The speed of sound is a physical property that can be measured easily in the lab. However, finding an inexpensive and intuitive way for students to determine this speed has been more involved. The introduction of affordable consumer-grade high-speed cameras (such as the Exilim EX-FC100) makes conceptually simple experiments feasible. Since the…

Socratic dialogue-inducing (SDI) labs are based on Arnold Arons' half-century of ethnographic research, listening carefully to students' responses to probing Socratic questions on physics, science, and ways of thinking, and culminating in his landmark "Teaching Introductory Physics." They utilize "interactive engagement" methods and are designed,…

Presents guidelines for stocking, organizing, and maintaining a storage space for physics education laboratory and demonstration equipment. (WRM)

Discusses four different methods for measuring self-inductance based on the definition of inductance, the alternative definition, phase difference and LC resonance. Provides circuit diagrams and typical oscilloscope traces. (YP)

Discusses a group project for a physics laboratory using various pendulums. Presents diagrams of pendulums, describes how to make a pendulum, and provides suggestions for guiding students in the laboratory. (YP)

Summarizes the results of a 1969 experiment survey made for learning the impact of special publications and the trend of experimentation in colleges. Describes some new or modified apparatus that has appared since the 1956 survey. (GS)

Describes three demonstrations showing chaotic motion, which makes long-term prediction impossible. Discusses the apparatus for the demonstrations and procedures for illustrating chaotic motion of pendulum, balls rolling in a double potential well, and a ball rolling on a balanced beam. (YP)

Describes three demonstrations: (1) "A 'Rocket' Cart" (using a fire extinguisher and a child's truck); (2) "Angular Momentum Conservation" (providing materials and calculations); and (3) "Cavendish Experiment" (including the building method and examples of calculations). (YP)

Should a prism be centered to measure the apex angle and refraction index? Concludes that centering the prism is not critical, and that there is an interval for which the prism can be displaced. (YP)

Describes a circuit by which capacitance and the dielectric constant can be measured. Shows the circuit diagram and the method to calculate these constants. (YP)

Describes the mechanism of bicycle computers functioning as speedometers and timers. Discusses why the computers do not display the continuously changing readings and show the correct values at higher speeds. (YP)

Describes making laboratory apparatus such as a heavy-duty turntable; a hand-held milk-carton accelerometer; an inverted air table; free-fall measurement with a solenoid as a starting device; and a bright point source. Presents an evaluation of "The Champ Universal Interface and Sensor Pack Software." (YP)

Described is the construction and utilization of a Dewar assembly for measuring the heat of vaporization of liquid nitrogen. The device is fabricated from a thermos bottle replacement filler. (SL)

Discusses the possible dangers of the educational radioactive sources used in a college physics laboratory. The discussion is intended to increase the awareness of teachers and students. (HM)

Describes some experiments showing both qualitatively and quantitatively that aerodynamic lift is a reaction force. Demonstrates reaction forces caused by the acceleration of an airstream and the deflection of an airstream. Provides pictures of demonstration apparatus and mathematical expressions. (YP)