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)

Describes experiments simulating the mechanics of the human elbow and back. (SL)

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)

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)

Provides a technique for the determination of the mass of a large, movable object. (CP)

Describes how you can lead students to erroneous inferences and conclusions by using demonstrations which point out to students the importance of carefully distinguishing between observations and inferences. (BR)

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 modifications to an apparatus for measuring the force of an object in circular motion. Explains how to accurately measure rotation rate with the use of a motion detector. (WRM)

Describes three demonstrations/activities that involve forces: (1) a canoe-like boat made from copper window screen; (2) magnetic forces with a paper clip and ceramic magnetic; and (3) an "icemobile" machine that cuts ice cubes without an obvious source of energy. (DH)

Describes, using "nonorthogonal" displacement functions, the normal-mode motions of a massive particle and a spring of non-negligible mass to whose end the particle is attached. The results lead to the complete solution for the general motion of the spring-plus-particle system. Shows that the presence/absence of gravity is irrelevant to the…

Describes an experiment that uses the Tain Electronics TCS2 interface to investigate the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration. Discusses the following topics: assembling the system, forces in the system, software, and data analysis. (JRH)

Describes an experimental sequence using the force probe to develop the relationship between net force and acceleration. (PR)

Describes the construction and use of a magnetic needle that is stronger than those conventionally used for experiments with electromagnetism. (WRM)

The purpose of the Toys in Space project was to create new ways for children to discover the joy and excitement of science and technology in the world around us. This book describes how familiar toys behave in the space environment where the downward pull of gravity is absent, and clearly documents those principles of physics that explain why the…

The Zimbabwe Secondary School Science Project (ZIM-SCI) developed student study guides, corresponding teaching guides, and science kits for a low-cost science course which could be taught during the third year of secondary school without the aid of qualified teachers and conventional laboratories. This ZIM-SCI study guide is a five-part unit…