Physicists had assumed that the world is distinguishable from its mirror image and constructed theories to ensure that the corresponding mathematical property (parity) is conserved in all subatomic processes. However, a scientific experiment demonstrated an intrinsic handedness to at least one physical process. The experiment, equipment, and…

Although most waves studied by students satisfy the linear equation, particle physicists have become interested in nonlinear waves--those not satisfying the superposition principle. A mechanical wave system, satisfying the sine-Gordon equation, can be constructed using a modified transverse wave system to demonstrate nonlinear wave-particle…

Describes a simple, relatively inexpensive, and easily implemented approach for introducing visually handicapped students to chemical instrumentation via experiments on operational amplifiers as examples of some of the electronic building blocks of chemical instrumentation. The approach is applicable to other chemical instruments having electrical…

Describes a semi-automatic viscometer which incorporates a microprocessor system and uses optoelectronics to detect flow of liquid through the capillary, flow time being displayed on a timer with accuracy of 0.01 second. The system could be made fully automatic with an additional microprocessor circuit and inclusion of a pump. (Author/JN)

Describes modification of a gas viscometer to produce a low cost instrument with high precision and safe design. Three tungsten electrodes are mounted in the viscometer using graded glass seals and a ball trap is inserted between mercury reservoir and all external stopcocks. Also describes modifications in experimental procedures. (Author/JN)

Describes a three-hour liquid chromatography experiment involving rapid separation of colored compounds in glass columns packed with a nonpolar absorbent. Includes apparatus design, sample preparation, experimental procedures, and advantages for this determination. (SK)

Provides a gas chromatography experiment that exercises the quantitative technique of standard addition to the analysis for a minor component, methyl salicylate, in a commercial product, "wintergreen rubbing alcohol." (CS)

Presents a description of the National Center for Atmospheric Research, a center where scientists pursue research interests, where research facilities, too large and expensive for any one institution to maintain, are housed, and where unified planning for research is made in response to national and international concerns. (SA)

Describes the historical development, performance characteristics (sample requirements, analysis time, ionization characteristics, speciation capabilities, and figures of merit), and applications of laser microprobe mass spectrometry. (JN)

Describes experiments and apparatus to: (1) allow astronomy students to test resolution limit of their eyes at several wavelengths; (2) analyze laser mode phases by interferometry; (3) demonstrate a Cartesian diver with an overhead projector; and (4) generate conical beams of light for smoke-chamber demonstrations. (JN)

An air-track and glider system used to demonstrate Newton's second law is described. Advantages of using the system are included. (SK)

A simple polarographic method is used to obtain continuous oxygen dissociation curves under a variety of conditions using a Clark oxygen electrode system. (Author/SK)

A survey of freshman chemistry laboratory manuals identified 15 questionable laboratory procedures, including the use of potentially hazardous chemicals. Alternatives are suggested for each hazard discussed (such as using a substitute solvent for benzene). (SK)

Following a brief introduction, an annotated listing of literature and teaching aids on lasers is presented. Categories include: Background Materials; Historical References; General References and Textbooks; Specialized References; Reviews; Articles; Films; Laser Courses; Equipment, Demonstrations, and Experiments; Laser Safety; and Lasers and…

Describes a solution calorimetry apparatus useful in measuring heats of metal ion-ligand reactions. (SK)