Presents an alternative method for measuring the electronic charge using data from the electrolysis of acidified distilled water. The process (carried out in a commercially available electrolytic cell) has the advantage of short completion time so that students can determine electron charge and mass in one laboratory period. (DH)

Describes systems used to introduce students to the concept of torque and discusses the effects that puzzle the beginner in the introductory lab. (JRH)

Discusses progress made over the last two decades concerning the synthesis and possible unification of the three interactions (strong, electromagnetic, gravitational) relevant to high energy experiments. Areas addressed include quantum field theories, a unified quantum field theory, connection with cosmology, and possibilities for further…

Describes and explains some aspects of the motion of a top, the extreme end of which is made round, spinning on surfaces provided with friction. (Author/GA)

Explains that some metal springs have an initial tension that must be overcome before using the F=kx relationship (Hooke's Law) for experimental calculations in the physics laboratory. (WRM)

Discusses electric and magnetic forces between parallel-wire conductors and derives, in a simple fashion, order of magnitude estimates of the ratio of the likely electrostatic and electromagnetic forces for a simple parallel-wire balance. (Author/HM)

Describes equipment used for a magnetic force experiment that is capable of producing precise results but rugged enough to withstand handling by several hundred undergraduate students per year. (WRM)

Derives the precessional period of a Foucault pendulum without using small oscillation amplitudes. Shows that if the path of the pendulum passes through the origin, the periods for differing amplitudes are essentially the same. (GA)

Discusses a computer simulation which: (1) describes an experiment investigating F=m/a; (2) generates data; (3) allows students to see the data; and (4) generates the equation with a least-squares fit. (JN)

This simple and inexpensive experiment is an illustration of the physical concepts of interaction between light and surface tension waves, and provides a new method of measuring surface tension. (Author/GA)

Traces the early history of an experiment, the launching of a copper or aluminum ring above the pole of an alternating current magnet at switch-on, that was conducted by Elihu Thomson in the last century and presents a simple qualitative explanation of the effect involved. (GA)

Students' cars and wristwatches are used as "apparatus" to introduce and demonstrate Newton's second law of motion. Forces acting on cars are discussed and typical student data (for different makes of cars) are provided. Data could also be used in discussions of work, horsepower, efficiency, and energy cost. (JN)

Offers a relatively simple analysis of the asymmetrical "sticking" and rolling behavior of two balls, one steel and one rubber, on an incline. Describes an Interactive Physics (TM) simulation designed to study the problem and gives rough experimental results. (WRM)

Recommends an experiment which will help students experience the physical evidence that floors, tables, and walls actually bend when pressure is exerted against them. Set-up includes: laser, radio, solar cell, and wall-mounted mirror. When the beam is moved by pressure on the wall, participants can "hear the wall bend." (DH)

Describes a compact and portable apparatus for the measurement, with a high degree of precision, the value of the gravitational acceleration g. The apparatus consists of a falling mercury drop and an electronic timing circuit. (GA)