Reported are designs for a colorimeter (absorptiometer) and polarimeter, both of which may be constructed readily with average workshop facilities and whose performance is superior to many commercial instruments commonly used in teaching laboratories. Includes pertinent diagrams, operating instructions, and sample output. (JN)

Discusses three types of sensors; pressure, gas detection, and relative humidity. Explains their use for laboratory measurements of gas pressure and detection of specific gaseous species. Shows diagrams of devices and circuits along with examples and applications including microcomputer interfacing. (RT)

A description is given of an inexpensive nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer suitable for use in advanced laboratory courses. Applications to the nondestructive analysis of the oil content in corn seeds and in monitoring the crystallization of polymers are presented. (SK)

Describes the trend toward the use of electronic instrumentation to monitor and measure various parameters in chemical reactions. Stresses that a knowledge of the operational relationships involved in such instruments is essential for students beginning in science. Discusses electrostatic charges, semiconductor crystals, electronic conductors,…

Describes a simple method for determining self-inductance of non-ferromagnetic rings. Suggests fitting the ring with an auxiliary coil and using a solenoid driven with a known frequency alternating current. Amplitude change and phase shift can be measured and used to calculate inductance. Material list, calculations, and sample results are given.…

Describes the construction of a low-cost (about $70.00) alternative to the commercial fraction collector. Outlines the separate parts of the collector and provides a schematic of electronic circuitry of the instrument. Lists special items required for the development of this project. (TW)

Describes a system of interfacing allowing a range of signal conditioning and control modules to be connected to microcomputers, enabling execution of such experiments as: examining rate of cooling; control by light-activated switch; pH measurements; control frequency of signal generators; and making automated measurements of frequency response of…

Describes an interface designed to meet the requirements of an instrumentation teaching laboratory, particularly to develop computer-controlled digital circuitry while exploiting electrical drive properties of common transistor-transistor logic (TTL) devices, minimizing cost/number of components. Discusses decoding for Pet, switches, lights, and…