The Physics Show
The Physics Show is a demonstration of physics "magic" by Minnesota State University physics professors, staff and students. The show is intended for the general public, especially for 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!
Admission is free!
The Physics Show is normally held in the spring of even years. This spring the Physics Show will be held on Monday, April 29, 2024!!!
The Physics Show Team
- Dr. Thomas “Tom” Brown, Assistant Professor of Physics
- Dr. Andrew Clough, Assistant Professor of Physics
- Dr. Analía “Yanil” Dall'Asén, Professor of Physics
- Dr. Igor Kogoutiouk, Professor of Physics
- Dr. Jorge Méndez, Associate Professor of Physics
- Dr. Maheshika Palihawadana, Associate Professor of Physics
- Dr. Andrew “Andy” Roberts, Professor of Physics
- Dr. Hai-Sheng Wu, Professor of Physics
- Mr. Monte Byron, Physics Technician and Engineering Aid Senior
- The Physics and Astronomy Club Members
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 flame tube that transmits acoustic waves through gas.
- 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!)
For questions, please contact Dr. Dall’Asén (analia.dallasen@mnsu.edu).
