Describes the mobile spectrosocopy laboratory program operated by the Department of Chemistry, University of Arkansas, which gives small college chemistry departments access to high cost spectrographic instruments mounted in a mobile van. (SL)

Discusses the basics of inexpensive modular synthesizers (which demonstrate various principles of sound). Topics considered include: oscillators and musical range; oscillator waveforms and characteristics; synthesizing simple musical sounds; and modulation and sweeping filter effects. Suggestions for purchasing or building synthesizer components…

Suggests using a "bed of nails" (array of nails on a board) as a resistance demonstration where steel balls pass through the lattice of nails like electrons through metal. Although weaknesses of Drude's electrical conduction model are noted, the activity is recommended since it clearly illustrates drift velocity. (DH)

Describes the construction of an inexpensive apparatus for separating proteins by polyacrylamide gel electrolysis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate. (TW)

Simple jigs (positioning devices) to make contour mapping tasks easier and more accurate are easily constructed from 5mm-thick acetate sheets. These plastic holders are used with meter sticks to provide scanning guides to measure pools and ponds. Instructions for making the jigs and sample results are included. (DH)

Describes a solid etalon Fabry-Perot interferometer, discussing free spectral range, instrumental finesse, and temperature effects. Provides schematic of temperature control/display circuit. Explains use of 100 millimeter camera lens and 10 power micrometer eyepiece for resolving rings and measure diameters. (JM)

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)

Describes the use of an inexpensive apparatus (based on a butane lighter fluid can and a standard tire pressure gauge) in measuring the atomic/molecular mass of an unknown gas and in demonstrating the mass of air or the dependence of pressure on the mass of a gas. (JN)

Describes experiments in which a bipolar transistor is used to examine the behavior of a simple circuit. Also addresses problems in teaching the related concepts. (The experiments can be modified to incorporate devices other than bipolar transistors.) (JN)

Describes a novel method for the determination of the Arrhenius activation energy, without prejudging the validity of the Arrhenius equation or the concept of activation energy. The method involves use of a temperature-programed flow reactor connected to a concentration detector. (JN)

Describes a radiation counter comparable to commercial units which costs less than $100. It consists of six sections: Geiger-Mueller tube and holder; high voltage supply; low voltage supply; pulse shaping circuit; "start/stop counts" gating circuit; and counter/display. List of materials needed and schematic diagrams are included. (JN)

Cautions chemists to be wary of ferromagnetic samples (especially magnetized samples), stray electromagnetic radiation, dusty environments, and changing weather conditions. These and other conditions may alter readings obtained from electronic analytical balances. (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)

Describes an inexpensive and versitile interface which can be readily adapted to many on-line experimental projects in scientific fields by educators who are not computer experts. Hardware and software requirements are noted. (JN)