? Static Spheres: triboelectric effect toy. This precision machined block is comprised of equal 101.97g masses (each block weighing exactly 1N on Earth) of the metals tungsten (W) and magnesium (Mg)- however the volume of magnesium is 11 times that of the very dense tungsten! One must hold and manipulate this simple sculpture for greatest impact. ? 50|50 Cube: custom 1 Newton SI unit version. Sold as the “Fun Fly Stick” this device uses two AA batteries to run a small motor that drives a charge collecting belt which is visible through the transparent plastic of the device.
? Handheld Van de Graaf Generator: this $20 electrostatic generator can reach 60,000 volts of static charge. The cylinder has a series of connected images such that as the cylinder is moved through the mirror an animation is produced depicting a zooming in from deep space to the atoms inside the hand of a sunbather on a boat. ? Story Scope: mirror anamorphic art- the distorted images on the cylinder are reconstituted within the reflection off the parabolic mirror. Note how the kinetic energy transfers from one limb to another. Desk toy from the 80’s demonstrates chaotic motion of nonlinear systems. ? Pendumonium: Stick man chaotic pendulum with 4 degrees of freedom. Here a portrait of a Blue Buddha is revealed by the warmth of the hands.
? Liquid Crystal Window: thermotropic liquid crystals go from opaque to transparent during a phase change from a crystal to liquid state. Magnetic viewing film reveals the specific and complex arrangement of N and S poles that allow for this set to act like a spring or a latch. ? Spring/Latch Polymagnets: this pair of coded magnets attract but don’t touch in a state of stable equilibrium at a distance of 1/2 cm- but if one magnet is turned a half twist they latch together. ? Magnetic Stirrer Vortex: whirlpool powered by a magnetic stirrer (like those in a chemistry lab). ? Candlelit Infinity Mirror: parallel partially mirrored panes of glass create the illusion of multiple candle flames through the physics of reflection and refraction.
I get asked often: “Where did you get all this stuff?” My goal is to share the real magic of science and physics- and to this end I will update here (and in my store) suggestions on where to get some of these toys, kinetic art pieces, and scientific curiosities for yourself.