Discusses a lab experiment where rubber bands are used to determine a spring constant and to predict the range when the band is stretched and fired. Included are the formulas involved. (CC)

An attempt to stimulate interest in solar study is made by discussing how it could fit into a physics curriculum and by describing an effective installation already in use. (DF)

Describes an experiment enabling students to apply concept of diffraction, determine limits of their color perception, learn how to measure wavelength with a simple apparatus, observe continuous and line spectra, and associate colors with corresponding wavelengths. The homemade diffraction-grating spectrometer used is easily constructed. (JN)

Describes apparatus and method used to allow rapid and repeated measurement of acceleration of a ball rolling down an inclined plane. Acceleration measurements can be performed in an hour with the apparatus interfaced to a Commodore PET microcomputer. A copy of the BASIC program is available from the authors. (Author/JN)

Results of a questionnaire survey of 455 two- and four-year institutions on the status on noncalculus physics courses are presented. Responses from 265 questionnaires focus on enrollment, textbooks, reasons for textbook changes, laboratory manuals, and nationally standardized set of laboratory experiments. Selected comments from individual…

Describes use of the Physical Science Study Committee (PSSC) physics timer for verification of equations of motion and in measuring moment of inertia when a body is in actual motion. Diagrams illustrating experimental arrangement of apparatus for the experiments are provided. (JN)

Describes ray tracing techniques and the method of virtual mirrors to locate images when using multiple mirrors. (JN)

Provides physics teachers with comments on the value and role of demonstrations during lecture sessions. (SK)

Presents a demonstration of wave behavior, and experiments of (1) the determination of the mechanical equivalent of heat, and (2) a "discovery" investigation based on the maximum-span staircase. (CS)

Describes experiments, including the measurement of the magnetic moment of a magnet, using noncalibrated materials. Results of these experiments can be checked using calibrated equipment. (SK)

Describes three accessories developed to be used in conjunction with the rotating platform or turntable. Three demonstrations using these accessories are included. These demonstrations are: (a) conservation of angular momentum; (b) gravity-defying goblets; and (c) direct measurement of centripetal force. (HM)

Presents two methods for measuring the index of refraction of glass or lucite. These two methods, used in the freshman laboratory, are based on the fact that a ray of light inside a block will be refracted parallel to the surface. (HM)