What is it about?
In this paper we outline a simple way to measure one of the fundamental constants in physics using common household supplies (vinegar and baking soda) and equipment that is normally found in any laboratory.
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Why is it important?
For most students the fundamental constants are some sort of god-sent revelations that you just look up in a table (or on the Internet). Measuring even one of them puts the students in the position of a researcher. It also reminds them that the values in the tables are measured quantities, subject to experimental uncertainty. The experiment also provides some inter-disciplinary connection to chemistry.
Perspectives
This is nice, fun little experiment. Students like it, it is easy to do, calculations are relatively simple. It also gives out a satisfying yet safe little bang when removing the cork from the flask.
Mr Stefan Nikolaev Nikolov
Plovdivski universitet Paisij Hilendarski
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Measuring Boltzmann’s constant with carbon dioxide, Physics Education, October 2013, Institute of Physics Publishing,
DOI: 10.1088/0031-9120/48/6/713.
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