Shows that the entropy change during the temperature equilibration of an isolated collection of systems which may exchange heat (but not work) energy is positive when the constant-volume heat capacity of each system is a non-negative function of the temperature. (MLH)

Describes a lecture demonstration apparatus for displaying free and forced oscillations of a mechanical system to a large class. Discusses the Blinking Diode Display and the Standing Wave description. Contains 20 references. (JRH)

Presents a simple yet effective means for demonstrating crystal optics using a microwave beam on wood targets. Describes a method to quantitatively examine the separation of ordinary and extraordinary waves. (JRH)

Investigates a sequence of inelastic collisions resulting among three spheres, whose centers are on a line, when at the outset the leftmost sphere is propelled to the right and the other two spheres are at rest. Expressions are obtained for velocity, time, and distance variables. (MLH)

Discusses the physics behind the synchronization of chaos. Describes an easy to build an electronic circuit which can be used to demonstrate chaos and the synchronization of chaos. Contains 19 references. (JRH)

Presents a demonstration designed to illustrate Faraday's, Ampere's, and Lenz's laws and to reinforce the concepts through the analysis of a two-loop magnetic circuit. Can be made dramatic and challenging for sophisticated students but is suitable for an introductory course in electricity and magnetism. (JRH)

Describes an apparatus for crystal growth that was designed to study growth kinetics of small crystals from solutions and to obtain crystals of various substances. Describes the use of the apparatus in laboratory practical experiments in the field of crystal growth physics within the course "Solid State Physics". (JRH)

Describes the total internal reflection process that occurs when the internal angle of incidence is equal to or greater than the critical angle. Presents a demonstration of the effect of frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR). (YDS)

Presents the results of a survey of (n=81) colleges of pharmacy affiliated with the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) regarding physics requirements for the pre-pharmacy major. Describes strengths and weaknesses as reported by the college representatives. (Contains 16 references.) (Author/YDS)

Focuses on difficulties linked to situations in physics involving two models--geometrical optics and wave optics. Presents content analysis underlining two important features required for addressing such situations: (1) awareness of the status of the drawings; and (2) the 'backward selection' of paths of light. (Contains 24 references.)…

Proposes a ray tracing approach to thin lens analysis based on a vector form of Snell's law for paraxial rays as an alternative to the usual approach in introductory physics courses. The ray tracing approach accommodates skew rays and thus provides a complete analysis. (Author/KHR)

Proposes a simple and low-cost experimental method for measuring atmospheric pressure. Uses a 100mL glass and Boyle's law for ideal gases as the only theoretical requirement. (Author/KHR)

Describes a method of acquainting physics and astronomy students with the general theory of relativity. (SL)

Supports the contention that sliding friction explains the inversion of a tippe top when it is spun upon a flat surface. Provides a rigorous analysis of the top's mechanics, together with computer-generated solutions of its equations of motion. (MLH)

Described is a variety of uses of the microcomputer when coupled with software available for systems using 6502 microprocessors. Included are several computer programs which exhibit some of the possibilities for programing the 6502 microprocessors. (DS)