This paper presents an original undergraduate student project in theoretical mechanics: a demonstration of theory and experiment agreement inspired by a recently theoretically treated mechanical problem of coupled rolling motion of two cylinders. The problem of a mechanical system subjected to non-holonomic constraints is theoretically and…

Proceeding like Newton with a discrete time approach of motion and a geometrical representation of velocity and acceleration, we obtain Kepler's laws without solving differential equations. The difficult part of Newton's work, when it calls for non-trivial properties of ellipses, is avoided by the introduction of polar coordinates. Then a simple…

The 11th International Conference on Educational Data Mining (EDM 2018) is held under the auspices of the International Educational Data Mining Society at the Templeton Landing in Buffalo, New York. This year's EDM conference was highly competitive, with 145 long and short paper submissions. Of these, 23 were accepted as full papers and 37…

Perturbation theory is presented as an invaluable tool for solving a majority of physically interesting problems involving both macroscopic and microscopic objects. Its use in Newtonian mechanics is emphasized.. The method is illustrated with three examples. (KR)

Defines and investigates a moment of inertia tensor for a quantum mechanical wave packet. (SL)

Demonstrates what theoretical physicists make a rule using juggling. Provides the thinking process and calculating procedure. (YP)

Using a physical picture, an expression for the maximum possible transverse velocity and orientation required for that by a linear emitter in special theory of relativity has been derived. A differential calculus method is also used to derive the expression. (Author/KR)

Our research suggests static and animated graphics can lead to more animated thinking and more correct problem solving in computer-based probability learning. Pilot software modules were developed for graduate online statistics courses and representation research. A study with novice graduate student statisticians compared problem solving in five…

This study investigated how people reason about simple mechanical devices and physical systems, and how reasoning methods and understanding of a device evolve over a period of exposure. Twelve students attending the Teachers College at Columbia University (New York) participated in the first of two experiments; and 10 students attending the same…

Provides a method of solving vector and force problems that is less complicated for the learner. Gives several examples concerning projectiles and inclined planes. (MVL)

The simple physics behind the mechanism of the toy are explained. Experimental and mathematical steps are given that help in understanding the motion of the doll-pair. The geometry of the setup is described. (KR)

A quantitative application of magnetic braking performed with an air track is described. The experimental measurement of the position of the glider as a function of time is calculated. (KR)

Reports on the extent to which the Principle of Relativity was employed by students when dealing with various phenomena. Concludes that the Principle of Relativity is not used as an heuristic tool in students' answers, and that the situations presented were not regarded as "problematic" by the students, who primarily used interpretive…

Several recent studies in which subjects solved pencil/paper problems concerning the behavior of moving objects have shown that many people have incorrect beliefs about motion. The present study considered the question of whether these naive beliefs are manifested in situations where people observe and interact with moving objects. Several…