Presents a demonstration of wave behavior, and experiments of (1) the determination of the mechanical equivalent of heat, and (2) a "discovery" investigation based on the maximum-span staircase. (CS)

Presents background information concerning microwave properties useful to persons considering the suitability of various materials to microwave processing. (CS)

Discusses O'Neill's proposal for the colonization of space as it offers new problems in pure physics. Addresses specifically the distribution of the atmosphere in O'Neill's habitat and whether there will be enough air at the axis of rotation to allow human-powered flight, with particular reference to the habitat's "artificial gravity."…

Provides examples of several ways that humor may be used in the physics classroom. Included are the use of cartoons, puns, visual puns, unusual units of measurement, scientific errors which have amusing consequences, posters, and amusing problem sets. (CS)

Provides an alternative derivation of the Boltzmann distribution based on the minimization of the Helmholtz free energy. (CS)

Provides information concerning the Boltzmann distribution mentioning partition functions, spectroscopy, basic mathematics, and its relation to temperature distribution. (CS)

Provides an explanation for the apparent emission of x-rays from video display terminals. (CS)

Lists alphabetically by author the articles, notes and letters published in Volume 18 of the "Physics Teacher." (CS)

Provides a brief history of electrets and describes how they can be made in a small laboratory. Also summarizes the uses of electrets and suggests projects and experiments with them. (CS)

Considers several cosmological facts that relate to formulating accurate models about the universe, including the red shift, the unbounded universe, and the curvature of space. (CS)

Demonstrates how depth of field, exposure correction, and Scheimpflug focusing are obtained for a view camera, using elementary optics. (CS)

Discussed is the physicists' impact on the revolution in the earth sciences particularly involving the overthrow of the fixist notions in geology. Topics discussed include the mobile earth, the route to plate tectonics, radiometric dating, the earth's magnetic field, ocean floor spreading plate boundaries, infiltration of physics into geology and…

Discusses errors and misleading statements found in discussing the meaning of the minus sign in treating the topics of the conservation laws of energy, momentum, and angular momentum. (CS)

Summarizes observations of differences in cognitive processes in college physics students. Provides examples of trains of thought and misconceptions exhibited by students and suggests procedures to help resolve the difficulties. (CS)

Explains how electronic mailing lists operate, and provides information about the objectives and membership of the four largest physics education-related electronic mail lists. (WRM)