Millikan Again

Abstract

Recognized as one of the most beautiful experiments of all time, the oil drop experiment performed by Robert Millikan and his graduate students (primarily Harvey Fletcher) is a standard in the repertoire of experiments performed by undergraduate physics students. However, “as a teaching lab it does not enjoy a good reputation for three reasons: eyestrain, tedium, and poor, unconvincing results.” Several have attempted to make this experiment more student-friendly by improving the optics and replacing the stopwatch with a computer, replacing the eye with a video camera, and utilizing video analysis tools. Currently available versions of the oil drop apparatus for high school and college students have incorporated a number of these features. On the other hand, others are ready to replace the experiment with interactive computer-based simulations. There is another alternative: Have students analyze pre-recorded videos of the Millikan experiment. Besides the “Millikan Movies” produced at the California State University at Chico, the collection “Physics: CINEMA CLASSICS” (“PCC”) contains the essential nuggets from a Physical Science Study Committee (PSSC) educational film made in 1959 sufficient to compute the elementary electric charge.