Describes experiments in which a ball bearing is used as a tool for the study of light and as a kind of photographic lens. Also shows how results from these experiments contribute to an understanding of the nature of light. (JN)

The tendency of a poured liquid to cling to the outside of a container is known as the "teapot effect." The nature of the teapot effect and experiments investigating this phenomenon are described. (JN)

Discusses the acoustics of bells by examining what determines the quality of a bell, the frequency it emits, and the note perceived by the listener. The analysis concentrates on a ship's bell but also considers several handbells. Laboratory bench set up for studying bells and nodal lines of bells are illustrated. (BC)

Discusses changes in the crystal structure of iron and steel when these materials are heated. Focuses on observations related to an experiment in which a 60-inch length of piano wire (No. 29 steel wire) is heated and then cooled. (JN)

Provides background information on and experiments for determining the spectra of streetlights. Procedures for taking photographs of the spectra produced are included as well as discussions of sodium and mercury spectra. (JN)

Spatial filtering, based on diffraction/interference of light waves, is a technique by which unwanted information in a picture ("noise") can be separated from wanted information. A series of experiments is described in which students can create a system that functions as an optical computer to create clearer pictures. (Author/JN)

Discusses solubility interactions of various oils placed on the surface of water and other liquids, explained using the basic forces of gravity, electrical attraction, and quantum mechanics (non-mathematical). Hydrogen and ionic bonding between oleic acid/water is analyzed. An experiment to determine physical properties of the oleic acid molecule…