Discusses various ways of measuring the length of a pendulum and how this measurement can be included in observation studies of a pendulum. (MLH)

Describes a graphical method stressing the asymmetry of the classical Doppler effect in a one-dimensional case. (YP)

Shows how the thermal power developed by friction is exactly half the supplied power in the general case of a variable force of friction. Investigates the mechanism whereby one-half the input energy is dissipated as heat using mathematical expressions. (YP)

Describes the use of a digitized video image system in conducting radically different projectile experiments. Presents a detailed example of its use and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using digitized video images. (JRH)

Describes an experiment that uses the ultrasonic transducer for demonstrating the Fourier components of waveshapes such as the square and triangular waves produced by laboratory function generators. (JRH)

Presents the Vector Knowledge Test that was designed to see if beginning physics students possess the minimal basic knowledge of vectors that will allow them to proceed with a study of Newtonian mechanics. Concludes that only one-third of the students in a calculus-based introductory course at California Polytechnic had sufficient vector…

Presents a three-dimensional analysis of the relative speed before and after a two-body elastic collision, based on the concept of a Galilean invariant. (JRH)

Presents two physics poems in the sonnet style, Electron Love and The Barn, that were part of a student's personal evaluation instrument. (JRH)

Presents the Active Mental Processing (AMP) journal as part of a language-rich teaching method that helps students learn physics concepts. Discusses practical matters such as format, grading, time, and assumptions. (JRH)

Presents experiments that use Microcomputer Based Laboratory (MBL) techniques to enable freshmen physics students to investigate complex systems, such as nonlinear oscillators or coupled harmonic oscillators, at a level appropriate for an independent project. (JRH)

Presents a rail gun demonstration that addresses a broad group of educational goals in introductory electricity and magnetism. Uses a battery-powered circuit consisting of a movable conductor placed across two conducting rails in a magnetic field to review mechanics, foster approximate reasoning and lateral class discussion, and demonstrate the…

Describes fluids whose viscosity is affected by electric fields. (PR)

Presents a mechanical model that is able to duplicate the torque-free twist of a real cat. Discusses results of experiments that analyze its free fall from an inverted position. (JRH)

Provides an enhanced version of the Cartesian diver demonstration often used to demonstrate the effect of pressure on the diver. This design also demonstrates the effect of temperature on the diver. (ZWH)

Provides the background theory and some experiments for studying static equilibrium using a Slinky. (MVL)