Hands-On-Physics

Introductory Mechanics
Core Project:
TOOLS

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• Your tool kit contains a small knife with a segmented blade. When a segment gets dull just snap it off with pliers; the next segment will be sharp. If you use a sharp blade it cuts cardboard very well. To cut a straight line, use a straight edge; a metal ruler works well. To bend corrugated cardboard, carefully cut through one layer and bend away from the cut side. The knife also cuts lighter cardboard nicely and will even cut thin sheet aluminum.

• The hot-glue gun allows quick assembly of HOP apparatus. The gun melts a glue-stick into a liquid which solidifies and sticks when it cools. Because it cools quickly, you must be confident about the placement of glued parts and you must work rather rapidly. Although you will be using a "low temperature" glue-gun, both the gun and the glue are in fact quite hot, use caution. For practice with the knife and hot glue try the nested boxes exercise
  
  
• A ruler is necessary for measuring and for use as a straight edge. A metal rule works best as a straight-edge, and a see-through plastic ruler works well for measuring. You will usually measure distance in centimeters. Remember 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters.
  
  
• Although a compass is designed for drawing circles, it has a sharp point which also makes a good hole punch. You can use this sharp point for punching small holes in cardboard for pop-rivets, string, and wire. Of course you can use it to draw circles.
  
  
• For making good electrical connections you will use a soldering-iron and solder. The iron melts metallic solder which coats and connects copper electrical wires. Unlike the hot glue, solder and the soldering iron are VERY HOT and can cause serious burns. To practice soldering, make a pair of clip-leads.
  
  
  
• Use a work-board for cutting and gluing. A piece of luan about 2 ft x 3 ft works well. If a work-boad is not available, use pieces of scrap cardboard. Do NOT cut directly on your desk or workbench.