Discusses the works by six contemporary American novelists that illustrate the current state of "physics fiction." The discussed examples of physics fiction ranged from the fluent and frequent inclusion of the casual, to the elaborate systems of physics metaphors. (GA)

Describes the numerical methods of relaxation and over-relaxation for solving Laplace's equation for a system of conductors, and gives several examples of their use. (Author/GA)

Describes techniques being used in the production of microelectronics kits which have replaced traditional optical lithography, including contact and optical projection printing, and X-ray and electron beam lithography. Also includes limitations of each technique described. (SK)

Reviews four books dealing with the following topics: astronomy, computers, cryptology, and physics. (AEA)

A method of assessment using six one-hour tests, with provision to repeat four of them, is described. Performance in the course, high school background, and the first test's results are used to determine entry criteria for the course. (MSE)

Describes an advanced high school physics experiment demonstrating rotational kinematics and dynamics, using simple equipment such as empty coffee cans, inclined planes, meter sticks, and a large 10-second demonstration timer. (CS)

This is a review of the current research in mathematics involving breadth of ideas. Research includes topics in number theory, classification of all finite simple groups, the representation of group aids in their application to the study of symmetry. (Author/SA)

Discusses the development of recent analytical techniques that can give detailed information on thin-film structures. (HM)

Discusses from the physicist's point of view the connection between biology and physics and the usefulness of physical laws for understanding biological processes. Discusses these fields of research in secondary school science: molecular science, regulation, statistics and information, corrosion and evolution, chance and necessity, and…

Presents demonstrations, using microprocessors, to show the slow change in relative phase of two sine waves feeding the inputs of an oscilloscope and Fourier synthesis. (SK)

Describes a study to investigate problem-solving skills of science students. An analysis was made of the examination questions to determine what proportion of examination questions was associated with the skills needed for solving problems. (SK)

Discusses teacher-student communication in reference to the physics classroom. Suggestions are given to help teachers improve communication with their students, teaching style, and course content. Emphasizes the need for teachers to find their own style of teaching and communication with students and take pride in these teaching abilities. (DS)

Describes a method, considered appropriate for presentation to undergraduate students in materials science and related courses, for the calculation of cohesive energies of the alkali metals. Uses a description based on the free electron model and gives results to within 0.1 eV of the experimental values. (Author/GS)

Describes the reformulation of a classical magnetic moment interacting with various magnetic field configurations in terms of coordinate-free, time-dependent rotation operators. This approach provides useful exercises for the manipulation of three-dimensional rotation operators and provides examples for a number of quantum-mechanics related…

Describes a compact and inexpensive permanent magnet assembly, well-suited for educational NMR-ESR demonstrations, field use, and possible space flight applications. (Author/CS)