Physics Show

The Physics Show

Dr. Lou explodes a balloon

The Physics Show is a demonstration of physics "magic" by MSU physics professors. The show is intended for the general public, especially for the elementary and secondary school students. Unlike the magic shows performed by magicians, where they keep their tricks secret, the physics "magic" can all be explained using simple physics principles and can be performed at home with some practice. The purpose of the presentation is to show people that physics is an experimental science, it is exciting, and it can be a lot of fun!

The Physics Show is an annual event, normally held in the spring. This year's show is scheduled for Tuesday, April 29, 2008, at 7:00 PM in the C121 auditorium in Trafton Science Center. Announcements will be sent out to local schools in the spring. Admission is free.

See Highlights of the 2007 Physics Show!

The Physics Show Team:

• Mr. James Ballard, Adjunct Instructor of Physics
• Dr. Tom Brown, Assistant Professor of Physics
• Dr. Robert Herickhoff, Professor of Physics
• Dr. Igor Kogoutiouk, Professor of Physics
• Dr. Russell Palma, Professor of Physics
• Dr. Louis Schwartzkopf, Professor of Physics
• Mr. Michael Peters, Physics Technician and Engineering Aide Senior
• Mr. Eric Koser, Mankato West High School Physics Teacher

Dr. Russ suspends a beach ball in mid-air

Examples of demonstrations you may see at the next Physics Show:

• A closed can that is induced to collapse on itself.


• A cannon that fires smoke rings.


• A physics professor driving a nail with a banana.


• A magic book that makes a spinner levitate above it.


• A glass beaker shattered by sound waves.


• A vacuum cannon that shoots ping pong balls.


• A physics professor sandwiched between two boards – each containing 2000 nails – with a concrete block on top, which is then smashed with a sledgehammer. (Don't try this at home!)