Describes the construction and operation of a short Foucault pendulum, which indicates earth's rotation with less than 2 percent error. The pendulum is suitable for display either in a classroom or hallway. (SK)

Discusses the simplest three-body problem, known as Euler's problem. The article, intended for students in the undergraduate mathematics and physics curricula, shows how the complex equations for a specific three-body problem can be solved on a small calculator. (HM)

Presents three simple distinct operational procedures for transforming the empirical notion of speed into a formal concept. The relationship between these three procedures and Galilean velocity and Einsteinian relativity is also included. (HM)

Deals with how secondary schools in the United Kingdom ought to be concerned not only with teaching the science of nuclear processes but also with: (1) the technologies associated with power generation from the processes, and (2) the possible social effects of such technologies. (SK)

Presents history, nature of evidence evaluated, and philosophical questions to justify the view that experiments on parity nonconservation were "crucial" experiments in the sense that they decided unambiguously and within a short period of time for the appropriate scientific community, between two or more competing theories or classes of theories.…

The motivation and interpretation of the Fizeau experiment are reviewed, and its status as a test of special relativity is discussed. It is shown, with the aid of a simplified, purely mechanical model of the propagation of light in matter, that the experiment actually cannot discriminate between Galilean and relativistic kinematics. (Author/SK)

Describes a resonance apparatus for the measurement of Cp/Cv for different gases. In the apparatus a magnetically supported piston in a vertical cylindrical glass tube containing the gas is forced into oscillation by means of a standard audio signal generator. (Author/GA)

Investigated is the period of a simple pendulum. The cases of the rigid rod and fexible cord are reviewed. By applying a variational principle it is proven that the first order correction to the period is the same for both the cord and the rod. (GA)

Describes simple modifications that will permit external triggering of certain electronic timers, thus allowing their use in experiments which require greater precision than was possible with inexpensive apparatus. (GA)

Describes, using "nonorthogonal" displacement functions, the normal-mode motions of a massive particle and a spring of non-negligible mass to whose end the particle is attached. The results lead to the complete solution for the general motion of the spring-plus-particle system. Shows that the presence/absence of gravity is irrelevant to the…

Focuses on the use of push and go toys to discuss with students how the toy acquires potential energy when work is done on it and how this energy is stored in the internal mechanism for later conversion into kinetic energy. (DDR)

Details an activity in which students study physics concepts and principles of motion by observing sporting events. Specific examples, samples of finished projects, and a flipchart scoring rubric are included. (DKM)

Describes four hands-on and inexpensive activities science teachers can employ to demonstrate, encourage, develop, and teach students the physical properties of light, heat, and sound waves, utilizing a coffee can. Details the basic experiments and provides additional information for tailoring the activities to elementary through middle…

Provides a progression of terms of underlying concepts related to moving and falling objects, and links these concepts to activities that are appropriate for various age ranges. Speculates on the role of teacher knowledge in effective science teaching. (DDR)

Described are the apparatus and procedures needed for a demonstration of variables which affect centripetal force. Discussed are materials, apparatus construction, calibration, and experimental results. (CW)