Describes the Coriolis machine, and explains its use to study the inertial motion of a particle moving with constant velocity, from a rotating frame of reference. (GA)

Introduces an experiment exhibiting blue and yellow-orange coloration in the plane of vibration of a vibrating string. Provides pictures and the experimental set-up. (YP)

Presents an analog of radioactive decay that allows the student to grasp the concept of half life and the exponential nature of the decay process. The analog is devised to use small, colored, plastic poker chips or counters. Provides the typical data and a graph which supports the analog. (YP)

Describes computer use in the undergraduate physics laboratory at the University of Toronto. Topics discussed include user interfaces; local area networking; data analysis and acquisition; other computer applications, including a programmable calculator and word processing; and an example of an experiment involving gravity. (LRW)

Describes an investigation of forces and motions in ten pin bowling. Explores the significance of the spin on the ball, its curved path and other factors which may increase the chance of a strike occurring. Discusses the ball's path and the action of the pins. (CW)

Presents a model for planning the measurement of physical quantities. Provides two examples of optimizing the conditions of indirect measurement for laboratory experiments which involve measurements of acceleration due to gravity and of viscosity by means of Stokes' formula. (ML)

The usual apparatus for demonstrating Boyle's law produces reasonably accurate results, but is not impressive as a demonstration because students cannot easily appreciate the change in pressure. An apparatus designed to produce a more effective demonstration is described. Procedures employed are also described. (JN)

Presented is a review of research regarding student understanding of fundamental mechanical concepts in physics. (SL)

This CD-ROM is designed to spark the interest of students with science activities and demonstrations similar to "Jake's Attic" and "Mr. Wizard." This first volume of the "Whelmers" collection engages students in science process thinking. The activities are meant to "whelm" the students, not overwhelm them.…

Presents a complete computer program demonstrating the relationship between volume/pressure for Boyle's Law, volume/temperature for Charles' Law, and volume/moles of gas for Avagadro's Law. The programing reinforces students' application of gas laws and equates a simulated moving piston to theoretical values derived using the ideal gas law.…

Descriptions of equipment and procedures are provided for: (1) a detection system for mass-spring oscillations; (2) an economical holography table; (3) demonstration alternating-current circuit board; and (4) demonstration of damped oscillation using a set of magnets. (SK)

Describes: (1) a variable inductor suitable for an inductance-capacitance bridge consisting of a fixed cylindrical solenoid and a moveable solenoid; (2) long-range apparatus for demonstrating falling bodies; and (3) an apparatus using two lasers to demonstrate ray optics. (SK)

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

Describes a one-dimensional model for an ideal gas to study development of disordered motion in Newtonian mechanics. A Monte Carlo procedure for simulation of the statistical ensemble of an ideal gas with fixed total energy is developed. Compares both approaches for a pseudoexperimental foundation of statistical mechanics. (Author/JN)

Describes an exercise involving the use of kinematics to decide if one should stop or try and get through an intersection when the traffic light turns yellow. Gives students' experience in recording data, doing simple calculations and connecting classroom studies to real world experiences. (Author/SK)