Thermal features of and beneath the surface of a sample can be detected and imaged with a thermal-wave microscope. Various methodologies for the excitation and detection of thermal waves are discussed, and several applications, primarily in microelectronics, are presented. (Author)

An experiment on cooling by convection, holographic processes achieved using optical fibers and observation of magnetic domains are described. Also describes four demonstrations: mechanical resonance on air track, independence of horizontal/vertical motion, motion of sphere in fluid medium, and light scattering near the critical point. (JN)

In introductory mechanics courses it is often necessary to know the geometric properties of some irregular figure. An interactive program (using an Apple II microcomputer) which allows an instructor to determine the geometric properties of an arbitrary figure is described. Includes mathematical formulation, properties of irregular polygons, and…

Traces development of chemical physics as a distinct discipline and reviews its position as a subject for study in United Kingdom universities. Reports results of a survey of chemical physics courses and graduates (1975-1980), including employment data on these graduates. (Author/JN)

Describes use of laboratory kits for home-based experimental studies for external science students. Contents of kits and extra equipment the student would need are listed, selection of suitable experiments and arrangements for loan of kits are discussed, and performance of external students using kits is compared to that of internal students. (EAO)

An adventure-type computer game in which treasure can be acquired by solving problems in ray optics is described. The program is shorter than most adventures and is designed to run in a 16-K Commodore PET microcomputer with tape cassette input. Program and documentation are available at cost from the author. (Author/JN)

Physicists had assumed that the world is distinguishable from its mirror image and constructed theories to ensure that the corresponding mathematical property (parity) is conserved in all subatomic processes. However, a scientific experiment demonstrated an intrinsic handedness to at least one physical process. The experiment, equipment, and…

Discusses the nature and use of scientific balloons. Topics addressed include: (1) types of balloons; (2) lifting gases; (3) polyethylene balloons; (4) duration of balloon flight; and (5) use of balloons in scientific research. (JN)

Various microcomputer-generated astronomy graphs are presented, including those of constellations and planetary motions. Graphs were produced on a computer-driver plotter and then reproduced for class use. Copies of the programs that produced the graphs are available from the author. (Author/JN)

Fourteen high school physics textbooks are evaluated. Criteria include content, distribution/organization of content, level (appropriateness of presentation for high school students), readability, appearance, presentation of physics as a growing body of knowledge, awareness of social problems, and adequacy of materials for additional work by…

Describes several games in which physics principles are demonstrated using students. These include Pirates Treasure Game (vectors), Three-Meter Dash (kinematics), Knee-Bend Game (energy and power), Wave Game, Reaction Kinematics, Statics-People Pyramids, and games demonstrating nuclear reactions, collisions, electrons in a wire, close packing, and…

In a previous article in this journal (Vol. 17, p358, 1979), a wet-bulb depression table was recommended for two simple experiments to determine relative humidity. However, the use of a graph is suggested because it gives the relative humidity directly from the wet and dry bulb readings. (JN)

Describes and analyzes several problems physics teaching assistants (TA) may encounter, offering possible solutions to the problems. Areas addressed include administrative details of the lab/recitation and its relation to the lecture, objectives of lab/recitation sessions, goals for the recitation/lab TA, grading procedures, and others. (JN)

A thermodynamic analysis of the properties of otto/diesel engines during the time they operate with open chambers illustrates applicability of thermodynamics to real systems, demonstrates how delivered power is controlled, and explains the source of air pollution in terms of thermodynamic laws. (Author/JN)

Discusses development of the American Association of Physics Teachers and National Science Teachers Association (AAPT/NSTA) high school physics examination. Includes sample examination questions and distribution of topics: mechanics (30 percent), waves/optics/sound (20 percent), heat/kinetic theory (10 percent), electricity/magnetism (25 percent),…