Discusses a graphical method of teaching elementary collisions. This method yields universal solutions to head-on collision problems with the target at rest by the use of parameters and graphical analysis at a mathematical level that beginning physics students can understand. The author concludes that this method is better than the traditional…

Describes three of many uses to which the desk-top computer has been put in the introductory physics laboratory. The three uses involve an AC circuit laboratory, an equipotential mapping experiment, and an N-slit diffraction experiment. Typical desk-top computer-produced theory plots are shown. (LC)

Outlines a teaching method using graphs for explaining phase changes and the effect of pressure and the relationships between temperature, entropy, enthalpy, energy, Gibbs function, Helmholtz function and volume. (GS)

Reviews the equations of motion and the use of a sine-sine coordinate grid for convenient plotting or analyzing of Lissajous figures. (Author/GS)

This experiment designed for beginning physics students, is related to postal regulations restricting the size of envelopes. A graph is constructed that allows for testing the mailability of envelopes. (MP)

Describes an introductory physics experiment concerned with scattering particles off various force centers. The experiment uses simulation techniques and a computer. The scattering is classical, and the student examines plots of computed particle trajectories. The results illustrate the concepts of differential corss-section, total cross-section,…

Describes experiments that can be carried out by freshmen in general science courses. All experiments are prepared with inexpensive equipment and materials. Quantitative data are analyzed intuitively using graphical representations. (JP)