The scientific properties of sound and air pressure are explained when CU Wizard Michael Dubson presents his show, "Boom! The Physics of Sound and Air Pressure," on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 9:30 a.m. in Duane Physics, room G1B30.
During the free hour-long show, Dubson, a senior instructor in the physics department at the University of Colorado at Boulder, will implode a 50-gallon steel drum using air pressure, create a sonic boom with a bullwhip and stage a tug-of-war with the pressure of the atmosphere.
With the help of the audience, Dubson will explore the sounds made by several exotic musical instruments including a theremin, an electronic musical instrument that emits sounds when a hand is waved in the air near its antenna.
The audience also will learn how sound waves are made, why they can be heard and what makes some sounds "musical." Dubson will hand out colored cards to the audience at the beginning of the show so they can vote on answers to questions asked by raising the cards.
Other highlights of the show include an exploding hydrogen balloon, a strobe light on a vibrating drumhead and a bed of nails.
CU Wizards is a monthly series during the academic year that introduces topics in astronomy, chemistry and physics. Though intended primarily for students in grades five through nine, the shows are educational and entertaining to persons of any age.
For information about CU Wizards call (303) 492-6952 or visit the Web site at .