Describes an exercise designed for an introductory level calculus-based physics class. Presents a problem on why a rod dipped in water is stable when it is oriented at an angle with the vertical. Discusses qualitative understanding, mechanical understanding using equations, and experimental verification of the problem. (YP)

The interfacing of a physical pendulum to an Apple IIe computer and the physic instruction associated with it are discussed. Laboratory procedures, software commands, and computations used in this lesson are described. (CW)