Suggests that the preparation of 2-bromopentane from 2-pentanol might represent an instructive addition to a published description of pheromone synthesis in that it is economical, extends the synthetic nature of the problem, and amplifies the mechanistic vagaries of the substitution reaction. Theory, procedures used, and safety considerations are…

Provides the rationale for and examples of experiments designed to test the stability of protons and bound neutrons. Also considers the unification question, cosmological implications, current and future detectors, and current status of knowledge on proton decay. (JN)

Describes an experiment designed to introduce physics majors to the triggered oscilloscope. The experiment uses an inexpensive, easily constructed generator which sends pulses down a long coaxial cable, thus providing useful waveforms. (DH)

Suggests using better materials in fire syringes to obtain more effective results during demonstrations which show the elevation in temperature upon a very rapid (adiabatic) compression of air. Also describes an experiment (using ignition temperatures) which introduces students to the use of thermocouples for high temperature measurements. (DH)

Proposes use of two experiments to sample and analyze contaminents in the laboratory. Experiments focus on estimating hydrogen sulfide levels in the general chemistry laboratory during qualitative analysis and determining the concentration of organic vapors associated with organic chemistry laboratories. (JN)

Provided are experiments to acquaint students with basic spectrophotometer components and their functions, to use the instrument in an openended-experiment, and to use Beer's Law in several different ways. In addition, the detectability (tolerance) of the spectrophotometer with visual detection limits is provided as an optional activity. (JN)

Background information, procedures, and results are provided for an experiment in which lead-210 is separated from bismuth-210 and polonium-210 by means of solvent extraction of their diethyldithiocarbamate complexes. The method involves a simple extraction procedure which allows complete separation of lead-210 from commercially available…

Although determination of phosphorus is important in biology, physiology, and environmental science, traditional gravimetric and colorimetric methods are cumbersome and lack the requisite sensitivity. Therefore, a derivative activation analysis method is suggested. Background information, procedures, and results are provided. (JN)

Background information, procedures, and results are provided for an experiment in which students: (1) construct an immobilized penicillinase electrode; (2) evaluate electron response as a function of penicillin concentration; and (3) study effects of solvent compositions, ionic strength, and equilibrium time upon electrode response. (JN)

Background, procedures, and results are provided for an experiment which examines, through electron spin resonance spectroscopy, complex species formed by cupric and 2,6-dihydroxybenzoate ions in aqueous solutions. The experiment is illustrative of several aspects of inorganic and coordination chemistry, including the identification of species…

Discusses a project in which college students equipped a house with three different types of solar energy collectors and two vertical axis windmills. (MLH)

Described is a physics experiment which investigates the reactions occurring when a hot dog is fried or broiled. (SL)

Understanding students' challenges about using microcomputer based laboratories (MBLs) would provide important data in understanding the appropriateness of using MBLs in high school chemistry laboratories. Identifying students' concerns about this technology will in part help educators identify the obstacles to science learning when using this…

The Space Shuttle and International Space Station provide a unique microgravity environment for research that is a critical part of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) mission to improve the quality of life on Earth and enable the health and safety of space explorers for long duration missions beyond our solar system. This…

This book represents a "cookbook" for teachers of physics, a book of recipes for the preparation of demonstration experiments to illustrate the principles that make the subject of physics so fascinating. Illustrations and explanations of each demonstration are done in an easy-to-understand format. Each can be adapted to be used as a demonstration…