The physics of music and the tools used by nuclear and particle physicists to make the invisible visible will be highlights of two separate April 17 presentations at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
The CU Wizards show "The Physics of Music" will take place at 9:30 a.m. in Duane Physics room G1B30. At 2 p.m. in Duane Physics room G1B30, the CU-Boulder physics department will present "Making the Invisible Visible" as part of its Saturday Physics Series. Both shows are free and open to the public.
CU Wizards is aimed at students in grades five through nine, while the Saturday Physics Series targets high school students, teachers and adults.
James Faller, an adjoint professor of physics at CU-Boulder, will present "The Physics of Music." During his show he will discuss the sounds of music and the rules of physics they follow, and how and why particular sounds are created. He also will demonstrate the ways different instruments create their distinct musical sounds and point out the equally important musical role of silence between the notes.
Associate Professor Steven Pollock of the physics department will present "Making the Invisible Visible," in which he will demonstrate and explain some of the tools used by nuclear and particle physicists to see things that are normally invisible to the human eye.
During his presentation Pollock will demonstrate some of the tools he might use as a nuclear and particle physicist, including an infrared camera and a Geiger counter. He will show the audience how an infrared camera is used to view infrared radiation, which is invisible to human eyes. Infrared radiation, which in its most familiar form is radiated heat, can be felt but not seen. All objects, whatever their temperature, emit infrared radiation and an infrared camera can be used to "see" this invisible presence.
For more information about CU Wizards call (303) 492-6952 or visit . For more information about the Saturday Physics Series call (303) 492-4318.