Search results for "Laboratory experiment"

Which Reaches the Bottom First?

2008

A well-known classroom demonstration involves the rolling of hollow and solid objects down an incline.1 The fact that the objects roll at different rates can be used as a starting point in introducing students to rotational dynamics and rotational kinetic energy. In this paper we describe a simple quantitative version of the demonstration that is suitable for use as a laboratory experiment.

Is it possible to determine the S-factor of the hep process from a laboratory experiment?

2000

We discuss the problem of solar hep neutrinos originating from the reaction p + 3He -> 4He + e+ + nu and obtain a relation between the astrophysical S-factor of the hep process and the cross section of the process e- + 4He -> 3H + n + nu near threshold. The relation is based on the isotopic invariance of strong interactions. The measurement of the latter cross section would allow to obtain experimental information on S(hep), the value of which, at the moment, is known only from theoretical calculations.

A pedagogical approach to the Boltzmann factor through experiments and simulations

2009

The Boltzmann factor is the basis of a huge amount of thermodynamic and statistical physics, both classical and quantum. It governs the behaviour of all systems in nature that are exchanging energy with their environment. To understand why the expression has this specific form involves a deep mathematical analysis, whose flow of logic is hard to see and is not at the level of high school or college students' preparation. We here present some experiments and simulations aimed at directly deriving its mathematical expression and illustrating the fundamental concepts on which it is grounded. Experiments use easily available apparatuses, and simulations are developed in the Net-Logo environment…

Two experiments to approach the Boltzmann factor: chemical reaction and viscous flow

2012

In this paper we discuss a pedagogical approach aimed at pointing out the role played by the Boltzmann factor in describing phenomena usually perceived as regulated by different mechanisms of functioning. Experimental results regarding some aspects of a chemical reaction and of the viscous flow of some liquids are analysed and described in terms of macroscopic variables whose temperature dependence is proportional to the Boltzmann factor. A description of a workshop implementing the approach in the framework of an undergraduate course for engineering education and some preliminary results about its pedagogical relevance are then reported.

Dynamic measurement of the elastic constant of an helicoidal spring by a smartphone

2021

Abstract We describe an educational activity that can be done by using smartphones to collect data in physics experiments aimed to measure the oscillating period of a spring-mass system and the elastic constant of the helicoidal spring by the dynamic method. Results for the oscillating period and for the elastic constant of the spring agree very well with measurements obtained by different methods. We also discuss the error analysis that can be done in an introductory physics laboratory at undergraduate level.

Rapid Plasmid Isolation. A Laboratory Experiment for Intermediate and Advanced Students

1989

Multi-laboratory experiment PME11 for the standardization of phosphoproteome analysis

2022

6 p.-2 fig.-2 tab.

Un’indagine sperimentale sul ruolo della temperatura am- biente nel processo di riscaldamento/raffreddamento per ir- raggiamento

2012

The process of heating / cooling of an object in vacuum can be studied by the known Stefan's law. Many studies have investigated this phenomenon without inquire the role of the environment and of its temperature. In this paper the author proposes an experimental method through which to study the above process, by monitoring the ambient temperature on the assumption that this can vary with an exponential law. Under this hypothesis, in defined conditions, the temporal evolution of cooling of the object is similar to the case where the con- vection and / or the conduction are the principale phenomenon of energy exchange.

Is It Really That Funny? Laughter, Emotional Contagion, and Heuristic Processing During Shared Media Use

2017

ABSTRACTWhen people use humorous media content, their behavior and assessments of the content may depend on the emotional expressions (e.g., laughter) of those around them. In a laboratory experiment in which 80 participants watched a movie clip with a confederate who either laughed or remained silent, we identified two parallel processes. The confederate’s laughter induced behavioral responses in our participants (laughing or smiling). Through those responses, a corresponding appraisal of the media content was generated: The content was rated funnier in comparison to situations in which the confederate did not laugh. This effect corresponds to emotional contagion processes and was especial…

The Role of Information and Communication Technologies in the Relationship Between Group Effectiveness and Group Potency

2008

The aim of this research is to examine the role of information and communication technologies in the relationship between group effectiveness and group potency changes. A laboratory experiment compared 44 groups of four members, working in two communication media—face-to-face condition and computer-mediated communication (CMC). Groups developed a project during 4 weekly meetings during a 1-month period. No significant difference in group potency between communication media was found initially. However, different patterns of group potency development over time were identified. Group potency increased in the face-to-face condition, whereas it remained stable in the CMC condition. Results sho…