Measure the charge of an electron to +/-3%

  • Nobel Prize-quality physics in the student lab
  • Includes ionization source for changing droplet charge

Millikan Oil Drop Apparatus

AP-8210

$165900

U.S. Educator Price

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Overview

Features & Specs

Experiments

Manuals

The Millikan Apparatus mounted on a rod stand for easy eye-level viewing

Oil drops viewed through the optional VideoFlex Microscope

The Millikan Oil Drop Experiment is one of the most popular experiments in undergraduate physics for several reasons:

  • the experimental principle is straight-forward and easy to understand;
  • it measures a fundamental atomic constant using a method that won its originator, Robert Millikan, the Nobel Prize;
  • the observation of the effects of one or more electrons upon oil drops in an electric field provides a striking demonstration of the quantized nature of electricity.

Clear droplet observation and low droplet drift are essential for success with Millikan’s classic experiment. PASCO’s apparatus uses a prealigned optical system and special condenser to achieve these conditions.
Accuracy in the Oil Drop Experiment depends on the student’s ability to accurately measure all the variables involved: plate voltage, plate separation, time and distance of droplet rise and fall, temperature, oil density, etc. Extreme care taken in the design and manufacture of this unit ensures that the student’s best efforts will be rewarded with more accurate results. Typically, a careful student can achieve results within 3% or less of the accepted value.

 

  • Minimum Electric Field Distortion--A 0.5 mm diameter droplet entry hole in the top capacitor plate has a negligible effect on the electric field.
  • Ionization Source -- The Thorium-232 alpha source can be activated by the switch on the side of the chamber. The source allows the charge on the oil droplets to be changed.
  • Droplet Hole Cover -- Prevents additional droplets from entering the chamber once the experiment has started.
  • Polished Surfaces -- Polished surfaces on the plate spacer minimize absorption of light (and heat) through the chamber walls.
  • Electrical Connection -- Electrical connection to the top plate.
  • Easy Cleaning -- The condenser system easily disassembles for cleaning and inspection.



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