Discusses the paradoxes that can result when physical examples lead to infinite series. Two examples are presented: the Madelung energy of a one-dimensional array of alternating positive and negative charges, and a point charge between infinite parallel plates. (BB)

An industrial education teacher discusses the value of sine wave templates and tells how to make and use them in the study of electricity and electronics. (MF)

Includes latest theory concerning the flight of the returning type of boomerang. Some comparisons in aerodynamics are made between returning and non-returning boomerangs. (CS)

In a random sample of 40 abbreviations and acronyms gathered from the physics literature 1973-74, about half could be found only in the papers in which they were published. Due to the lack of uniform style guides for journals, the reader often cannot find definitions quickly for abbreviations in papers. (Author)

Discusses the puzzling effects of shadows cast in water. Demonstrates the effects of various objects and surface curvatures on the behavior of light rays transmitted through water. (CW)

Particular reference is made to change seen as either a discrete or a continuous process. This topic is discussed in relation to progress and modern trends in biology and physics. Additionally discussed is the development of children's understanding of the process of change in physical and biological phenomena. (Author/RH)

Examines the volume distribution of electrical charge and charge thickness on the surface of a metallic sphere, and compares the results with a sphere made of a perfect insulator. (JM)

Discusses: (1) the physics of ice formation; (2) growth, melting, and regrowth of ice; (3) ice distribution; (4) ice movement; (5) the marginal ice zone; and (6) observations of ice dynamics. (JN)

Discusses the drafting of lines of force and equipotentials in static potential fields, examining the general properties of equipotentials and field lines, diagrams from the literature, and the field of equal charges of opposite sign. Examples used are from both American and European textbooks. (JN)

Describes the construction and use of an inexpensive, homemade polarimeter which can analyze optically active compounds. Ideas for activities using the apparatus are suggested. (JN)

Examines the question "Why does light travel at speed c?", dispelling the widespread qualitative notion that the speed of light results from time delays in the interaction of electric and magnetic fields. Also presents information by which readers can work on their own qualitative insights concerning the speed of light. (JN)

The purpose of this paper is to propose a matrix of attributes that characterize various alternative conceptions across the content areas, or domains, of science. It reports the results of testing the matrix on reported alternative conceptions by scoring their attributes and looking for trends in various domains. The authors found that some…

The film "The Atom and the Atomic Nucleus," 1964, is discussed at length and three other films and one microfilm are mentioned. All deal with the structure of the atom and atomic energy. (JH)

A cluster analysis procedure is described in which 288 journals in the disciplines of physics, chemistry and molecular biology are grouped into clusters. Tabulation of citings to and from each journal processed provides the basis for clustering. (18 references) (Author/RS)

The method of training physicists, the style in which physics is practiced, the roles of physics and physicists in academia and society are discussed. There are three factors influencing physics: lack of a long standing cultural tradition; competitive and external exams; and career opportunities are extremely limited. (DF)