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I3-15. Magdeburg Hemispheres - Portable

Purpose

To demonstrate forces arising from atmospheric air pressure.

Equipment

Magdeburg hemispheres with hand pump and hose.

Images

I3-15

Description

About 40 pumps will adequately evacuate the hemispheres, and the vacuum will last about one minute. The hemispheres have a diameter of about 5 inches, thus requiring a force of over 250 pounds to separate them when fully evacuated. A safety restraint prevents the two hemispheres from separating entirely.