Describes a freshman level laboratory course for physics or engineering students that introduces the various quantities determining the motion of compound pendulum systems. (SL)

Explains the phenomenon of Brownian motion, which serves as a mathematical model for random processes. Topics addressed include kinetic theory, Einstein's theory, particle displacement, and others. Points out that observations of the random course of a particle suspended in fluid led to the first accurate measurement of atomic mass. (DH)

Misconceptions can be avoided by defining terms and concepts unambiguously, using them consistently with wide exemplification, and explaining their limits of applicability. Concepts used to illustrate these points include work, momentum change, bodies and experience, and bodies and particles. (JN)

In 1935 physicist Hideki Yukawa proposed the meson theory of nuclear forces. Background, influences, and chronology of Yukawa's work are presented and discussed. Yukawa was supported in his meson idea by Japan's strong emphasis on intuitive and creative approaches which are also evident in subsequent developments in that country. (DH)

Discusses the transmission of incident energies at a one-dimensional square barrier when energies are greater than the barrier height and the region accommodates a whole number of half wavelengths of psi. Describes sketching the probability density curve, physical interpretation, and special cases. An appendix develops the mathematics in greater…

Discusses the subjective relativity of the term "up" and its relationship to an observer's acceleration. Provides examples from amusement park rides and literature, and describes a demonstration using a Fletcher's Trolley. (JM)

Suggests using better materials in fire syringes to obtain more effective results during demonstrations which show the elevation in temperature upon a very rapid (adiabatic) compression of air. Also describes an experiment (using ignition temperatures) which introduces students to the use of thermocouples for high temperature measurements. (DH)

The author advocates changing the traditional approach to mechanics from emphasis on the formulation of Newton's Laws to discussion of the foundations of mechanics and Mach's formulation. (SD)

Constructs a magnetic field model that illustrates by analogy the dynamic lift on an airplane wing. (MLH)

Describes a pedagogical method for measuring the coefficient of restitution for collisions between a bouncing ball and a horizontal surface by measuring the sound made by the bouncing ball. (MLH)

Presents a consistent description and analysis of a martial arts demonstration. Develops the physics associated with striking and breaking a bone or board from an energy point of view. (MLH)

Although pressure forms the basis for understanding topics such as the internal structure of the earth, weather cycles, rock formation, Bernoulli's principle, and plate tectonics, the presence of this concept in the school curriculum is at a minimal level. This paper suggests that the ideas, misconceptions, and perceptions of students have to do…

Discusses problems encountered in explaining shear stress of a solid in terms of forces on a "pack of cards". Suggest the use of "pure" shear stress rather than "simple" shear stress in presentation to secure a better understanding. Included is an example illustration E occurrence of pure stress. (CC)

Discusses current research in thermonuclear fusion with particular emphasis on the problem of confining hot plasma. Recent experiments indicate that magnetic bottles called tokamaks may achieve the necessary confinement times, and this break-through has given renewed optimism to the feasibility of commercial fusion power by the turn of the…