Describes the construction and operational procedures of a spark-timing apparatus which is designed to record the back and forth motion of one or two carts on linear air tracks. Applications to measurements of velocity, acceleration, simple harmonic motion, and collision problems are illustrated. (CC)

Discusses the use of a modified air table to conduct laboratory experiments which eschews research-oriented lab experience and concentrates on concepts learned in classroom. Includes a description of apparatus construction, sample instruction sheets, and a list of laboratory concepts with their relationships to classroom materials. (CC)

Presents an annotated list of 13 programs which are used to discuss such physical aspects as trajectories, refraction indices, equipotential lines, force fields, computer plots, kinematics applications, Fermat's principle, and measurements of electricity and magnetism knowledge. (CC)

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)

Tandem electrostatic accelerators produce beams of positive ions which are used to penetrate atomic nuclei in a target, inducing nuclear reactions whose study elucidates varied properties of the nucleus. Uses of the system, which acts like a mass spectrometer, are discussed. These include radiocarbon dating measurements. (JN)

In addition to oceans, the earth is subjected to tidal stresses and undergoes tidal deformations. Discusses origin of tides, tidal stresses, and methods of determining tidal deformations (including gravity, tilt, and strain meters). (JN)

Three physics experiments are described, minimizing difficulties for amateur experimenters. One experiment demonstrates the Doppler shift of light, converting the phenomenon into sound. The second measures Planck's constant. The third measures the universal gravitational constant, which does the same in Newton's theory of gravitation. (Author/JN)

Discusses difficulties the author encountered teaching literature to physics students in a Catholic college. Presents methods used to clarify for physics students difficulties emerging from a tension between Catholic theology designed to confer a "Christian identity" on students and a particular way of teaching physics, literature, and other…

An interactive, instructional videodisc was produced using films on wave motion/vibrations and Tacoma Narrows bridge collapse. The disc is appropriate for three levels of physics (physics/algebra; physics/calculus; non-major physics). Program sections (introduction to videodisc player, bridge collapse, influence of wind, bridge properties, and…