ERIC Number: EJ1337099
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022-Apr
Pages: 3
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0031-921X
EISSN: N/A
Millikan Again
Wehrbein, William M.
Physics Teacher, v60 n4 p299-301 Apr 2022
Recognized as one of the most beautiful experiments of all time, the oil drop experiment performed by Robert Millikan and his graduate students (primarily Harvey Fletcher) is a standard in the repertoire of experiments performed by undergraduate physics students. However, "as a teaching lab it does not enjoy a good reputation for three reasons: eyestrain, tedium, and poor, unconvincing results." Several have attempted to make this experiment more student-friendly by improving the optics and replacing the stopwatch with a computer, replacing the eye with a video camera, and utilizing video analysis tools. Currently available versions of the oil drop apparatus for high school and college students have incorporated a number of these features. On the other hand, others are ready to replace the experiment with interactive computer-based simulations. There is another alternative: Have students analyze pre-recorded videos of the Millikan experiment. Besides the "Millikan Movies" produced at the California State University at Chico, the collection "Physics: CINEMA CLASSICS" ("PCC") contains the essential nuggets from a Physical Science Study Committee (PSSC) educational film made in 1959 sufficient to compute the elementary electric charge.
Descriptors: Science Experiments, Science Laboratories, Undergraduate Students, College Science, Physics, Science Instruction, Secondary School Science, High School Students, Computer Simulation, Computer Uses in Education, Laboratory Experiments, Video Technology
American Association of Physics Teachers. One Physics Ellipse, College Park, MD 20740. Tel: 301-209-3300; Fax: 301-209-0845; e-mail: pubs@aapt.org; Web site: http://aapt.scitation.org/journal/pte
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Secondary Education; High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A