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. […]
The Lenz law is studied experimentally using a permanent magnet falling inside metal tube. A home made force sensor is used to measure the weight of the tube and steady magnet before the experiment, and then to weight the vertically suspended tube when the magnet is dropped. […]
An ingenious and amusing activity originally devised by Dirac illustrates a topological symmetry property of the three-dimensional rotation of solids. Some mathematical aspects of this property and its relevance to the quantum physics description of fermions are explained. […]
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. […]
This paper presents the results of an enquiry on the ideas about Structure of Matter initially held by secondary school students. […]
Two weeks before Einstein died he was visited by a historian of science. They sat in Einstein’s study and discussed some of his illustrious predecessors in the evolution of physics. […]