Students' cars and wristwatches are used as "apparatus" to introduce and demonstrate Newton's second law of motion. Forces acting on cars are discussed and typical student data (for different makes of cars) are provided. Data could also be used in discussions of work, horsepower, efficiency, and energy cost. (JN)

Addresses questions of the philosophy of computer use that cut across various specialities, providing examples to make these distinctions clear. Topics considered include numerical analysis, simulations, software, Fortran computer language, and hardware. Indicates that computers do more than analyze experimentors' data. (JN)

Experimentalists in particle physics have long regarded computers as essential components of their apparatus. Theorists are now finding that significant advances in some areas can be accomplished only in partnership with a machine. Needs of experimentalists, interests of theorists, and specialized computers for high-energy experiments are…

Discusses contributions of computers to research in magnetic and inertial-confinement fusion, charged-particle-beam propogation, and space sciences. Considers use in design/control of laboratory and spacecraft experiments and in data acquisition; and reviews major plasma computational methods and some of the important physics problems they…

Examination of selected material from the history of science can provoke a number of questions about the nature of that activity as indicated in part 1 (SE 533 400). Presented here are some guidelines to help teachers discuss the observation statements and kinds of questions raised in part 1. (JN)

Describes an experiment in which static/dynamic properties of a helical, steel spring are investigated. During the experiment students discover that the behavior of the springs is non-Hookean at small loads. Background information (including static deflection and period of oscillation) and typical results are provided. (JM)

In response to a question, "Why not use a magnetic or electric field to deflect light?," reviews the relation between electric charge and electric/magnetic fields. Discusses the Faraday effect, (describing matter as an intermediary in the rotation of the place of polarization) and other apparent interactions of light with electric/magnetic fields.…

Outlines a strategy for incorporating the nuclear weapons debate into physics curricula. Includes rationale for including the topic, issues to be discussed, and possible resource materials. (SK)

Suggests that science-related material on nuclear war be included in introductory courses. Lists nuclear war topics for physics, psychology, sociology, biology/ecology, chemistry, geography, geology/meteorology, mathematics, and medical science. Also lists 11 lectures on nuclear physics which include nuclear war topics. (JN)

Spatial filtering, based on diffraction/interference of light waves, is a technique by which unwanted information in a picture ("noise") can be separated from wanted information. A series of experiments is described in which students can create a system that functions as an optical computer to create clearer pictures. (Author/JN)

An apparatus is described in which effects of pressure, volume, and temperature changes on a gas can be observed simultaneously. Includes use of the apparatus in demonstrating Boyle's, Gay-Lussac's, and Charles' Laws, attractive forces, Dalton's Law of Partial pressures, and in illustrating measurable vapor pressures of liquids and some solids.…

Discusses the nature of physics by examining what physicists do in relation to what mathematicians, chemists, and biologists do. Also discusses the future of physics and physics education, focusing on four frontiers waiting for a breakthrough. These include high energy, many degrees of freedom, life, and zero-time frontiers. (JN)

Citing several disadvantages in using traditional gold-leaf electroscopes in schools, a simple and easily constructed electroscope, suitable for both O- and A-level physics, is described. Information on adapting the electroscope to become a pulse electrometer is provided. Electroscope activities/demonstrations are also provided. (Author/JN)

Many postsecondary technical education programs are facing obsolescence and need more than another course or piece of equipment to be effective. Educational institutions must restructure their programs, redesign their laboratories, and retrain their faculty. The business and industrial community is the direct beneficiary of a strong vocational…

Describes a short computer program written in Logo programing language designed to provide students with new experiences in the study of vectors as they apply to classical physics. Suggestions for introductions, preparation, follow-up activities, and program examples are included. (EJS)