Materials:
- Cardboard
- Scissors
- Colorful markers or paints
- Thumbtack or small nail
- String
Step 1: Prepare the Cardboard
Start by cutting a round piece of cardboard. You can use a circular object, like a plate, to trace the shape. Make sure the diameter is large enough to create a stable spinning motion.
Step 2: Create Colorful Sections
Divide the round cardboard into six or eight equal sections using a pencil. These sections will be later filled with different vibrant colors. You can choose your favorite colors or follow Isaac Newton’s original scheme, which includes red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.
Step 3: Color Each Section
Use colorful markers or paints to fill in the sections. Ensure that each color is bright and distinctive to create a more visually engaging effect when the disc spins.
Step 4: Make a Hole in the Center
At the center of the disc, make a small hole with a thumbtack or a small nail. The hole should be just wide enough to thread a string through.
Step 5: Attach the String
Cut a piece of string, around 30 cm long, and thread one end through the hole. Tie a secure knot to prevent the string from slipping out.
Step 6: Spin the Disc
Hold the string tightly with both hands and pull it gently. Allow the disc to spin freely. Notice how the colors blend together and form a whitish-gray color. This happens due to an optical illusion called persistence of vision.
By rapidly rotating the different colors in front of your eyes, our retinas cannot keep up with the changing colors, resulting in a blended white color. This white color is the combination of all the individual colors on the disc.
Building your own Newton’s Disc is not only a fun DIY project but it also helps you understand the fascinating principles of color mixing and perception. Give it a try and impress your friends and family with this captivating scientific toy!
We hope you enjoyed this step-by-step guide on building Newton’s Disc. Stay tuned for more exciting DIY projects and scientific wonders!