Describes a new method and apparatus (consisting of a steel sheet, electromagnet, base, balls, and carbon paper) used to perform mechanics experiments which, until now, required use of an air table. Also compares the apparatus to an air table, explores its range of uses, and examines rotational dynamics. (DH)

Presents a table cross-referencing 12 physics laboratory manuals by topics. Topic areas include measurement and techniques, mechanics, molecular physics, waves and optics, electricity and magnetism, and quantum physics. (JN)

The first of a two-part question asks: Does the total thrust of a rocket depend on the surrounding pressure? The answer to this question is provided, with accompanying diagrams of rockets. The second part of the question (and answer) are provided in v20 n7, p479, Oct 1982 of this journal. (Author/JN)

Included are nine science activities and questions to be used in the physics classroom. Topics include light, sound, force, radio waves, inertia, friction, and levers. (KR)

Described is a procedure for studying the trajectories of projectiles using ball bearings and aluminum foil. Trajectories were measured with and without the effects of air resistance. Multiflash photography was used to determine the flight paths of all objects. (KR)

Discusses the operation of the trebuchet, a medieval device used to throw objects over castle walls. The trebuchet does not use torsion or elasticity for power, only gravity. Provides mathematical computations to find the velocity of thrown objects. (MVL)

Suggests 12 activities for students to ask family members at the dinner table. Activities include pendulum motion, friction, harmonics, wave action, heat, and the piezoelectric effect. (MVL)

Examines five poems by Robert Frost that illustrate Frost's interest in science. The poems include allusions to renowned physicists, metaphoric descriptions of some famous physics experiments, explorations of complementarity as enunciated by Bohr, and poetic formulations of Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. (20 references) (MDH)

Uses the teaching method of models or analogies, specifically the model called "Piekara's chair," to show how teaching classical mechanics can familiarize students with the notion of energy levels in atomic physics. (MDH)

A macroscopic way of modeling hot air balloons using a Newtonian approach is presented. Misleading examples using a car tire and the concept of hot air rising are discussed. Pressure gradient changes in the atmosphere are used to explain how hot air balloons work. (KR)

Proposes that introductory physics courses extend the analysis of one-dimensional motion to a more sophisticated level. Gives four experimental setups and graphical analysis of the distance, velocity, and acceleration in the vertical and horizontal directions. (WRM)

Presents some elementary-level science activities that can be used to study moving and falling objects. Provides background information on motion and force for elementary teachers. (WRM)

Describes an experience as passengers in a car that traveled around the "Wall of Death" during a country fair show. Explains the physics behind riding vehicles around the Wall. Finds that cars don't need to lean, motorcycles must lean, and people should lean to avoid nausea while traveling around the Wall. (WRM)

When Feynman wrote, "It is important to realize that in physics today, we have no knowledge of what energy is," he was recognizing that although we have expressions for various forms of energy from kinetic to elastic, we seem to have no idea of what the all-encompassing notion of "energy" "is": This paper addresses that issue offering a definition…

One means of preventing the top of a pond from freezing involves running a circulating pump near the bottom to agitate the surface and expose it to air throughout the winter months. This phenomenon is similar to that of the flowing of streams in subzero temperatures and to the running of taps to prevent pipe bursts in winter. All of these cases…