Describes how to make an electroscope from aluminum soft drink or beer cans. Also describes several electrostatic experiments using the easily constructed apparatus. (JN)

Describes an experiment designed to introduce physics majors to the triggered oscilloscope. The experiment uses an inexpensive, easily constructed generator which sends pulses down a long coaxial cable, thus providing useful waveforms. (DH)

Explains how to determine the polarity of static electric charges by using an electrician's tool called the test pencil. (WRM)

Presents (in the form of a dialogue between a student and teacher) an alternative method of using the Fine-Beam Cathode-Ray Tube to obtain the value for the specific electronic charge e/m. (JN)

Examines (in the form of a hypothetical dialog between a teacher and a student) the nature of the mantle and the spectral content of the glow which lights up both beam and mantle. These phenomena are associated with excitation of helium gas in the presence of electromagnetic and electrostatic fields. (JN)

Discusses use of a tangential gun to obtain a value for the specific electronic charge e/m. The method is the one advocated by the tube suppliers, though some suggested variations may appeal to teachers anxious to train their students in thinking along lines that are both scientifically correct and practically desirable. (JN)

A quantitative determination for fluoride ion using a commercially available fluoride electrode is described. The procedure referred to as known-addition is employed with the data processed on Gran's Plot Paper. Background information, experimental procedures, and advantages/disadvantages of the method are discussed. (JN)

Discusses the physics of electromagnetic focussing using an imaginary dialogue between teacher and student. It is assumed that students have been introduced to the underlying theory concerning movement of a charged particle traveling with uniform speed in a magnetic field before seeing a demonstration with the fine-beam cathode-ray tube. (JN)

Gives a detailed description of the constructon of equipment needed for redox equilibria experiments and the measurement of the electromotive force of voltaic cells. This information is provided to solve the problem of inadequate, expensive equipment required for A-level chemistry practical work. (JN)

Discusses use of the fine-beam cathode-ray tube to investigate strength and direction of the earth's magnetic field, simulating discussion between student and teacher as the equipment is set up and the experiment done. Provides diagrams and illustrative photographs to aid in equipment set-up and measurement. (JM)

Citing several disadvantages in using traditional gold-leaf electroscopes in schools, a simple and easily constructed electroscope, suitable for both O- and A-level physics, is described. Information on adapting the electroscope to become a pulse electrometer is provided. Electroscope activities/demonstrations are also provided. (Author/JN)

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)…

While students are able to cope with the slide-wire Wheatstone bridge, the slide-wire potentiometer has had a long history of confusing and frustrating elementary physics students. Therefore, a new approach for teaching and using the potentiometer has been developed. This approach is described. (JN)

Describes equipment and procedures for an experiment using diodes to introduce non-linear electronic devices in a freshman physics laboratory. The experiment involves calculation and plotting of the characteristic-curve and load-line to predict the operating point and compare prediction to experimentally determined values. Background information…