Uses the context of sports surfaces to discuss the qualities of a surface that will produce a shock-absorbing effect. Discusses experiments to measure the shock-absorbing properties from two theoretical perspectives. Describes necessary equipment for the experiments. (MDH)

Provides diagrams and text to describe the procedures and results of an experiment used to introduce students to parametric resonance. (ZWH)

Describes an experiment that demonstrates the use of Kirchoff's rules in the analysis of electrical circuits. The experiment also involves the solution of a linear nonhomogeneous differential equation that is slightly different from the standard one for the simple RC circuit. (ZWH)

Describes the use of a microcomputer as an intervalometer for the control and timing of several flash units to photograph high-speed events. Applies this technology to study the oscillations of a stretched rubber band, the deceleration of high-speed projectiles in water, the splashes of milk drops, and the bursts of popcorn kernels. (MDH)

Describes science demonstrations with light-emitting diodes that include electrical concepts of resistance, direct and alternating current, sine wave versus square wave, series and parallel circuits, and Faraday's Law; optics concepts of real and virtual images, photoresistance, and optical communication; and modern physics concepts of spectral…

Discusses how to build an inexpensive Young's modulus apparatus and also a lens with an adjustable focal length. Describes the demonstration of moving a peeled, hard-boiled egg in and out of a flask whose neck is slightly smaller than the egg. (MVL)

Presents a pre-lab exercise, an experimental setup, and discussion of computer-generated graphs that can be used to study the motion and energy of a bouncing ball. (WRM)

Describes the use of two tiny light bulbs and a cloth grating to construct a semiquantitative experiment for determining the wavelength of light from an interference pattern. (WRM)

Describes modifications to an apparatus for measuring the force of an object in circular motion. Explains how to accurately measure rotation rate with the use of a motion detector. (WRM)

Discusses the history of the development of Newton's Law of Cooling. Describes an experiment conducted in the kitchen that is designed to test the rate of cooling of a hot block of iron. Finds that Newton's law does not represent very well the mechanism of heat loss. (Contains over 10 references.) (WRM)

Describes an activity designed to introduce concepts of randomness and standard deviation. (CP)

Weights suspended from a lever arm separate evacuated hemispheres allowing estimation of atmospheric pressure to within five percent of the barometric reading. An illustration and a reference to von Guericke's demonstration are provided. (GH)

Gives a brief survey of the different versions of the air trough and related devices. Presents some of the applications of this equipment in the teaching of the concepts of inertia, acceleration, and velocity. (GS)