Described is a novel approach to the teaching of projectile motion of sixth form level. Students are asked to use an analogue circuit to observe projectile motion and to graph the experimental results. Using knowledge of basic dynamics, students are asked to explain the shape of the curves theoretically. (Author/MA)

Using the simple optical system and photodiode described in this article it is possible to give clear, quantitative demonstrations of all the Fraunhofer diffraction phenomena at single and multiple apertures. These measurements can be related to the theoretical predictions given in standard textbooks. Circuit diagram and optical layout are…

Traditional undergraduate courses in gas kinetic theory encourage the view that in all collisions between a gas atom and a surface, the angle of incidence of the gas atom equals its angle of reflection. This article illustrates and explains the incorrectness in assuming specular reflection and zero dwell time. (Author/MA)

Illustrated and described is the design of an apparatus that can be used by students in a short period of time. It gives quantitative results showing evidence of thermoelastic properties of fluids near the critical point. (Author/MA)

Presents the syllabus for a nine week, college level unit on energy topics. (CP)

Proposes the use of problems of the everyday world to motivate students to master basic physical principles. Cites the example of conversion of solar energy by a photovoltaic cell as a source of topics in electricity and solid state physics. (CP)

Describes the college level experiments: a simple measurement of the isotopic abundance of 40-K, a mechanical experiment, on kinetic energy, and on soap films between wedged plates. (GA)

Describes three experiments to demonstrate several aspects of artificial radioactivity. Metal foils were activated, using slow neutron bombardment. (GA)

An elementary analysis of a common textbook airplane problem is given, and then, as an illustrative example, the possibilities of this mechanism for animal navigation are briefly considered. (Author/MA)

Presented is the design of an electrical analogue of the simple pendulum--a one-dimensional oscillator resonating within a frequency range which can be generated and observed with readily available instruments. One possible study sequence is outlined. (Author/MA)

Describes an electronic technique for making a series of timing measurements in quick succession, using the signal from one photodiode. Two undergraduate experiments, one on linear momentum and the other on angular momentum conservation, are included. (HM)

Describes activities to stimulate school astronomy programs. Topics include: counting stars; the Earth's centripetal force; defining astronomical time; three types of sundials; perceptions of star brightness; sunspots and solar radiation; stellar spectroscopy; number-crunching and the molecular structure of the atmosphere; the Earth-Moon common…

Explains the typical design, operation, and calibration of a traditional psychrometer. Presents the method utilized for this class project with design considerations, calibration techniques, remote data sensing schematic, and specifics of the implementation process. (JJK)

Describes applications of mechanical principles based on the theory of flight. Includes a discussion of aerofoils and lift, aircraft structures, aircraft performance, and laboratory experiments. (GS)