This is the first of a new series of brief ancedotes about materials and phenomena which exemplify chemical principles. Examples include (1) the sea-lab experiment illustrating principles of the kinetic theory of gases, (2) snow-making machines illustrating principles of thermodynamics in gas expansions and phase changes, and (3) sunglasses that…

Discusses a method for viewing the square of a curve directly. Results are seen immediately and the curve can be manipulated to show, for example, the continuous effect of changing the zero level. The method is useful in studying the effect of squaring a curve or waveform in optics/electronics courses. (JN)

The correct usage of such terminology as "Rayleigh scattering,""Rayleigh lines,""Raman lines," and "Tyndall scattering" is resolved during an historical excursion through the physics of light-scattering by gas molecules. (Author/JN)

Discusses three topics which should be included in any "basic" course in geometrical optics: (1) reflection; (2) refraction; and (3) image formation. (SK)

Presents selective and representative evidence relating to the genesis of the theory of special relativity. The evidence seems to defy most of the philosophic preconceptions which many physics teachers appear to have about the nature of physics. (GA)

Discusses human ability to perceive repeated sensory stimuli in the visual system, and explains that its frequency fc has a critical value, under normal conditions, about 40 Hz. (GA)

A comprehensive demonstration project currently being developed at the civil mineral engineering (C/ME) building at the University of Minnesota includes the application of solar optics as a demonstration of the potential for bringing natural light deep into the interior of buildings. (Author/MLF)

Presents two derivations of the fundamental laser linewidth that have been used successfully in introductory physics courses. The cause of the finite linewidth is identified with phase fluctuations in the electric field due to spontaneous emissions. A factor of 2 discrepancy between the energy and field analysis is explained. (Author/GA)

Explains interference colors in thin films as being due to the removal, or considerable reduction, of a certain color by destructive inteference that results in the complementary color being seen. (GA)

Gives ideas, suggestions, impressions, and opinions on teaching musical acoustics specifically to musicians both in and out of the classroom. The approach is practical and is intended for physics teachers involved with musical acoustics. (Author/GA)

Discusses some errors found in certain elementary physics textbooks, specifically the propagation of waves in a rope tied to another rope of different linear density. (GA)