Discusses the properties of laser light, reviews types of lasers, presents operating principles, and considers mechanical aspects of laser light production. Applications reviewed include spectroscopy, photochemical reaction initiation, and investigation of biological processes involving porphyrins. (JM)

Highlights an American Chemical Society (ACS) survey of 103 chemistry departments on their instrumentation needs. The 2-year study affirms that instruments used for chemical research and education are becoming outdated because of their age and changes in technology. The survey also reveals how departments plan to use newly acquired instruments.…

Suggests that electronics be taught using a systems approach, although this reverses the order of stages in the traditional approach by studying complete systems first. Also describes the hardware needed to implement a systems approach and the four stages of a course in which the equipment is used. (JN)

A glass jug can be a useful piece of science equipment for demonstrations or student experiments. The use of such a jug for measuring lung capacity, forming a fog with pressure, forming a cloud with ice cubes, making a light beam, and making a smoking machine is described. (DH)

Understanding the fundamentals of data acquisition and control is an important part of learning about the use of small computers in chemistry. Data acquisition and control principles can be taught at moderate equipment cost using micrcomputer game ports. Therefore, the components of the Apple II microcomputer game port are described. (JN)

The "Measurement Module" is a device which records measurements for microcomputer input. Construction of the device, software, and uses in physics experiments and demonstrations are discussed. (JN)

Presents (in the form of a dialogue between a student and teacher) an alternative method of using the Fine-Beam Cathode-Ray Tube to obtain the value for the specific electronic charge e/m. (JN)

Although polarimeters that illustrate rotation of plane-polarized light by chiral solutions have been previously described, the polarimeter described in this paper has certain advantages when used in conjunction with an overhead projector. Instructions for constructing this polarimeter and its use in demonstrating the optical activity of sugars…

A series of modules that can be used for gated integration, boxcar integration, timing, and analog data processing is available from Evans Associates. Describes four of these modules (gated integrator, digital timer, timer extender, and ratiometer) and how they can be combined into a full boxcar integrator in several ways. (JN)

Discusses: (1) rationale for chemical sensors in process analysis; (2) existing types of process chemical sensors; (3) sensor limitations, considering lessons of chemometrics; (4) trends in process control sensors; and (5) future prospects. (JN)

Examines (in the form of a hypothetical dialog between a teacher and a student) the nature of the mantle and the spectral content of the glow which lights up both beam and mantle. These phenomena are associated with excitation of helium gas in the presence of electromagnetic and electrostatic fields. (JN)

Discusses use of a tangential gun to obtain a value for the specific electronic charge e/m. The method is the one advocated by the tube suppliers, though some suggested variations may appeal to teachers anxious to train their students in thinking along lines that are both scientifically correct and practically desirable. (JN)

Describes (1) oil slick interference rings in the laboratory; (2) cracking of glass by impact; (3) multipurpose prism for refractometry and light path demonstrations; and (4) determination of liquid densities and volumes of solid bodies by the reaction force on a vessel. Procedures used and equipment needed are discussed. (JN)

Reviews literature dealing with novel developments or important trends in electrochemistry. Areas examined include mass transfer, electrode kinetics, surface effects, chemically modified electrodes, coulostatic/galvanostatic methods, bioelectrochemistry, spectroelectrochemistry, and electrode instrumentation. Books, textbooks, and literature…