Speed of Light Experiment with Gelatin and a Laser!

It doesn’t take expensive or sophisticated equipment to carry out a speed of light experiment at home or in the classroom. You can measure the speed of light with nothing but a laser, a protractor and a slab of gelatin, is inexpensive and surprisingly accurate!

Grade Range: 9-12

Duration: 45-60 Minutes

Supplies:

NGSS Connections

PS4.A: Electromagnetic Radiation

  • Use mathematical representations to support a claim regarding relationships among the frequency, wavelength and speed of waves traveling in various media. (HS-PS4-1)
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