Welcome to the Society of Physics Students at Old Dominion University. Our organization is dedicated to the advancement of Physics at ODU.
After a very successful Annual Pumpkin Drop, we are looking forward to our trip to the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Greenbank, WV this spring, as well as guest speakers and other interesting activities and events throughout the year.
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Perry Nerem, Lecturer
President
Alicia Mand
Vice President
Jonathan (Tyler) Rose
Treasurer
Evan Johnson
Secretary
David Routhier
Historian
Shane Spencer
Outreach Officer
Brandon Velasco
Telescope Lead
Wyatt Elliott
Contact
Come join us by contacting any of our officers or stopping by the SPS Office in the Oceanography and Physics Building room 136.
Our mailbox is located in the Office of Student Activities and Leadership (OSAL) Office in room 1071 Webb Center.
What We Do!
The SPS Annually Hosts a Pumpkin Drop on the South Lawn of the 9 Story Batten Arts and Letters Building. The event is typically held during Halloween.
Pumpkin Drop Guidelines
- Your pumpkin catcher should be 3 feet by 3 feet in size or larger so that the pumpkin droppers can hit it from 10 stories up. (2.5 feet square is probably OK but anything smaller will probably not be hit.)
- Bring 3 pumpkins (each about 8 to 10 pounds) to the Society of Physics Students office by October 15 and 24. Note that we cannot guarantee that your pumpkins will be dropped on your catcher.
- Your pumpkin catcher needs to be able to be moved quickly (1 to 2 minutes) moved into position.
- Your team can consist of up to 4 people.
- No styrofoam peanuts. They are too hard to clean up.
- Your catcher must not generate any dangerous projectiles, even when impacted by a 30 m/s pumpkin
- Bring your pumpkin catcher to the lawn on the south side of Batten Arts and Letters (BAL) Building by 11:30 am on Drop Day (Safety evaluation is required before your catcher can be used).
- What is the force of gravity (in N) on your 9 pound pumpkin?
- What is its potential energy at the top of BAL (in J)?
- What is its kinetic energy the instant before it hits your pumpkin catcher (in J)?
- How much work does your pumpkin catcher have to do to stop it (in J)? [Hint: What is its kinetic energy after it has been stopped? How much did the catcher change the pumpkin's kinetic energy?]
In the past, people have used empty milk jugs, water balloons, straw, etc. Successful pumpkin catchers have ranged in height from 2 to 10 feet tall.
The Society offers opportunities to learn outside of the classroom, including Nitrogen demonstrations and conference support.
The Society of Physics Students druing their visit to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center located in Greenbelt, Maryland.
The SPS Annually Hosts a Pumpkin Drop on the South Lawn of the 9 Story Batten Arts and Letters Building. The event is typically held during Halloween.
Pumpkin Drop Guidelines
- Your pumpkin catcher should be 3 feet by 3 feet in size or larger so that the pumpkin droppers can hit it from 10 stories up. (2.5 feet square is probably OK but anything smaller will probably not be hit.)
- Bring 3 pumpkins (each about 8 to 10 pounds) to the Society of Physics Students office by October 15 and 24. Note that we cannot guarantee that your pumpkins will be dropped on your catcher.
- Your pumpkin catcher needs to be able to be moved quickly (1 to 2 minutes) moved into position.
- Your team can consist of up to 4 people.
- No styrofoam peanuts. They are too hard to clean up.
- Your catcher must not generate any dangerous projectiles, even when impacted by a 30 m/s pumpkin
- Bring your pumpkin catcher to the lawn on the south side of Batten Arts and Letters (BAL) Building by 11:30 am on Drop Day (Safety evaluation is required before your catcher can be used).
- What is the force of gravity (in N) on your 9 pound pumpkin?
- What is its potential energy at the top of BAL (in J)?
- What is its kinetic energy the instant before it hits your pumpkin catcher (in J)?
- How much work does your pumpkin catcher have to do to stop it (in J)? [Hint: What is its kinetic energy after it has been stopped? How much did the catcher change the pumpkin's kinetic energy?]
In the past, people have used empty milk jugs, water balloons, straw, etc. Successful pumpkin catchers have ranged in height from 2 to 10 feet tall.
The Society offers opportunities to learn outside of the classroom, including Nitrogen demonstrations and conference support.
The Society of Physics Students druing their visit to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center located in Greenbelt, Maryland.
