Search found 25 matches

by PhysicsOne
19 Jul 2016, 15:06
Forum: Biology, Physics...
Topic: Looking at the sun with telescope with filter
Replies: 1
Views: 3504

Re: Looking at the sun with telescope with filter

Perhaps projecting the sun would be better. More people can see it at the same time. See picture: http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-news/observing-news/how-to-look-at-the-sun/ About halfway down the picture with the text: Small telescopes are especially suited to the solar-projection method. ...
by PhysicsOne
19 Jul 2016, 11:32
Forum: Chemistry and Labware - General
Topic: Plaster of Paris
Replies: 10
Views: 4970

Re: Plaster of Paris

Perhaps drill a few small holes in the plaster with a battery powered drill on a low torque setting, to release tension; though that may be tricky not to break the glass. Then screw a self tapping screw into the plaster then pull on it with pliers. Note: I have never tried this method.
by PhysicsOne
19 Jul 2016, 11:24
Forum: Chemistry and Labware - General
Topic: Hot plate
Replies: 4
Views: 3063

Re: Hot plate

I am not sure if this is what you are after? You can get cable shroud that helps against heat: https://www.heatshieldproducts.com/auto ... d-sleeving
Or perhaps have the cable in a straight piece of conduit so that it can't get near to the hotplate surface.
by PhysicsOne
20 Aug 2009, 08:57
Forum: Recipes and Pracs
Topic: heat of combustion
Replies: 4
Views: 2194

Re: heat of combustion

Our chemistry teacher has used different fuels in spirit burners. He hasn't told me about any problems.
The wick just needs to be moist for the liquid to travel up it so you don't have to fill them completely. What is left could be poured back into the bottle.
by PhysicsOne
13 Jun 2008, 12:13
Forum: Biology, Physics...
Topic: Solar Power Question
Replies: 6
Views: 3122

Re: Solar Power Question

Solar cells have "wired" connections inside. It maybe that some of these are a bit loose. Perhaps you may have squeezed the connections. So don't worry too much about your result. Some of the commercial solar cells that have 20 year warranty "drop" cells. It just means a bit of v...
by PhysicsOne
13 Jun 2008, 12:07
Forum: Biology, Physics...
Topic: Inverse Square Law for Light
Replies: 2
Views: 1486

Re: Inverse Square Law for Light

For this prac. you can use an axial filament light globe. So long as the filament of the light globe looks like a "point" when you stare at it, it should act like a point source of light (no reflector). I made the mistake of using a light globe that gave me a rectangular illuminated area. ...
by PhysicsOne
13 Jun 2008, 10:37
Forum: Chemistry and Labware - General
Topic: CRO alternatives
Replies: 5
Views: 2855

Re: CRO alternatives

You can buy "adaptors" that connect with a computers USB port. That is if you are talking about measuring signals like a CRO. They aren't too expensive but they are usually limited in their voltage range to +/-20 volt but for schools that often isn't a problem. If you want to generate sign...
by PhysicsOne
23 Aug 2007, 11:51
Forum: Biology, Physics...
Topic: physics
Replies: 4
Views: 2541

Re: physics

Hi Kerry, Usually a school would only have one of these "500 volt" power supplies as it would only be used on a demonstration practical. I agree with the posts above, the IEC 0-12V or the 0-30V power supplies should be fine for lots of physics experiments. How many did you buy? as they cos...
by PhysicsOne
23 Aug 2007, 11:35
Forum: Sourcing Materials & Eq Repairs
Topic: Vaqua-pura
Replies: 4
Views: 2344

Re: Vaqua-pura

You can order it(resin) in the Science Supply catalogue 500g for $18 ph:1300 857 544. Or if you call CRS industrial 9899 8766 and talk to Sue, tell them you are a school. They sell it for $19 a litre. I ordered a litre and found that to be about 2 and a bit cartridges worth. I am not sure how much 5...
by PhysicsOne
08 Aug 2007, 13:33
Forum: Sourcing Materials & Eq Repairs
Topic: copper wire price rise
Replies: 5
Views: 2898

Re: copper wire price rise

Lead prices have also risen dramatically too. So I wonder if all the lead based chemicals will also rise in price. Does any one know?
by PhysicsOne
27 Jun 2007, 11:58
Forum: Sourcing Materials & Eq Repairs
Topic: White Board Makers
Replies: 20
Views: 7387

Re: White Board Makers

Pilot Wytebord Marker V (model:WBMA-VM). The teachers here love them. They are liquid ink. You pump the tip to recharge. You can also see how much ink is left to know to use them to the last drop. Call Pilot if you need to know which stationer has them. Something similar is Pentel Maxiflow, pump act...
by PhysicsOne
20 Jun 2007, 11:45
Forum: Biology, Physics...
Topic: Van De Graaf Generator
Replies: 12
Views: 11841

Re: Van De Graaf Generator

I have read that you should avoid grease on the belt. So I wear gloves when replacing the belt.
by PhysicsOne
20 Jun 2007, 11:40
Forum: Biology, Physics...
Topic: Projectile Launchers
Replies: 6
Views: 2648

Re: Projectile Launchers

Yes the one you are looking for is from Pasco, a US company.
It is quite sturdy and fires ball bearings over a distance of about 2 to 3 metres.
We have made some beautiful photos of the ball trajectory using a stroboscope and a digital camera. Let me know if you want more info on this prac.
by PhysicsOne
20 Jun 2007, 11:36
Forum: Sourcing Materials & Eq Repairs
Topic: thermometer stoppers for distillation prac
Replies: 4
Views: 2544

Re: thermometer stoppers for distillation prac

Yes I am also looking for the little washers too. The ones I do have are made of thick felt. If I could source some thick felt (4mm thick) I may be able to cut some washers using cork borers.
by PhysicsOne
20 Jun 2007, 11:26
Forum: Announcements
Topic: Upgrading of 800 science laboratories (NSW public schools on
Replies: 104
Views: 29080

Upgrading of 800 science laboratories (NSW public schools on

Hi all science assistants across NSW, The NSW government has set aside some money to upgrade 800 science laboratories: "$280 million for the Building Better Schools initiative which includes the upgrading of 800 science laboratories; construction of a further 18 primary school halls and 10 high...
by PhysicsOne
24 Apr 2007, 13:07
Forum: Biology, Physics...
Topic: Magnets covered in Fe Filings
Replies: 9
Views: 4559

There is a very simple way to clean iron filings from a magnet. Use a brush from a dustpan and brush set. Just keep brushing until they come off. The last few tiny pieces can be picked off by hand.
by PhysicsOne
24 Apr 2007, 12:40
Forum: Sourcing Materials & Eq Repairs
Topic: Voltameter
Replies: 4
Views: 2460

If you hold the glass directly surrounding the tap you can give the end of the tap a little tap with something like a rubber stopper or similar. This is a bit riskful of cracking the voltameter but it may worth a try if all other methods fail.
by PhysicsOne
06 Feb 2007, 12:48
Forum: Sourcing Materials & Eq Repairs
Topic: Overhead projectors
Replies: 2
Views: 1756

Overhead projector

There is too much current passing through the lamp or the legs of the lamp have a short circuit. Do have the correct voltage lamp?
I would call Gilkon (02)9914 0900
by PhysicsOne
17 Aug 2006, 11:12
Forum: Chemistry and Labware - General
Topic: Test for purity of water
Replies: 7
Views: 3392

I also had the same problem too. It seems to be that the first few batches of water with a new cartridge are no good. It may be due to that the beads in the cartridge need to be wet for some time before they fully activate. What I found was after a few batches the water quality improved. I got it do...
by PhysicsOne
03 Aug 2006, 13:40
Forum: Chemistry and Labware - General
Topic: Chemical disposal
Replies: 8
Views: 4258

I have also heard that they are reviewing the chemical safety package. Part of that review could include whether to have another chemical collection. If not our school has had a quote from Plastech, Gerald ph9623 0888. You must have a lot of waste to get a quote of $3000. My school had only $114 wor...