A computational experiment that investigates the optical activity of the amino acid valine has been developed for an upper-level undergraduate physical chemistry laboratory course. Hybrid density functional theory calculations were carried out for valine to confirm the rule that adding a strong acid to a solution of an amino acid in the l…

Many quantum mechanical models are discussed as part of the undergraduate physical chemistry course to help students understand the connection between eigenvalue expressions and spectroscopy. Typical examples covered include the particle in a box, the harmonic oscillator, the rigid rotor, and the hydrogen atom. This article demonstrates that…

A method has been developed to measure the swing period of a simple pendulum automatically. The pendulum position is converted into a signal frequency by employing a simple electronic circuit that detects the intensity of infrared light reflected by the pendulum. The signal produced by the electronic circuit is sent to the microphone port and…

Describes a dry- lab" experiment for the college freshman laboratory, in which the essential features of Browian motion are given principles, using the Monte Carlo technique. Calculations principles, using the Monte Carlo technique. Calculations are carried out by a computation sheme based on computer language. Bibliography. (LC)

Discusses how a spreadsheet might be used in an introductory physics laboratory. Describes three categories of spreadsheet uses, advantages of spreadsheet, layout, accuracy, and modifications. Gives an example of the variable mass rocket problem with typical display. (YP)

Two computer programs are described, with the development and implementation of the first program described in some detail. This is a student-computer dialogue for beginning or intermediate physics classes entitled "A Computer-Based Dialogue for Deriving Energy Conservation for Motion in One-Dimension." A portion of the flowchart is included,…

As the fifth lesson of the Articulated Multimedia Physics Course, instructional materials are presented in this study guide. The subject matter is concerned with graphical presentations, mathematical expressions, and relationships between speed, position, and time. The content is arranged in the scrambled form, and the use of matrix transparencies…

As the sixth lesson of the Articulated Multimedia Physics Course, instructional materials are presented in this study guide with relation to the uniformly accelerated motion of bodies starting from rest. The objective is to teach students how a complete set of equations of motion is derived and how to use them. Free falling bodies near the Earth's…

Introduces a computer solution of the oscillation of a mass suspended by a spring in a viscous liquid. Describes the equations of motion, spreadsheet solution, copying the formulas, plotting the results, and extending the applications. Presents spreadsheet and physics formulas for the step-by-step solution and spreadsheet solution. (YP)

Evaluates 10 courseware packages covering topics for introductory physics. Discusses the price; sub-topics; program type; interaction; possible hardware; time; calculus required; graphics; and comments on each program. Recommends two packages in projectile and circular motion, and three packages in statics and rotational dynamics. (YP)

Different programs have been developed for the simulation of physics experiments by using TI-57 programmable calculators. Two of these programs, describing the simulation of a successive radioactive decay and the random motion of a gas molecule, are presented. (Author/SK)

Evaluates 16 commercially available courseware packages covering topics for introductory physics. Discusses the price, sub-topics, program type, interaction, time, calculus required, graphics, and comments of each program. Recommends two packages in measurement and vectors, and one-dimensional motion respectively. (YP)