A laboratory experiment is described in which a simple characterization of a historical lime mortar is made by the determination of its approximate composition by a gravimetric method. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) are also used for the qualitative characterization of the lime mortar components. These…

Engineers often measure temperature for a wide variety of applications and assessments. This article describes how STEM educators can use thermometers or temperature sensors to help students understand how heat disperses through fluids, both air and water. It also provides hands-on learning about air and water heating systems. (Contains 4 figures.)

We present an adaptation to an experiment previously published in this "Journal". The experiment was designed to determine the heat capacity ratios of gases by measuring the speed of sound using a modified Kundt's tube. The experiment yielded excellent results for all of the gases and gas mixtures measured. Although elegant in its simplicity, it…