff. The University is responsible only for those demonstrations carried out using its own equipment using established safety and scheduling policies, and bears no responsibility for those choosing to use this source material for their own purposes. All demonstrations described and contained herein are public domain, and can also be found in reference materials in libraries, bookstores, and electronic sources.

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Condition :   Excellent   
Principle :   Meeting of two wave fronts, Plasma Interactions  
Area of Study :  Solar and Galactic Astronomy  
Equipment :   Shock Wave Demo  
Procedure :   This demo should need no preparation unless the liquids should need changing. To change the liquids it may be necessary to empty the unit with a syringe and long needle. Rinse several times with ethyl alcohol and dry with a small air hose. Use water and food coloring for the bottom layer and castor oil for the top layer. Make sure all air bubbles are removed. Place on a level surface. If the unit has not been used in a long time it may be a good idea to flip it over several times to rewet the inner walls with oil before demonstrating. As the Plexiglas allows water to pass over time, it will be necessary to take the air out and refill with a small amount of water about every year.  
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   References

Bob Barrett, "Physics in a Soap Dispenser - Dancing Dolphins", TPT, Vol. 38, # 8, Nov. 2000, p. 480.

 

Robert Ehrlich, "Three-Cent Shock Waves," Why Toast Lands Jelly-Side Down, p. 141-142.



Mail Questions and Comments to:  Dale Stille