Phenakistoscope Model

Phenakistoscope Model – Persistence of Vision Demonstration | Manufactured by Samtech Instruments

The Phenakistoscope Model by Samtech Instruments is a classic optical animation device used to demonstrate the principle of persistence of vision. It helps students understand how moving images are created from a sequence of still pictures and forms the foundation of modern animation and cinema technology.

Description
The model consists of a rotating disc printed with sequential images and evenly spaced viewing slits. When the disc is spun in front of a mirror and viewed through the slits, the pictures appear to move continuously, creating the illusion of animation.

Working Principle
As the disc rotates, each image passes the viewer’s eye rapidly. Due to persistence of vision, the human eye retains each image for a fraction of a second, causing consecutive images to blend together into smooth motion. This demonstrates how films and cartoons produce moving visuals.

Educational Concept
The apparatus explains persistence of vision, animation principles, frame sequencing, and motion illusion. It also introduces students to the history of cinematography and early optical devices.

Educational Applications
Ideal for physics optics lessons, multimedia studies, classroom demonstrations, and science exhibitions. Helps connect basic visual perception with real‑world technologies like movies, television, and digital animation.

Key Features
🎞️ Demonstrates persistence of vision clearly
🪞 Used with a mirror for an animation effect
🔄 Smooth rotating disc mechanism
🎓 Useful for physics and visual perception studies
📽️ Explains foundation of cinema and animation

FAQ

Q1: What does the Phenakistoscope Model demonstrate?
A: It demonstrates persistence of vision and the illusion of motion using sequential images.

Q2: How does the animation appear?
A: When the disc spins and is viewed through the slits in a mirror, still images appear as continuous motion.

Q3: Which concepts does it teach?
A: Persistence of vision, animation basics, and motion perception.

Q4: Where is it used?
A: Physics labs, multimedia education, and science exhibitions.

Q5: Who manufactures this model?
A: Manufactured by Samtech Instruments, Ambala Cantt, India.