Round 3:

Spectral Distributions, Parts I & II

During this round, you have one week to complete your first project, and then two weeks to complete at least one more; you may do two or more of the following (or propose your own alternatives, as described at the end of this page):

1) Collisions between Atoms in a Gas and Accelerated Electrons: [Write-up available]

This (Frank-Hertz Experiment) is straighforward, can be done using a variety of different gases, and - as an obvious extension - one can study luminescent properties. Moreover, there are many useful articles available in The American Journal of Physics. You may also wish to explore phenomena observable in a Crookes tube [Ref: pages 109-114 of Understanding the Properties of Matter, by Michael de Podesta, noting the Errata on page 112.]

2) Wave Dispersion -- Phase Velocity & Group Velocity: [Write-up available]

Here you have the opportunity to explore dispersion (in a number of ways, in a number of media). Some demonstrations of dispersion are straightforward, others require significant work.

3) Fabry-Perot Etalon for distinguishing Deuterium lines from Hydrogen lines:

The all-optical measurement techniques involved here are incredibly precise. Still, at this level, the difficulties involved are quite notable.

4) Quantum Mechanical Tunneling -- The Scanning Tunneling Microscope: [Write-up available]

Again, several approaches are available to you.

5) Bragg Diffraction of Microwave Electromagnetic Radiation: [Write-up available]

Well, that's not very particle-like -- is it? Be sure you come away with a clear understanding of crystal planes and Miller Indices.

1) American Journal of Physics

2) Review of Scientific Instruments

3) Selected Online Physics Resources