Describes a new "discovery-oriented" laboratory course in physics for college freshmen. The subject matter was Newtonian mechanics with calculus. The aim was to teach experimental methods from design of the experiment, testing hypotheses and presentation of final report. The laboratory was successful in most of its objectives and got moderately…

Describes three of many uses to which the desk-top computer has been put in the introductory physics laboratory. The three uses involve an AC circuit laboratory, an equipotential mapping experiment, and an N-slit diffraction experiment. Typical desk-top computer-produced theory plots are shown. (LC)

This short biography of Fresnel traces his early education, his work as an engineer and his theories and discoveries in optics. The importance of Fresnel's ideas on diffraction, interference and double refraction are discussed. Bibliography. (LC)

The mercury-drag effect is demonstrated when mercury vapor diffuses through nitrogen gas at low pressure, passing through tubes of different radii to liquid nitrogen-cooled cold traps. The pressure changes of the nitrogen gas on the mercury-deficient side of the cold traps are observed and compared with theoretical and experimental valves from the…