Describes a lecture demonstration apparatus for displaying free and forced oscillations of a mechanical system to a large class. Discusses the Blinking Diode Display and the Standing Wave description. Contains 20 references. (JRH)

Presents a simple yet effective means for demonstrating crystal optics using a microwave beam on wood targets. Describes a method to quantitatively examine the separation of ordinary and extraordinary waves. (JRH)

Presents experiments that use Helmholtz resonators and have been designed for a sophomore-level course in oscillations and waves. Discusses the theory of the Helmholtz resonator and resonance curves. (JRH)

Presents an experiment that uses the measurements of the impulse required to stop a moving mass by three different methods to demonstrate that regardless of whether the maximum force is large or small, approximately the same impulse is required. (JRH)

Derives a general equation for the period of nonsimple harmonic motion where the magnitude of the restoring force is given by F=kxn. (JRH)

Describes an experiment to measure the speed of air in the air jet caused by blowing air through a drinking straw. (JRH)

Argues that it is possible to get a smooth ride on noncircular wheels on a smooth road if the load is supported using the wheels as rollers. Illustrates that the key to getting a smooth ride is for the rollers to measure the same height from top to bottom, regardless of how they are rotated. (CCM)

The Bondi K-calculus is a delightful method that has been used to provide rich insights into relativistic kinematics. In this paper, we will try to show how several important results of relativistic kinetics can be derived simply by using this approach. In addition, we will also indicate how the K-calculus can be used to simplify certain…

Explains that some nuclear scattering phenomena can be attributed to states in which two nuclei are bound to each other at their surfaces, revolving and vibrating for a time before coalescing or disintegrating. (Author/GA)

Gives an explicit and elementary proof that the radial energy eigenfunctions for the hydrogen atom in quantum mechanics, bound and scattering states included, form a complete set. The proof uses some properties of the confluent hypergeometric functions and the Cauchy residue theorem from analytic function theory. (Author/GA)

Describes apparatus for demonstrating wave motion in a ripple tank, the conservation of momentum on a linear air track, and velocity distribution in an ideal gas simulator. (SL)

Today students routinely measure the acceleration due to gravity (g) with strobes and high-speed photography. However, it is possible to measure g using equipment and reasoning available to Galileo. Such an experiment (and the equipment needed) is described. (JN)

Discusses the phenomenon of formation of white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes from dying stars for the purpose of providing college teachers with materials usable in the introductory physics course. (CC)

Presents a few examples of not-so-traditional problems that can be very helpful in teaching some particular concepts or approaches in physics. Problem sets include vector addition and vector components, reference frames, and choosing the right approximations. (JRH)

Provides a motion activity where a student walker is timed as he passes various students along a set course. The motion of the walker changes with each trip. The findings are then graphed and the results discussed. (MVL)