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In this activity on page 13 of the PDF, learners use a laser pointer (with known wavelength of light) to measure the thickness of a human hair. By shining the laser on a hair, analyzing the patterns created, and completing some calculations, learners the thickness of a hair in nanometers. Learners can calibrate the laser to find its wavelength by completing the first activity in the manual entitled, "Spots, Lines and Lasers." This manual contains 4 activities related to the Spectra: The Original Laser Superhero Force comic book published by the American Physical Society.
- Under 5 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- $5 - $10 per group of students
- Ages 11 - 14
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- Laser pointer
- Masking tape
- Large sheet of paper
- Human hair
- 2 binder clips
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Index card
- Metric ruler
- Student's Guide (p.15-16 of PDF)
Subjects
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Engineering
- Nanotechnology
-
Engineering
-
Mathematics
-
Measurement
- Units of Measurement
- Size and Scale
-
Measurement
-
Physical Sciences
-
Vibration and Waves
- Diffraction and Interference
-
Light and Optics
- Lasers
-
Vibration and Waves
Informal Categories
- Literature
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- read
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- Thompson-Flagg, Rebecca ; Johnson, Kerry G.
Rights:
- All rights reserved, American Physical Society, 2010