Describes an apparatus designed for quantitative demonstrations of collision experiments. The apparatus consists of a transparent air table and a launching device for projecting two objects simultaneously. It may be used with an overhead projector. The apparatus won third prize in Demonstration Lecture Apparatus in the A.A.P.T. Apparatus…

Highlights a review of the Institute of Theoretical Physics at Santa Barbara. Because of the positive review, the National Science Foundation will continue to sponsor the institute to 1989. Institute activities and staff are also highlighted. (JN)

Describes a course, taught jointly by electrical/chemical engineering departments at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, designed to teach the fundamental science of plasma processing as well as to give an overview of the present state of industrial processes. Provides rationale for course development, texts used, class composition, and…

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)

Presented is a non-technical introduction to particle physics. The material is adapted from chapter 3 of "Cosmic Horizons," (by Robert Wagoner and Don Goldsmith), a lay-person's introduction to cosmology. Among the topics considered are elementary particles, forces and motion, and higher level structures. (JN)

Schreinemakers' theorem (arrangement of curves around an invariant point), derived from La Chatelier's principle, can be rediscovered by students asked to use the principle when solving a natural problem such as "How does diluting a mineral/fluid alter shape of a pressure/temperature diagram?" Background information and instructional…

Careers in medical physics are discussed. Considers types of hospital departments and responsibilities in same for medical physicists and the education/training needed to enter the field. Indicates that the field is not large and that opportunities to enter it are keenly contested. (JN)

Provides information on physics courses at universities, polytechnics, colleges of technology, and colleges of education in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Includes courses offered, honors degree courses, special entry requirements, course structure, and notes with information specific to each institution. Also includes name of contact…

Provides information on physics courses at universities and colleges of technology in Scotland. Includes courses offered, honors degree courses, special entry requirements, course structure, and notes with information specific to each institution. Also includes name of contact person and institutional address. (JN)

Discusses four basic forces/interactions in nature (strong force, weak force, electromagnetic force and gravity), associated with elementary particles. Focuses on "gauge bosons" (for example, photons), thought to account for strong, weak, and electromagnetic forces. (Author/JN)

Provides background information on and a brief description of the content and aims of the AO syllabus in electronics. The syllabus is divided into six sections: (1) measurement/instruments; (2) materials, devices, and transducers; (3) digital electronics; (4) analog electronics; (5) electronic systems; and (6) electronics impact on…

The nature of liquid crystals and several important liquid crystal devices are described. Ideas for practical experiments to illustrate the properties of liquid crystals and their operation in devices are also described. (Author/JN)

Describes use of activation volumes derived from the effect of pressure reaction rates in aiding the understanding of reaction mechanism. Topics discussed include determination and interpretation of activation volumes, high pressure equipment/techniques, and application of activation volumes in mechanistic elucidation of several inorganic…