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Measuring Planck's Constant: Introduction

Outline
Planck’s constant (h = 6.63 x 10-34 Js) is a universal constant that lies at the heart of quantum physics.

This resource centres around a laboratory activity in which students measure Planck’s constant using a simple electronic circuit. The circuit is inexpensive and contains only a 6-volt battery, an LED, a resistor, a voltmeter, a few wires, and a potentiometer (variable resistor).

Curriculum Links
Quantum nature of light, E = hf

Grade Level
Senior High School Physics (Grade 12)

Student Worksheet
(word, pdf)

Teacher's Notes
(pdf)

The Physics Behind LEDs
(More detailed information for teachers)
(pdf)

Appendix: What is a potentiometer? What is an LED?

Measuring Planck's Constant (entire document)
(pdf)

 



 

 
 
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