Describes the measurement of blood speed in blood vessels by using the Doppler effect. (WRM)

Explains "maintenance free" car batteries which do not involve any changes in principles from traditional car batteries (which require the addition of distilled water). The newer systems have reduced water loss to near zero by improvements in the batteries themselves and in the electrical systems which charge them. (JN)

Describes a simple form of metal detector, discussing the principles of signal generation, and the detection and discrimination of induced eddy current signals from the located objects. Includes a rough schematic of the detector. (JM)

Provides a physics explanation for a toy top driven by a magnet. Draws parallels to electric watches which use balance wheels with small permanent magnet mounts on them and having the coils mounted at one side. (JM)

Discusses the physics of liquid crystal displays (LCD) which is based on polarizing properties of crystals controlled by electric command. Production of alphanumerics, display control, and input are considered. (JM)

Describes the nature, history, and applications of Doppler radar detecting the speed of moving object. Gives an example of measuring the radial velocity of a scattered wave. (YP)

Discusses the physics principles applied to the main steps of the photocopying process. Of particular interest (and at the heart of the process) are the ways in which electric charges, or particles carrying charges, are caused to transfer from one surface or medium to another at each stage. (JN)

Discusses the operation of two automatic toasters, comparing and contrasting an old Sunbeam model (approximately 20 years old) with a Proctor-Silex, a model currently being sold. Includes schematic representation of parts of the Sunbeam and schematic of essential parts and circuit diagram of the Proctor-Silex. (JN)

Describes the brake sensors and the essential elements of a differential in explaining how antilock braking systems (ABS) function. (MVL)

Describes the quartz tuning fork, frequency divider, liquid crystals, and light polarization of a digital-readout watch. (MVL)

Examines the working mechanism of a commercial "Mystery Glow-Ball" by analyzing its electronic circuitry. Finds that the advertising for the ball is wrong; energy actually came from inserting a battery. (YP)

Compares the aerodynamics involved in bird flight, movement of a tortoise, and a gliding plane. (ZWH)

Summarizes how a quartz watch works. Discusses the quartz crystal, its form, and how its frequency is set to a standard; the integrated circuit chip that drives the crystal in vibration, scales its frequency down, and forms pulses that turn the motor; and the motor that drives the gear train that turns the hands. (ZWH)