Describes an experiment demonstrating Lenz's law by measuring a magnet falling through a copper tube compared to a nonmagnet falling. Presents diagrams and pictures showing the apparatus. (YP)

Described is a physical pendulum experiment with variable pivot as an example of maximizing computer benefits in laboratory interfacing. The laboratory procedures using spreadsheet graphics package are discussed. A diagram of the pendulum, basic formulas, and theoretical curve is provided. (YP)

Discusses a laboratory course to familiarize mechanical engineering students in the use of electronics and computers. Describes the objectives, laboratory facilities, lecture topics, projects, and laboratory exercises for the course. (YP)

Describes a junior-level, one-year optics laboratory course for physics and engineering students. The course offers a range of experiments from conventional geometric optics to contemporary spatial filtering and fiber optics. Presents an example of an experiment with pictures. (Author/YP)

Describes an exercise designed for an introductory level calculus-based physics class. Presents a problem on why a rod dipped in water is stable when it is oriented at an angle with the vertical. Discusses qualitative understanding, mechanical understanding using equations, and experimental verification of the problem. (YP)

Discussed is a method of measuring the coefficient of linear expansion of a solid. Getting many data points, using a computer program using the least square fit technique, and modifying the apparatus are described. (YP)

Year 11 students investigated the real-world problem of whether screws are really brass. It allowed them to use the colorimeter and computer interface in a way that was easily understood and models normal practice in testing laboratories. Screws were dissolved in nitric acid and their absorbance of red light was compared with a standard curve.…

The interfacing of a physical pendulum to an Apple IIe computer and the physic instruction associated with it are discussed. Laboratory procedures, software commands, and computations used in this lesson are described. (CW)

Reports experiences during a two-year period in introducing the computer to the laboratory and students to the computer as a laboratory instrument. Describes a working philosophy, data acquisition system, and experiments. Summarizes the laboratory procedures of nine experiments, covering mechanics, heat, electromagnetism, and optics. (YP)

Describes the titration of a weak base with a strong acid and subsequent treatment of experimental data using commercially available software. Provides a BASIC program for determining first and second derivatives of data input. Lists 6 references. (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)

This paper describes the characterization of a student's framework of heat and temperature, and the development of a microcomputer-based laboratories (MBL) intervention program for grade 9 and grade ll students. The report presents the results of classroom study, including interview questions and answers and pretest/posttest, from experimental and…

Presented is the use of a microprocessor for mechanics experiments. Described are the experimental set-ups, experimental method, and conclusions. Includes several diagrams and pictures. (YP)

Introduces three physics experiments for high school and college classes. Topics include measuring the ratio of heat capacities using a microcomputer and a glass syringe, producing large electric sparks using a variation of a Leyden bucket, and observing transmission line behavior using television signals. Includes descriptions of materials and…