Describes the creation of the computer program "BOUNCE," designed to simulate a weighted piston coming into equilibrium with a cloud of bouncing balls. The model follows the ideal gas law. Utilizes the critical event technique to create the model. Discusses another program, "BOOM," which simulates a chain reaction. (CW)

Points out two areas of difficulty in teaching Newtonian dynamics. Describes several alternatives to physics learning using new technology. Details the use of the LOGO computer language in teaching simple Newtonian environments. Suggests the potential for creating new learning experiences in dynamics with new technology. (CW)

Presents a ray-tracing procedure based on some ideas of Herzberger and the matrix approach to geometrical optics. This method, which can be implemented on a programmable pocket calculator, applies to any conic surface, including paraboloids, spheres, and planes. (Author/GA)

Discusses approach to integrating computer programing into a calculus-based physics survey college course which stresses three major uses of computers: data reduction, calculation, and simulation. An initial programing exercise and practical constraints--time a student can allot to course and student's level of confidence--are mentioned. (EJS)

A problem is detailed which has a solution that embodies geometry, trigonometry, ballistics, projectile mechanics, vector analysis, and elementary computer graphics. It is felt that the information and sample computer programs can be a useful starting point for a user written code that involves missiles and other projectiles. (MP)

Discusses what is meant by a linear program and states and illustrates two of the theorems upon which the methods of linear programing rest. This description is intended as an introduction to linear programing of physics students. (HM)

Discusses the notion of a musician's workstation and a curriculum for teaching musicians about the use of computers in music. Explains that the curriculum includes elements of physics and psychoacoustics, recording arts and sciences, the philosophy of technology and the musical arts, analog and digital electronic music, ergonomics, and computer…

Describes how certain concepts basic to electron optics may be introduced to undergraduate physics students by calculating trajectories of charged particles through electrostatic fields which can be evaluated on minicomputers with a minimum of programing effort. (Author/SA)

This paper describes Macintosh features which can be used in writing interactive programs. A program written in Microsoft BASIC (version 2.0 interpreter) is described which is used to produce plots of electric field produced by two-dimensional arrangements of point charges. It demonstrates the use of pull-down menus, windows on the screen, the…

Describes an approach to teaching interactive computing for physics students beginning with the use of BASIC and video terminals during the first year of study (includes writing solution programs for practical problems). Second year students learn FORTRAN and apply it to interpolation, numerical integration, and differential equations. (JM)

Discusses making a computer-simulated rainbow using principles of physics, such as reflection and refraction. Provides BASIC program for the simulation. Appends a program illustrating the effects of dispersion of the colors. (YP)

Discusses four phases in the development of a simulation. These include a definition of the simulated universe (including parameters and boundary conditions), mathematical description of the mode, and programing and testing the simulation. Also discusses the development of a physics simulation, focusing on each of the four phases. (JN)

A model of the phenomenon of the desert mirage is presented using Snell's Law and simple programing techniques. Optical trajectories predicted by the model are illustrated. (CW)

This module is part of a series designed to be used by life science students for instruction in the application of physical theory to ecosystem operation. Most modules contain computer programs which are built around a particular application of a physical process. FFORM is a portable format-free input subroutine package written in ANSI Fortran IV…