Describes an apparatus designed to investigate molecular motion by means of light scattering. Light from a He-Ne laser is focused into a cell containing a suspension of polystyrene spheres. The scattered light, collected on the photosurface of a photomultiplier tube, is analyzed. The apparatus won first prize in Demonstration Lecture Apparatus in…

Briefly reviews some optical and other physical properties of minerals that can be determined in reflected/incident light. Topics include optical properties of minerals, reflectance, internal reflections, color, bireflectance and reflection pleochroism, anisotropism, zonation, and reflected light microscopy as a teaching tool in undergraduate…

Provides instructions for producing a spectrum in the secondary science classroom. Offers suggestions for using the spectrum and discusses how to make a rainbow using a garden hose or houseplant sprayer. (JN)

Describes a method to stimulate the dispersive properties of various media. It is also used to illustrate the characteristics of electromagnetic precursion. (Author/GA)

Describes several simple experiments that can be used to observe directly the dispersion curve of plasmon surface polaritons (PSP) on flat metal surfaces. A method is described of observing the increonental change in the wave vector of the PSP due to coatings that differ in thickness by a few nanometers. (Author/CS)

Listed are selected resource materials on color vision and the measurement and specification of the stimulus for vision, photometry, and colorimetry. The author's purpose is to equip teachers and students with an understanding of normal and abnormal color vision. References are categorized relative to content level. (Author/DS)

Explains some developments in the teaching of special relativity theory, and discusses some ideas that are basic to the understanding of the theory. (GA)

Describes experiments intended to produce a better understanding of the holographic method of producing images and optical imaging by other optical systems. Application of holography to teaching physics courses is considered. (Author/SA)

Some topics included are: the relative merits of a programmable calculator and a microcomputer; the advantages of acquiring a sound-level meter for the laboratory; how to locate a virtual image in a plane mirror; center of gravity of a student; and how to demonstrate interference of light using two cords.

Explains how to demonstrate the following: the hysteresis effect and the existence of domains in Rochelle salt (sodium potassium tartrate); diffraction experiments using a slide with multiple slits; and an analogue technique for learning terminal velocity. (GA)

Presents a ray-tracing procedure based on some ideas of Herzberger and the matrix approach to geometrical optics. This method, which can be implemented on a programmable pocket calculator, applies to any conic surface, including paraboloids, spheres, and planes. (Author/GA)

Describes the following: a low-pressure sodium light source; a design of hot cathodes for plasma and electron physics experiments; a demonstration cart for a physics of sound course; Bernoulli force using coffee cups; a spark recording for the linear air track; and a demonstration of the effect of altering the cavity resonance of a violin. (GA)

Explains how to use glass tubing to form a simple microscope; how to construct an over-voltage protection circuit; and how to demonstrate electromagnetic effects with a coil and rubber bands. (GA)