Describes demonstrations in which individuals participate in activities to illustrate physics concepts. No equipment other than the individuals participating is required. Demonstrations are provided for the topics of gas laws, thermodynamics, wave phenomena, optics, acoustics, kinematics, and dynamics. (JN)

During 1981-82 a physics contest was held in North Carolina in which a new physics question was asked each month. Information is provided for others contemplating a similar task. Areas addressed include costs, prizes (calculators), number of entries, contest rules, contest goals, and such problems as time involvement. (JN)

A homework problem that can be graded quickly, involve students in problem solving, and provide feedback on their problem-solving ability is described. A two-part homework problem is assigned: part one stated in the usual manner, and part two consisting of a description with segments left blank for students to fill in. (Author/JN)

Provides an alternative derivation of the Boltzmann distribution based on the minimization of the Helmholtz free energy. (CS)

Provides information concerning the Boltzmann distribution mentioning partition functions, spectroscopy, basic mathematics, and its relation to temperature distribution. (CS)

Examines principles governing the identification of a system of parameters for accurately describing student thought processes and discusses the parametric analysis of such thought processes, taking as an example problem-solving directed towards the explanation of physical phenomena. A 25-item reference list is included. (Author/JL)

Presents the uses of pocket calculators, programmable calculators, and microcomputers in teaching of statistical physics in unit 9 of the Nuffield advanced physics course. (SK)

The relative performance of men and women in physics courses at the University of Adelaide was investigated. Apart from first year work, there seems to be little difference between the performance of men and women despite an almost uniform ratio of about 10:1 in numbers in favor of men. (Author/JN)

Annotates seven books dealing with the following topics: astronomy, environment, geology, and physics. (AEA)

Provides instructions for building an inexpensive apparatus that measures the thrust of a model rocket engine as a function of time. (CS)

Presents 11 responses received from U.S. scientists who have won Nobel Prizes (physics or physics-related work) indicating what books, discoveries, people, or issues of the last 50 years have most decisively influenced them. (Author/JN)

Compares several derivations of the Clausius-Mossotti relation to analyze consistently the nature of approximations used and their range of applicability. Also presents a statistical-mechanical calculation of the local field for classical system of harmonic oscillators interacting via the Coulomb potential. (Author/SK)

The use of a logarithmic amplifier preceding an oscilloscope's vertical amplifier is described for physics teachers who want to demonstrate the exponential decay nature of some phenomena. (Author/SA)

Summarizes results of a questionnaire sent to teachers requesting their reactions to the A-level physics course syllabus. Includes reactions to examinations and sections on electronics and the structure of matter. (SK)

Describes a method to stimulate the dispersive properties of various media. It is also used to illustrate the characteristics of electromagnetic precursion. (Author/GA)