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)

Shows how the use of pulleys can add a new direction to experiments that demonstrate forces. Procedures used and typical student results are included. (JN)

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)

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

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)

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)

Presented is a descriptive account of Alessandro Volta's first notable success in 1775, the invention of a unique method of generating electricity. Luigi Galvani's announcement of his theory of "animal electricity" in 1972 is integrated into this interpretation of Volta's discoveries with electricity. Five experiments are described: (1)…