Describes an apparatus for an experiment on winding motion in three dimensions. Discusses theory and provides a calculation example. (JM)

Provides an overview of obsidian hydration dating for the instructor by presenting: (1) principles of the method; (2) procedures; (3) applications; and (4) limitations. The theory of the method and one or more laboratory exercises can be easily introduced into the undergraduate geology curriculum. (JN)

Describes an experiment to provide students with: (1) an introduction to photochemical techniques and theory; (2) an experience with semimicro techniques; (3) an application of carbon-14 nuclear magnetic resonance; and (4) a laboratory with some qualities of a genuine experiment. These criteria are met in the photooxidation of 9,…

Uses the subject of enzymes to illustrate the topical approach to teaching biochemistry at the secondary level. Includes the procedures for three experiments dealing with various aspects of enzymes. (JN)

Students in hydrogeology classes commonly have difficulty appreciating differences between the mechanisms of water release from confined and unconfined aquifers. Describes a simple and inexpensive laboratory model for demonstrating the hydraulic responses of confined and unconfined aquifers to pumping. Includes a worked example to demonstrate the…

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

An experiment which measures the steady-state fluorescence of pyrene (the donor) in the presence of varying concentrations of acridine orange (the acceptor) in ethyline glycol solutions is described. Background information, equipment needed, and procedures used are included. (JN)

Discusses the rationale for and development of an experiment on the oxidation of secondary alcohols with common hypochlorite bleach. The experiment provides a safe, environmentally sound, and inexpensive modern synthetic method. In addition, it utilizes a variety of laboratory techniques and some fundamental oxidation-reduction chemistry. (JN)

Background information, materials needed, procedures used, and typical results obtained, are provided for an experiment on iron-sulfur-carbonyl and -nitrosyl complexes. The experiment involved (1) use of inert atmospheric techniques and thin-layer and flexible-column chromatography and (2) interpretation of infrared, hydrogen and carbon-13 nuclear…

Discusses forces that shape the behavior of water as a drop meanders down a windowpane. A homemade apparatus for studying meanders is described along with several experiments. Contact angles, molecule attraction, surface area, air tension, and gravity drag forces are some of the topics addressed. (DH)

Background information and procedures are provided for an optics experiment related to diffraction order asymmetry. (JN)

Examines mechanisms related to use of N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) for bromination at an allylic position. Also presents derived rate laws for three possible reactions of molecular bromine with an alkene: (1) free radical substitution; (2) free radical addition; and (3) electrophilic addition. (JN)

Kinetic versus thermodynamic control of product formation is discussed in undergraduate textbooks, and journal papers suggest suitable experiments to illustrate this concept. In rationalizing experimental observations, this paper offers a new alternative to that conventionally employed and provides students with an interesting exercise in…

This final article in the series on the fine-beam cathode-ray tube presents: (1) additional investigations; (2) an alternative method for the electron e/m and synchrotron radiation; and (3) two challenges to students (in a dialogue format) together with a lengthy discussion on synchrotron radiation sources. (DH)

Describes experiments in which a ball bearing is used as a tool for the study of light and as a kind of photographic lens. Also shows how results from these experiments contribute to an understanding of the nature of light. (JN)