In recent years, do-it-yourself microcontrollers and sensors have gained increased attention as measurement devices for physics teaching (see, for example, Refs. 1-5). This is not surprising, since Arduinos are relatively cheap and ubiquitous, the code base and design are open source, and there is a wide variety of sensors available. Arduinos can…

Producing energy from renewable energy sources is nowadays a priority in our society. In many cases this energy comes as electric energy, and when we think about electric energy generators, one major issue is how we can store that energy. In this paper we discuss how this can be done and give some ideas for applications that can serve as a…

One of the great, engaging aspects of physics is its application to everyday technology. The compact disc player is an example of one such technology that applies fundamental principles from optics in order to efficiently store and quickly retrieve information. We have created a lab in which students use simple optical components to assemble a…

Described are the theory and operation of Van De Graaff generators. The experience of one group of people in the reconditioning and repair of their apparatus is discussed. (CW)

Presents response to a survey in the March and May 1982 issues of the American Association of Physics Teachers "Announcer" on microcomputer use by physics instructors. Provides background information on microcomputers useful in determining choice of system components, including applications development. Appendices give information on machine and…