Light-speed learning

By Declan Fleming2018-04-30T11:52:00

Pieces of paper covered in thermochromic ink in front of an open microwave

Source: Declan Fleming

A quick, fun way to get students thinking about random and systematic errors, accuracy and precision

In the classic microwave oven demonstration to determine the speed of light, you remove or invert the oven’s rotating base plate and put a plate of food, like marshmallows or chocolate, within to heat. Students get tasty rewards for participating, but there are a number of issues with this version of the demonstration. Try heating thermochromic ink on paper instead. Quick results with centimetre resolution allow students to practice taking measurements, doing calculations and analysing errors.

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