Describes an apparatus designed to investigate molecular motion by means of light scattering. Light from a He-Ne laser is focused into a cell containing a suspension of polystyrene spheres. The scattered light, collected on the photosurface of a photomultiplier tube, is analyzed. The apparatus won first prize in Demonstration Lecture Apparatus in…

This annotated bibliography contains 20 references on using computers in physics instruction. (MNS)

Discusses physics of bicycles, presenting a model of the forces acting on the bicycle and its rider. Topics considered include maximum speed coasting down a hill, maximum speed on the level, and maximum speed up a hill. This material is suitable for homework problems, independent study, or regular class work. (JN)

Revenues from oil/gas royalties on University of Texas (Austin) and Texas A&M go into a fund which is used to hire faculty and develop programs, particularly in the sciences. However, Texas legislators are considering a bill that would spread the oil money to other campuses in the Texas university system. (JN)

Although polymers are regarded as electrical insulators, it was discovered that they can be made to conduct electricity. This discovery has opened vast new practical and theoretical areas for exploration by physicists and chemists. Research studies with these conducting polymers and charge-transfer salts as well as possible applications are…

Points out textbook errors or discrepancies which are confusing or unclear in describing the photon. Cites specific texts and the particular point of confusion in each one. (JM)

Argues that mass and energy fluxes in a fluid are vectors. Topics include the stress tensor, theorem for tensor fields, mass flux as a vector, stress as a second order tensor, and energy flux as a tensor. (SK)

Discusses investigations of mirages with an astronomical telescope and a way of demonstrating three of the main features of laser/maser action. Also discusses several physics demonstrations using color television. These include thin-film interference effects, single-slit diffraction, emission/absorption spectra, "rings and brushes"…

The first/second laws of thermodynamics are usually presented as straight physics. Local problems (such as heat engines) may be assigned but seldom is any effort made to examine universal human problems. Considering moral implications of these laws makes them relevant to students, gaining their attention and easing instruction. (Author/JN)

A computer program was written for a model system in quantum mechanics (particle in a one-dimensional finite square well potential). Described is a major extension of the single-well program to treat problem of a particle in a double/triple finite square potential well. Technical/educational features of the program are considered. (Author/JN)

Discusses a high school physics course in which physics is developed from something students have seen or experienced rather than starting with physics and applying it to a topic. Instructions for obtaining a sample unit and course outline are provided. (Author/JN)

Suggestions are provided for using color television projector systems to demonstrate color mixing. With such a projector, manipulation of the three primary colors can be done by simply covering and uncovering the three separate beams. In addition, projector systems serve as good examples in studying geometrical optics. (Author/JN)

Suggests that energy education, as part of science education, start with processes taking place by themselves, emphasizing that reversing such processes requires a fuel-consuming device. Also suggests that thermodynamics be given greater prominence in courses after studying energy conservation. Includes science education philosophy behind the…