In this work it is shown how it is possible to build a simple device: the dripping faucet. This physical system exhibits an extremely interesting dynamic behaviour, useful to introduce the subject of deterministic chaos in high schools […]
Triboluminescence was studied using a self-built 8-litre vacuum chamber operated at a pressure of about 1mtorr. Luminescence is observed in the chamber along the peeling line of an unrolled adhesive tape. The tribo-mechanism produced electrons and X-rays are revealed by the intense luminescence of a BGO crystal positioned close to the peeling line. […]
A simple dissipative mechanical system is discussed in order to introduce, at high school level, the basic ideas on which are founded some typical experimental techniques concerning condensed matter. Some reflections are made concerning the passage from a macroscopic description to a microscopic one. […]
This article shows how students can be taught the concept of using a transducer to measure the temperature with a very simple electronic circuit in which a NTC thermistor acts as sensor. Only a basic knowledge of the main properties of transistors and thermistors is required. […]
A simple experiment for measuring the velocity of sound in air using two hollow metal cylinders, a microphone and a digital oscilloscope is described. Knowing the distance between microphone and cylinders the velocity of sound is easily computed by measuring the time interval between banging them together and the microphone’s reception of the sound. […]
On-line data acquisition systems have disclosed new possibilities for teaching physics laboratory. A cheap and easy apparatus, as the one here described, allows to easily perform interesting experiments or to re-design old experiments making them suitable for schools that have no laboratory, […]
A pendulum whose piane of oscillation can be inclined at will between vertical and horizontal was designed, built and used to measure the effect of varying g on its period of oscillation. […]
A computer-aided data acquisition and analysis tool is proposed for studying the behaviour of a pendulum coupled to a low-friction rotary sensor. […]
An electronic way to measure the mechanical torque developed by an electric motor is noted. The measurement is made solely on the stator. […]