The speed of sound is a physical property that can be measured easily in the lab. However, finding an inexpensive and intuitive way for students to determine this speed has been more involved. The introduction of affordable consumer-grade high-speed cameras (such as the Exilim EX-FC100) makes conceptually simple experiments feasible. Since the…

Reports an experimental procedure for studying Einstein's theory of Brownian movement using commercially available latex microspheres and a video camera. Describes how students can monitor sphere motions and determine Avogadro's number. Uses a black and white video camera, microscope, and TV. (ML)

Describes an experiment demonstrating Lenz's law by measuring a magnet falling through a copper tube compared to a nonmagnet falling. Presents diagrams and pictures showing the apparatus. (YP)

The temperature at which the onset of coordinated segmental motion begins is called the glass-rubber transition temperature (Tg). Natural rubber at room temperature is a good example of a material above its Tg. Describes an experiment examining the response of a typical polymer to temperature variations above and below Tg. (Author/JN)

Describes the mechanism of bicycle computers functioning as speedometers and timers. Discusses why the computers do not display the continuously changing readings and show the correct values at higher speeds. (YP)

Explains a projectile motion experiment involving a bow and arrow. Procedures to measure "muzzle" velocity, bow elastic potential energy, range, flight time, wind resistance, and masses are considered. (DH)

Presents the theoretical explanation of the observation that when a pen that is stuck in a hard rubber ball and dropped, the pen may bounce to several times the dropped height. Includes the procedure and models created to explain the observations. (DS)

Describes an experiment in which an air table is used to measure the moment of inertia of air pucks with various radii and mass loadings. (BT)

Described is a mechanically driven device for generating three-dimensional harmonic space figures with different frequencies and phase angles on the X, Y, and Z axes. Discussed are apparatus, viewing stereo pairs, equations of motion, and using space figures in classroom. (YP)

Describes two experiments using carbon dioxide cartridges to demonstrate Newton's third law of motion. (JR)

Measurement of harmonic amplitude and phase response are discussed, focusing on an instrument used to demonstrate motion of a damped system when oscillating freely and motion of the same system when driven into harmonic oscillation. Includes procedures, sample results, and comparison of results to values calculated from geometry of the system. (JM)

Discusses a group project for a physics laboratory using various pendulums. Presents diagrams of pendulums, describes how to make a pendulum, and provides suggestions for guiding students in the laboratory. (YP)

Describes three experiments with an air table to produce a centripetal force. Provides some diagrams and pictures of the apparatus. (YP)