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Seeing Polymers in a New Light—Demonstration Kit

By: The Flinn Staff

Seeing Polymers in a New Light Chemistry and Physics Demonstration Kit
Seeing Polymers in a New Light Chemistry and Physics Demonstration Kit
Item #: AP7085 

Price: $37.85

With the Seeing Polymers in a New Light Chemistry and Physics Demonstration Kit, discover bright color patterns made when objects composed of polymers are seen between crossed polarizing filters. This is a great applications-oriented demo.

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Product Details

Discover the bright, rainbow-like color patterns that are created when objects made from polystyrene and other polymers are viewed between crossed polarizing filters. Brightly colored bands of different colors arise due to birefringence, making it possible to “see” areas in the structure of a polymer where the molecules line up in an orderly, crystalline fashion. Crystalline regions may form when a hot polymer is forced through a narrow opening during injection molding or when a polymer is “stressed” by stretching or bending an object. Great applications-oriented demonstration—engineers use this tool to map out stress in plastic models of bridges! All the materials are reusable. Concepts: Polymers, amorphous versus crystalline structure, polarized light, birefringence. Time Required: 10 minutes Materials Provided: Two polarizing filters, polystyrene “jewel” case, polyethylene bags, and craft sticks.

Specifications

Materials Included in Kit: 
Bag, zipper top, 4" x 6", 2
CD case
Polarizing filter, 4" x 4", 2
Wooden craft sticks, 2


Correlation to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)†

Science & Engineering Practices

Developing and using models

Disciplinary Core Ideas

MS-PS4.A: Wave Properties
MS-PS4.B: Electromagnetic Radiation
HS-PS4.A: Wave Properties

Crosscutting Concepts

Structure and function

Performance Expectations

MS-PS4-2. Develop and use a model to describe that waves are reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through various materials.