Though central to any pedagogical development of physics, the concept of mass is still not well understood. Properly defining mass has proven to be far more daunting than contemporary textbooks would have us believe. And yet today the origin of mass is one of the most aggressively pursued areas of research in all of physics. Much of the excitement…

In response to conventional rocket demands on fuel supplies, electromagnetic launches were developed to give payloads high velocity using a stationary energy source. Several orbital mechanics problems are solved including a simple problem (radial launch with no rotation) and a complex problem involving air resistance and gravity. (DH)

Presents an experiment which focuses on the inertial properties of a rigid body as expressed in terms of principal axes and moments of inertia. Background information, a description of the apparatus needed, and a discussion of results obtained are included. (JN)

The principle means by which g has been measured are summarized. Discussed are "Kater's Reversible Pendulum," falling rules, and interferometry methods. Types of corrections and various sources of uncertainty are considered. (CW)

Describes Bernoulli's equation and Poiseuille's equation for fluid dynamics. Discusses the application of the combined Bernoulli-Poiseuille equation in real flows, such as viscous flows under gravity and acceleration. (YP)

Provides a qualitative discussion on the force of a charged particle on itself. Areas addressed include: (1) time delay effects; (2) accelerating spherical charge; and (3) radiation resistance. (JN)

Formulas are derived for the energy, momentum, and angular momentum transmitted by waves of arbitrary shape in an inextensible string by pure transverse waves in a string using Tait's procedure. (Author/CP)

Describes a new method and apparatus (consisting of a steel sheet, electromagnet, base, balls, and carbon paper) used to perform mechanics experiments which, until now, required use of an air table. Also compares the apparatus to an air table, explores its range of uses, and examines rotational dynamics. (DH)

Reviews three videotapes for physics teachers: (1) "Determination of the Newtonian Constant of Gravitation" showing the Cavendish experiment; (2) "Preview Film for RAM-Tutor Media" introducing a series of seven videocassettes covering physics; and (3) "Determination of the Velocity of Light" using a rotating mirror. (YP)

Discusses the theory and history behind an experiment that will be performed to measure the gravitational forces that effect antimatter. Describes conditions under which the principle of equivalence would be violated or supported. Reviews historical tests of equivalence, current theory and experiments. Presents the design of the new experiment.…

Presented are three physics problems from the New Zealand Entrance Scholarship examinations which are generally attempted by more able students. Problem situations, illustrations, and solutions are detailed. (CW)

Discusses the distribution of kinetic and potential energy in transverse and longitudinal waves and examines the transmission of power and momentum. This discussion is intended to aid in understanding the simple harmonic motion of a particle involved in the propagation of a harmonic mechanical plane wave. (HM)

Describes four kinds of movement by a cat with or without angular momentum and tail or tail-less during free falling. Presents many pictures illustrating the movement. Supports the position that the angular momentum of the tail plays an important role in free fall. (YP)

Describes differences between engineers' and physicists' views of free-body diagrams (FBD). (PR)

Considered is an experiment used to investigate one-dimensional, nonuniform acceleration. Presented is the correct expression for the acceleration, generalized to include friction and describe simulations supporting student data. The feasibility of the experiment is questioned. (CW)