In this paper we describe the results of some experiments about using surprising physics demonstrations, presented as magical phenomena followed by scientific explanations, for introducing physics topics in several teaching contexts. All the demonstrations have been designed to be implemented with easy to get and cheap materials, so that students…

Stefan's law is demonstrated by measuring the temperature of the tungsten filament of an electric light bulb and plotting a log-log graph of temperature against power dissipation. (MLH)

Describes the college level experiments: a simple measurement of the isotopic abundance of 40-K, a mechanical experiment, on kinetic energy, and on soap films between wedged plates. (GA)

Using the simple optical system and photodiode described in this article it is possible to give clear, quantitative demonstrations of all the Fraunhofer diffraction phenomena at single and multiple apertures. These measurements can be related to the theoretical predictions given in standard textbooks. Circuit diagram and optical layout are…

Describes the inception, use, and evaluation of a demonstration laboratory designed to enable first-year university students to observe physical phenomena that they did not observe in the secondary school. (Author/SL)

Uses capillarity as an example of a problem in physics which has been explained mathematically in two different ways. Argues that only one explanation is indeed valid and demonstrates this opinion through experimentation and discussions. Proposes that mathematics should be used in physics as a tool to predict, not to explain. (TW)

Describes an apparatus capable of measuring absolute temperatures of a tungsten filament bulb up to normal running temperature and measuring Botzmann's constant to an accuracy of a few percent. Shows that electrical noise techniques are convenient to demonstrate how the concept of temperature is related to the micro- and macroscopic world. (CW)

Describes four physics experiments including "Investigation of Box Resonances Using a Micro"; "A Direct Reading Wattmeter, DC or AC"; "Exercises in the Application of Ohm's Law"; and "Hysteresis on Gas Discharges." Discusses procedures, instrumentation, and analysis in each example. (CW)

Describes a heat capacity experiment designed to provide an interactive environment between the student, the experiment, and the computer. Discusses computer software that has been developed so that the entire interaction can be coordinated from the computer keyboard. (TW)

Concentrates on describing the implementation of the hardware systems based on the BBC microcomputer. Describes the electronic systems used to amplify the signals from the detector and to convert the signal to digital format. Discusses the software that must be used and the system performance. (CW)

Describes an undergraduate laboratory experiment in which a moving coil galvanometer is studied and the electromotive force generated by the swinging coil provides the impulse response information in a form suitable for digitizing and inputing to a microcomputer. Background information and analysis of typical data are included. (JN)

Describes how, using an overhead projector (OHP) and a transparent roll of acetate film, it is possible to demonstrate: (1) travelling waves; (2) standing waves; and (3) phase and group velocity applied to waves. The set-ups provide a way to demonstrate features which are normally difficult to visualize and understand. (JN)

Describes the Interactive Microcomputer Peripheral (including major features, source, and current cost) and physics experiments using the instrument. The instrument can also be used for such purposes as counting, timing, and frequency measurement as well as for experiments in biology and experimental psychology. (JN)

Describes: (1) two experiments using a laser (resonant cavity for light and pinhole camera effect with a hologram); (2) optical differaction patterns displayed by microcomputer; and (3) automating the Hall effect (with comments on apparatus needed and computer program used); and (4) an elegant experiment in mechanical equilibrium. (JN)

Presents two methods used to measure the refractive indices and double-refraction of fibers. Experiments are described, with one involving the use of Pluta microscope in the double-beam interference technique, the other employing the multiple-beam technique. Immersion liquids are discussed that can be used in the experiments. (TW)