Harvard Project Physics Millikan oil drop experiment
Date: 1962-1972
Inventory Number: 2006-1-0082
Classification: Physics Experiment
Subject:
Maker: Damon Engineering, Inc. (fl. 1962 - 1972)
Maker: Harvard Project Physics (1962-1972)
User: Harvard College (founded 1636)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
34.5 × 36 × 27.5 cm (13 9/16 × 14 3/16 × 10 13/16 in.)
Material:
Description:
Student's version of the Millikan oil drop experiment. Designed by Project Physics to be used in the "Measurement of Elementary Charge" experiment.
Instead of atomized oil droplets, this apparatus was designed to use tiny spheres of latex. The student is meant to determine the approximate charge on the electron by measuring the value of the voltage necessary to keep the spheres suspended motionless in front of a grid in the microscope.
A frame of particle board supports a microscope, chamber with charged spheres, and power supply.
Instead of atomized oil droplets, this apparatus was designed to use tiny spheres of latex. The student is meant to determine the approximate charge on the electron by measuring the value of the voltage necessary to keep the spheres suspended motionless in front of a grid in the microscope.
A frame of particle board supports a microscope, chamber with charged spheres, and power supply.
In Collection(s)
Signedon face of power supply: [crossed-ovals logo] DAMON
on face of power supply: Project Physics [particle swirl logo]
on face of power supply: Project Physics [particle swirl logo]
InscribedPenciled on base: PLATE SEPARATION = .46cm
Historical AttributesThis apparatus was designed to be used with Project Physics, a national physics curriculum developed in the 1960s. Project Physics materials included teaching aids, apparatus for student experiments, and books.
The Project Physics Course grew out of a Harvard University initiative to teach all students physics, not just those who would go on to careers in science. The course aimed to be a "humanistically oriented" introduction to "science at its best."
Damon Engineering produced and marketed a set of Project Physics laboratory equipment in coordination with the curricular work of Harvard physics professor Gerald Holton, California high school science teacher F. James Rutherford, and Harvard Graduate School of Education professor Fletcher G. Watson.
The Project Physics Course grew out of a Harvard University initiative to teach all students physics, not just those who would go on to careers in science. The course aimed to be a "humanistically oriented" introduction to "science at its best."
Damon Engineering produced and marketed a set of Project Physics laboratory equipment in coordination with the curricular work of Harvard physics professor Gerald Holton, California high school science teacher F. James Rutherford, and Harvard Graduate School of Education professor Fletcher G. Watson.
Primary SourcesThe Project Physics Collection of course books is archived online here.
Linda J. Greenhouse, "Gerald Holton: The Discovery That Scientists Are Also Philosophers Should Not Depend On Accidents," The Harvard Crimson, December 12, 1966; found online here.
Linda J. Greenhouse, "Gerald Holton: The Discovery That Scientists Are Also Philosophers Should Not Depend On Accidents," The Harvard Crimson, December 12, 1966; found online here.
ProvenanceScience Center Physics Lab