In our previous paper (Debowska E, Jakubowicz S and Mazur Z 1999 Eur. J. Phys. 20 89-95), thanks to the use of an ultrasound distance sensor, experimental verification of the solution of Lagrange equations for longitudinal oscillations of the Wilberforce pendulum was shown. In this paper the sensor and a digital video camera were used to monitor and measure the changes of both the pendulum's coordinates (vertical displacement and angle of rotation) simultaneously. The experiments were performed with the aid of the integrated software package COACH 5. Fourier analysis in Microsoft Excel 97 was used to find normal modes in each case of the measured oscillations. Comparison of the results with those presented in our previous paper (as given above) leads to the conclusion that a digital video camera is a powerful tool for measuring coupled oscillations of a Wilberforce pendulum. The most important conclusion is that a video camera is able to do something more than merely register interesting physical phenomena-it can be used to perform measurements of physical quantities at an advanced level.
Brownian motion appears to be a good subject for investigation at advanced students' laboratory [1]. The paper presents such an investigation carried out in Physics Laboratory II at the Institute of Experimental Physics of Wroclaw University. The experiment has been designed to find viscosity of liquids from Brownian motion phenomenon. Authors use modern technology that helps to proceed with measurements and makes the procedure less time and effort consuming. Discussion of the process of setting up the experiment and the results obtained for three different solutions of glycerin in water are presented. Advantages and disadvantages of the apparatus are pointed out along with descriptions of possible future uses.
In this paper experimental verification of the important features of the motion of the Wilberforce pendulum is shown. The vertical displacement of the pendulum has been `watched' by computer in real time. The experiments were carried out with different combinations of initial conditions. Fourier analysis of the experimental results revealed the existence of two frequencies corresponding to two normal modes. When their amplitudes are equal the modes combine to produce `beats'. In this case the frequencies of longitudinal and torsional vibrations of the pendulum are equal. This is called the resonance case. Our experiment allows one to observe not only the beats of the two normal modes but also each of the modes separately.
This paper presents a macroscopic model of an atomic force microscope. The tool is designed for an advanced physics experiment to be carried out in Physics Laboratory II at the Institute of Experimental Physics, Wroclaw University. We discuss the process of setting up the experiment and the results of measurements of the model's characteristics. The image of a model surface topography realized with the apparatus is also presented. The advantages and disadvantages of the apparatus are discussed along with descriptions of its possible future uses.
This paper presents the results of a peer review of multimedia materials for teaching and learning electricity and magnetism prepared as a part of the annual activities undertaken by an international group of scientists associated with Multimedia Physics in Teaching and Learning. The work promotes the use of valuable and freely accessible information technology materials for different levels of teaching, mostly higher education. The authors discuss the process of selecting resources and the rubrics used in the rating process. The reviews of high-quality learning resources are presented along with descriptions of valuable didactical features.
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