Describes equipment and procedures for an experiment using diodes to introduce non-linear electronic devices in a freshman physics laboratory. The experiment involves calculation and plotting of the characteristic-curve and load-line to predict the operating point and compare prediction to experimentally determined values. Background information…

Describes a simple apparatus and provides instructions to do relative index of refraction measurements/calculations and to show mathematical relationships betwen indices when light travels from one liquid to another. A listing of a computer program (in BASIC) which will analyze data is available from the author. (JM)

Presented are procedures for demonstrating the production of color oscillations when nitric acid is added to a formic acid/concentrated sulfuric acid mixture. Because of safety considerations, "Super-8" home movie of the color changes was found to be satisfactory for demonstration purposes. (JN)

Discusses a supplement to the "water to rose" demonstration in which a pink color is produced. Also discusses blood buffer demonstrations, including hydrolysis of sodium bicarbonate, simulated blood buffer, metabolic acidosis, natural compensation of metabolic acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, acidosis treatment, and alkalosis treatment. Procedures…

A two-stage synthesis of 4,6,8-trimethylazulene was developed for use in the undergraduate experiment, highlighting concepts not usually covered in the laboratory. The experiment requires purification procedures of chromatography and of sublimation and illustrates concepts of aromaticity, molecular orbital theory, and carbodium ion reactivity. (JN)

Describes an undergraduate organic chemistry experiment on the photochemical isomerization of maleic to fumaric acid. Background information, chemical reactions involved, and experimental procedures are included. (JN)

Describes construction of two flashing light sources: an adjustable-rate battery-powered flasher and a neon tube powered by a 60-hertz electrical outlet. Both devices may be used for a variety of activities, including studies of free-falling object, pendulum period variation, and acceleration due to gravity. (JN)

Conductiometric titrations can be used to simulate subduction-setting volcanism. Suggestions are made as to the use of this technique in teaching volcanic mechanisms and geochemical indications of tectonic settings. (JN)

Describes an experiment designed to teach temperature programed gas chromatography (TPGC) techniques and importance of derivatizing many classes of substrated to be separated. Includes equipment needed, procedures for making trimethylsilyl derivatives, applications, sample calculations, and typical results. Procedure required one, three-hour…

Describes a laboratory designed to give students practical experiences with experimental phenomena discussed in lectures, focusing on laboratory organization and typical experiment. In addition to a list of experiments, three exercises are discussed: fluorescence/laser, ferromagnetic domains, and thermal population (which uses PET computer…

Electrography is a technique in which unknown metals are identified by the precipitates they form with known electrolytes. The technique illustrates both electrochemistry and precipitation reactions. Describes the technique, suggesting its use in science and forensic science classes. (JN)

Describes activities (demonstrations/experiments) used to introduce history of periodic properties--without electrons, orbitals, filling shells, or any conception of atoms beyond Dalton's model. Activities supplement first chapter in a currently available chemistry text. Indicates potential danger of experiments if proper safety precautions are…

Describes the construction of a small (portable), inexpensive, and easy to build Foucault pendulum. Includes photographs of the apparatus, a schematic of the electrical circuit used, and discussion of the amount of accuracy to be expected during classroom investigation. (JM)

Presents an experimental comparison of the efficacy of two neutron sources under conditions commonly used in laboratory experiments for demonstrating neutron activation of liquid samples. (Author)

Four ways in which microcomputers can be turned into laboratory instruments are discussed. These include adding an analog/digital (A/D) converter on a printed circuit board, adding an external A/D converter using the computer's serial port, attaching transducers to the game paddle ports, or connecting an instrument to the computer. (JN)