Describes the author's experience with a model structure used to demonstrate the difference between the idealized behavior predicted by theory and the actual behavior of a real structure. The model is a truss bridge with a span of 1.5 meters. (Author/SK)

Presents a technique to produce samples for x-ray diffraction studies on the Tel-X-Ometer 80 x-ray apparatus from readily available crystalline powders and discusses observations of transverse modes of an optical resonator. (SK)

Examines the physical basis for colors of noble metals (copper, silver, gold) developed from energy conservation/quantum mechanical view of free electron photoabsorption. Describes production of absorption edges produced by change in density of occupied valence electron states in the d-band, which allows stronger absorption in the visible photon…

Presents coulombic models representing the particles of a system by point charges interacting through Coulomb's law to explain coulombic lattice potential. Uses rubidium manganese trifluoride as an example of cubic perovskite structure. Discusses the effects on cluster properties. (CW)

Describes a method for demonstrating absorption spectra of intensely colored solutions using a mounted grating and a specially designed cell. Allows a student to compare the spectrum of a white light source directly with the same light modified by an absorbing spectrum. Uses acrylic tubing to make the cell. (MVL)

Presents a review of research focusing on scattering, elution techniques, electrozone sensing, filtration, centrifugation, comparison of techniques, data analysis, and particle size standards. The review covers the period 1986-1988. (MVL)

Discussed is single crystal X-ray crystal structure analysis. A common link between the NMR imaging and the traditional X-ray crystal structure analysis is reported. Claims that comparisons aid in the understanding of both techniques. (MVL)

Discusses three broad classes of magnetic behavior: diamagnetic, paramagnetic, and ferromagnetic. Presents a simple lecture demonstration using an overhead projector to synthesize triiron tetraoxide and to show its interaction with a magnetic field and comparing it to a paramagnetic material. (MVL)

Describes a Simple Huckel Molecular Orbital (SHMO) computer program written in BASIC and suitable for use on a variety of common microcomputers. (SK)

Finds that a logical application of the simple rules of the molecular orbital bonding theory for diatomic molecules predicted the existence of three spin isomers of the oxygen molecule: one triplet form with two unpaired electrons and two singlet forms with all electrons paired. (MVL)

Presents entropy analysis of four processes: a chemical reaction, a heat engine, the dissolution of a solid, and osmosis. Discusses entropy, the second law of thermodynamics, and the Gibbs free energy function. (MVL)

Discusses a new method for determining the eigenvalues of the Schroedinger equation when the potential energy function does not have a simple form. Describes the mathematical methods and provides an application. Lists limitations to the method. (MVL)

Uses simple pulse NMR experiments to discuss Fourier transforms. Studies the generation of spin echoes used in the imaging procedure. Shows that pulse NMR experiments give signals that are additions of sinusoids of differing amplitudes, frequencies, and phases. (MVL)

Investigates ground state electron configurations for some common elements using graphical methods. Bases observed tendencies on following ideas: "occupancy of differing shells, occupancy of differing subshells within a given shell, double occupancy vs. single occupancy of an orbital, and quantum-mechanical exchange." (ML)

Describes phase transition in solids and shows how soap films can be used to demonstrate this phenomenon. (Author/SK)