Abstract
We present an inexpensive apparatus for bright field and fluorescence microscopy with video capture, suitable for introductory laboratory courses. Experiments on Brownian motion and the Boltzmann distribution of suspended particles in a gravitational field are described. The Boltzmann constant is measured in three ways, and the results fall within 15% of the accepted value.
Highlights
This paper describes an apparatus designed primarily for life science and premedical students
When studying Brownian motion, the student sees the motion of polystyrene microspheres and appreciates the random nature of their displacements
The author is grateful to the Physics Department at the U.S Naval Academy for supporting this course development and outfitting the Underwater Acoustics studio classroom with student laboratory stations to conduct this experiment
Summary
This paper describes an apparatus designed primarily for life science and premedical students. With this apparatus one can study Brownian motion, fluorescence microscopy, and the distribution of particles in sediment. It has the virtue of avoiding the black box nature of many undergraduate laboratory experiments. When studying Brownian motion, the student sees the motion of polystyrene microspheres and appreciates the random nature of their displacements. Modern technology enters through the use of a digital camera and a computer. These devices aid the student and do not obscure the meaning of the data
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