Interviews university students in modern physics about their understanding of three fundamental experiments. Explores their development of models of microscopic processes. Uses interactive demonstrations to probe student understanding of modern physics experiments in two high school physics classes. Analyzes the nature of students' models and the…

Describes an experiment based on Faraday's one-piece generator, where the rotating disk is replaced by a cylindrical permanent magnet. Explains the apparent paradox that an observer in an inertial frame could measure his absolute velocity. (GA)

Described is an inexpensive wave tank used to study the amplitude of tsunamis travelling down a channel of decreasing depth. A detailed discussion to theory and computations is included. (SL)

Describes a method for performing a thermodynamic "ice bomb" demonstration which is faster, simpler, and cheaper than commercially available demonstration devices. (SL)

Describes (1) a rippler assembly which makes use of a loud speaker and a stroboscopic light source designed for this application; and (2) an experiment using a force table that has been modified for a capstan experiment. (JN)

Discusses the problem of ellipticity in the motion of the ordinary Foucault pendulum and the error caused by it. Presents a simple method of slightly modifying the force-displacement relation in such a way that precession does not result from ellipticity. (Author/SK)

Describes a simple experiment for measuring the speed of sound using a partially filled beer bottle as a resonator. Outlines and discusses the approximations made in arriving at the procedure. (GA)

Describes a low priced ripple tank with accessories for use with an overhead projector as well as the assembly of a variable speed wave source. Photographs are included. (GH)

Several experiments are described using common laboratory apparatus and readily available materials to generate resonance spectra of air columns. The advantages of this apparatus and method of demonstration are visual impact and accuracy of results. (CS)

Describes an inexpensive physics apparatus and experiment to dynamically determine Young's modulus for thin reeds and wire samples. (HM)

Explains that the result of collision experiments with a linear arrangement of several identical elastic balls cannot be predicted solely from the conservation laws and energy and momentum. Indicates that the system of balls must be capable of dispersion-free energy propagation. (Author/JN)