In situ observation of a soap-film catenoid-a simple educational physics experiment

摘要: The solution to the Euler–Lagrange equation is an extremal functional. To understand that functional stationary at local extrema (maxima or minima), we propose a physics experiment involves using soap film form catenoid. A catenoid surface formed between two coaxial circular rings and classified mathematically as minimal surface. Using film, create catenoids characterize in situ while varying distance rings. shape of very interesting can be explained dynamic mechanics. By observing catenoid, students observe phenomena. We stress observation soap-film appropriate combines theory experimentation.