Describes a simple seismograph which can be built quite easily and is sufficiently sensitive to record earthquake waves at home. (HM)

Describes an advanced undergraduate physics experiment which permits the measurement of ultrasound velocity and absorption in liquid systems. A description of the tasks the student is expected to perform is also included. (HM)

Describes a demonstration in which the local inertial frame of reference can be obtained in the laboratory by allowing a cage to fall freely without rotation under the influence of gravity. (HM)

Presents four notes that report new equipment and techniques of interest to physics teachers. These notes deal with collosions of atoms in solids, determining the viscosity of a liquid, measuring the speed of sound and demonstrating Doppler effect. (HM)

Described are the components for a high-fidelity sound-reproducing system which focuses on various program sources, the amplifier, and loudspeakers. Discussed in detail are amplifier power and distortion, air suspension, loudspeaker baffles and enclosures, bass-reflex enclosure, drone cones, rear horn and acoustic labyrinth enclosures, horn…

Describes the computer system and potentiometric titration as a simple experiment to illustrate several advantages and pitfalls in using the small computer in laboratory instruction. (Author/JN)

Describes methods for building a terraquarium that demonstrates the shore habitat. Includes photographs and a list of materials. (CS)

Describes an electric circuit permitting easy observation and measurement of the response of a damped harmonic oscillator to impulsive excitation. The impulse analysis is carried out and related to experimental observations. The phenomenon of resonance is then interpreted and demonstrated, and through it, contact is made with Fourier analysis.…

Describes problems using the Jenkins and White approach and standard diffraction theory when dealing with the topic of finite conjugate, point-source resolution and how they may be resolved using the relatively obscure Abbe's sine theorem. (JN)

Describes the latest stage in the design of an economical dielectric constant cell, tested in both instructional and research applications, that is suitable for student laboratories and for precision research measurements. (BT)

Describes the method to use in collecting freshwater algae for study in the classroom. Equipment lists are given as well as several illustrations. (SA)

Instructions for making a simple respirometer, to measure rates of oxygen consumption of organisms, are presented. The instrument incorporates most of the basic elements of commercial respirometers but can be made inexpensively by high school students. Operating instructions and applications are given. (Author/SA)

This is an account of the discovery of a potentially dangerous high explosive chemical on storeroom shelves of secondary schools in Pennsylvania. A list of guidelines is given to eliminate problems in the future. (SA)

An ebullioscopic apparatus is described in which only the difference between the boiling point of the solution and that of the pure solvent is measured. This substantially reduces the cost of the apparatus and simplifies the operation, while maintaining precision. (BB)

Presented are problems related to replacement and purchasing complex laboratory instruments necessary in biological research. Increased costs of equipment and leveling of research support are acknowledged as contributors to the problem. (SA)