Described is an advanced undergraduate physics laboratory experiment for determining an area, and bandwidth-independent parameter, D* ("dee star"), of an infrared detection devices' detectivity. (SL)

Describes the use of an interactive computer terminal for introductory laboratory experiments. (SL)

Discusses an experiment on the conservation of momentum and Q-values for elastic and inelastic collisions with frictional energy dissipation taken into account. Indicates that the apparatus is readily fabricated from easily available materials. (CC)

Describes the theoretical principles and experimental arrangement in determining the transmission and reflection coefficients for polarizations which are parallel and perpendicular to the plane of incidence. Indicates an error of the order of five percent in the results obtained. (CC)

Presents the philosophy and mechanics of a professionally oriented astronomy laboratory for nonscience majors. Design of the laboratory, description of the exercises, and the results of using this approach at the University of Kansas are also described. (HM)

A gas pressure gauge has been constructed for use in a student experiment involving the law of atmospheres. From pressure data obtained at selected elevations the average mass of air molecules is determined and compared to that calculated from the molecular weights and percentages of constituents to the air. (Author/BB)

Describes a method of recording galvanometer deflections when using a d'Arsonval galvanometer to demonstrate forced, damped simple harmonic motion. (SL)

Traces the development of college physics laboratories. Discusses the motivating forces that produced these laboratories, sources of experiments and the first and most influential laboratory manual prepared by E. C. Pickering for use at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. (JN)

This procedure, using polystyrene spheres of specified diameter, renders the Millikan oil drop experiment more accurate than the conventional procedure of the polystyrene spheres, eliminates size estimation error, and removes the guesswork involved in assigning proper index integers to the observed charges. (MLH)

Described are graphic computer simulations of laboratory experiments in modern physics developed for student use prior to each laboratory and which replace pre-lab briefing. Experimental simulation is intended to familiarize the students with the experiment, and to allow the students to try a larger number of "experimental" combinations of…

Described is the use of the Doppler Effect with microwaves in the measurement of the acceleration due to gravity of falling objects. The experiments described add to the repertoire of quantitative student microwave experiments. (Author/DS)

A technique is presented for producing holograms using equipment which is already in the possesion of the majority of college physics departments, which includes a slightly modified Michelson interferometer, a helium-neon laser, and a long focal-length lens. Production of high quality holograms has been achieved by inexperienced undergraduates…

Described is a laboratory experiment in measurement of electrostatic potentials to help students gain an idea of potentials, which will provide a basis for deeper understanding of electricity and magnetism. The theoretical potential in this report is derived by taking into account the boundary of the actual experimental setup. (Author/DS)

Described is an inexpensive wave tank used to study the amplitude of tsunamis travelling down a channel of decreasing depth. A detailed discussion to theory and computations is included. (SL)