The many uses of disposable plastic hypodermic syringes−A shot in the arm for small equipment budgets

Abstract

The disposable hypodermic syringe can be the primary piece of equipment for many physics experiments and demonstrations. Its low cost makes available to poorly funded programs, and to individuals, a wide range of phenomena which are usually observed only by those with vacuum systems and other relatively expensive equipment. Sometimes-hard-to-see lecture demonstrations can now become desk-top or take-home experiments which students do for themselves. This paper reviews several previously published uses of disposable syringes and presents ten new uses in several different areas of physical science.