Applications of lasers to molecular absorption spectrometry, molecular fluorescence spectrometry, visible semiconductor fluorometry, atomic absorption spectrometry, and atomic fluorescence spectrometry are discussed. Details of the use of the frequency-doubled diode laser are provided. (CW)

A method and an apparatus for safely observing sunspots is presented. The McIntosh system of sunspot-group classification is illustrated. Construction and enhancement of the apparatus are discussed. (CW)

Presents two demonstrations: heatwave focusing by concave reflectors and wave speed on a string. Describes the apparatus, and procedures for the demonstrations. (YP)

Describes an apparatus that facilitates the quantitative study of fermentation in yeast by allowing simultaneous measurements of fermentation rates in several treatments and a control. Explains a laboratory procedure in which the apparatus is used. Several suggestions for further investigations are included. (Author/RT)

Demonstrates the inverted image, the chromatic aberration, and the floaters of the eye using an opaque 35mm film container with a small pinhole poked through the bottom. Describes the observation of Haidinger's brushes using polarized light. (YP)

Describes an air track experiment demonstrating the transfer of mechanical energy from elastic potential to kinetic. Discusses four methods for calculating energy stored in the spring. Included are pictures, typical data, and graphs. (YP)

Discusses the selection of gloves for the chemistry laboratory. Provides checklists for the purposes of the gloves, and the factors including permeation rate, breakthrough time, friction, and cost. Lists eight rules for preventing skin exposure and minimizing area contamination. Lists six references. (YP)

Provided are two demonstrations for an introductory course in chemistry. The first one emphasizes the observation and the interpretation of facts to form hypotheses during the heating of a beaker of water. The second demonstration shows the liquid phase of carbon dioxide using dry ice and a pressure gauge. (YP)

Describes an experiment in which a tumbler is used to simulate the changes that pebbles undergo during stream transport. Provides information on a discussion of results, equipment needed, an additional assignment, and a list of references. (RT)

Outlines what a hologram is, the main types of holography, and how a simple system producing a white light reflection hologram can be set up in a school physics laboratory. Discusses the basic optics of the hologram and procedures and materials for making holograms in school. (YP)

An activity in which students design and build an apparatus that can be used to rapidly determine the specific gravities of small substances is described. Calculations needed to determine the density of substances when using the Jolly balance are included. (KR)

Described is the undergraduate curriculum in physics and its relationship to astronomy at Cambridge University. Discussed are the astronomical research and research establishments at Cambridge. Personal views of a student on the postgraduate research being done at Cambridge are also included. (KR)

An experiment that uses the recombinant plasmid pX1108 to illustrate restriction mapping is described. The experiment involves three restriction enzymes and employs single and double restriction enzyme digestions. A list of needed materials, procedures, safety precautions, results, and discussion are included. (KR)

Describes a student project for building a laboratory balance. (PR)

Presents the plans for y-suspension, coupled, and double pendula and explains in detail why they move as they do. The mathematics that describes the motion is examined. (DDR)