Describes experiments in which a ball bearing is used as a tool for the study of light and as a kind of photographic lens. Also shows how results from these experiments contribute to an understanding of the nature of light. (JN)

The tendency of a poured liquid to cling to the outside of a container is known as the "teapot effect." The nature of the teapot effect and experiments investigating this phenomenon are described. (JN)

Describes a situation in which a ball strikes a stationary ball. Reviews theoretical findings of such collisions and two important related factors which are momentum and kinetic energy. Includes diagrams for showing the use of a pendulum apparatus, the collision of different size balls, and chain collisions. (RT)

Lists several ideas for experiments for the amateur scientist to try or design. The list covers a wide range of topics; sound, mechanics, thermodynamics, fluids, optics, and electrostatics. (GA)

Discusses the physics behind making ice cream in a hand-cranked ice cream maker. Ingredients in the maker are cooled and hardened by a bath of ice, water, and rock salt. Several experiments to investigate the variables involved in preparing the ice cream (and related desserts) are included. (JN)

Discusses the thermodynamics of heating and boiling water, including the mechanics of bubble formation. Indicates that when salt was added to boiling water (when cooking pasta) the water temperature rose less than a degree, concluding that salt serves only as a seasoning. (Author/JN)

Describes an inexpensive apparatus for the detection of gravity waves traveling through the ionosphere. The detector consists of a modified transistor radio with a ferrite-core antenna. Numerous diagrams accompany a lengthy description. (CS)

Discusses the acoustics of bells by examining what determines the quality of a bell, the frequency it emits, and the note perceived by the listener. The analysis concentrates on a ship's bell but also considers several handbells. Laboratory bench set up for studying bells and nodal lines of bells are illustrated. (BC)

Discusses changes in the crystal structure of iron and steel when these materials are heated. Focuses on observations related to an experiment in which a 60-inch length of piano wire (No. 29 steel wire) is heated and then cooled. (JN)

Provides background information on and experiments for determining the spectra of streetlights. Procedures for taking photographs of the spectra produced are included as well as discussions of sodium and mercury spectra. (JN)

Certain chemical systems oscillate between one color and another. This article describes procedures for examining this phenomenon. (MA)

Spatial filtering, based on diffraction/interference of light waves, is a technique by which unwanted information in a picture ("noise") can be separated from wanted information. A series of experiments is described in which students can create a system that functions as an optical computer to create clearer pictures. (Author/JN)

Discusses four types of breaking waves (spilling, plunging, collapsing, and surging) and effect of these waves on beaches. Also discusses various patterns left by waves in sand (for example, ripples) and cusps (thin sheets of water forming horizontal curves as they wash up the slope of a beach). (Author/JN)

Explains the variables involved when stopping a car on various types of pavement, braking schemes and additional concerns. (RT)

Discusses various physics concepts/principles that can be illustrated by amusement park rides. Examples of rotational dynamics, energy conservation, acceleration, and others can be demonstrated by such rides as roller coasters, Ferris wheels, and a variety of rotating rides. (JN)