If a ball were given an initial velocity in excess of its terminal velocity, would the upward force of air resistance (a function of velocity) be greater than the downward force of gravity and thus push the ball back upwards? An answer to this question is provided. (JN)

Primary grade pupils can become fascinated with simple machines. This paper suggests that teachers have simple machines in the classroom for a unit of study. It proposes some guidelines to create a unit of study for six simple machines that include the fulcrum, inclined plane, pulley, wheel and axle, wedge, and screw. Friction, gravity, force, and…

Physicists and engineers advance the state of several arts in the design of gravitational-wave detection equipment. Provides background information and discusses the equipment (including laser interferometer), its use, and results of several experimental studies. (JN)

Applies the concepts of kinematics and conservation of mechanical energy to calculate the time needed to reach a certain point along semicircular and parabolic paths. Presents numerical calculations for the critical speed thresholds for the paths of semicircular and parabolic curves. (JRH)

Presents a demonstration, explanation, and mathematical derivation of rotational dynamics using a small plastic cylinder with a length-to-diameter ratio of about three. (MVL)

Discusses the place that Robert Hooke has in science history versus the scientific contributions he made. Examines the relationship between Hooke and his contemporary, Isaac Newton, and Hooke's claims that Newton built on his ideas without receiving Newton's recognition. (26 references) (MDH)

Describes a college physics class that uses National Guard artillery practice as a practical source for the studying of projectile motion. Provides a firing table for the shell used and the physics involved when using variables such as drag, weight, and elevation. (MVL)

Explains the motion that occurs when a particle with an initial velocity to the right is acted upon by a constant downward force. Considers what happens when the speed of the particle approaches the speed of light in particular. (WRM)

The Bondi K-calculus is a delightful method that has been used to provide rich insights into relativistic kinematics. In this paper, we will try to show how several important results of relativistic kinetics can be derived simply by using this approach. In addition, we will also indicate how the K-calculus can be used to simplify certain…

Provides additional information on a demonstration described in the March 1981 issue of "The Physics Teacher" involving free-falling objects using styrofoam cups, rubber bands, and weights. Approaches the subject using free-body diagrams (included) and discusses the mechanism by which the weights are pulled into the cup. (JM)

The principle means by which g has been measured are summarized. Discussed are "Kater's Reversible Pendulum," falling rules, and interferometry methods. Types of corrections and various sources of uncertainty are considered. (CW)

Discusses the possibility of creating elements with an atomic number of around 114. Describes the underlying physics responsible for the limited extent of the periodic table and enumerates problems that must be overcome in creating a superheavy nucleus. (GS)

This booklet is concerned with the last half of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century when a great surge of knowledge vital to atomic science took place, as illustrated by work by Faraday, Mendeleev, Roentgen, Becquerel and the Curies. Each succeeding discovery brought atomic science closer to the great breakthrough that marked the close…