Resonance
When periodic forces are applied to a system that can oscillate, the resulting motion can vary tremendously. If the frequency of the force matches a natural...
Waves
What is a wave and what are the properties of waves? A wave is a traveling form of energy that carries oscillations from one place in space to another....
Interference
How does the amplitude of a wave change when it encounters another wave? When multiple waves exist in the same place at the same time, interference occurs....
Resonance and Sound
How do we create specific frequencies of sound, such as in music? A guitar string vibrates at its natural frequencies. Other objects, such as wine glasses...
Design a Musical Instrument
Create a musical instrument that plays the frequencies of all 8 notes of a major scale, has working parts consisting of metal bar (or tube) with lengths...
Electricity and Circuits
How do you build a circuit? The Modular Circuits kit provides an easy and quick way to prototype and design electronic circuits. This investigation explores...
Voltage and Batteries
How do you connect batteries to increase their total voltage? When Alessandro Volta invented the first electric battery, he connected several individual...
Design a Lemon Battery
Design a battery using different metals inserted into a lemon. Test the effect of different metals. Use a voltage sensor to measure voltage.
Resistors and Ohm’s Law
How is resistance measured? Ohm's law I = V/R is the fundamental relationship between current, voltage, and resistance in a circuit. Devices that measure...
Series and Parallel Resistances
What are the advantages and disadvantages of series versus parallel circuits? Have you ever had a string of holiday lights where one bulb is burned out,...
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