Focuses on difficulties linked to situations in physics involving two models--geometrical optics and wave optics. Presents content analysis underlining two important features required for addressing such situations: (1) awareness of the status of the drawings; and (2) the 'backward selection' of paths of light. (Contains 24 references.)…

Presents a study on misconceptions in optics with the objective of checking their persistence over time in spite of the continued academic instruction of students. Involves (n=4000) students of all levels of the Spanish educational system as well as with those at a Spanish university with degrees in medicine, chemical sciences, technical…

Presents some questions that science teachers find difficult. Focuses on three further questions relating to "simple" everyday situations that are normally explained in terms of the kinetic theory of matter. Identifies looking at the difference between chemical and physical changes as the most problematic question. (Author/YDS)

Describes a demonstration of static charge using balloons and crystals to illustrate the electrical nature of matter. Building on the classic physics demonstration that uses pieces of paper and a plastic rod, this approach adds a new dimension of chemistry. Offers suggestions for how to discuss the observed phenomenon. (DLH)

Developed a multidimensional Rasch model that is a multidimensional extension of item component models and determined relations to existing multidimensional item response theory models. Applied the model to a questionnaire on students' interest in physics to demonstrate that model parameters can be estimated even when 17 latent dimensions are to…

Proposes a ray tracing approach to thin lens analysis based on a vector form of Snell's law for paraxial rays as an alternative to the usual approach in introductory physics courses. The ray tracing approach accommodates skew rays and thus provides a complete analysis. (Author/KHR)

Explains the physical principles of the tuning fork which has a common use in teaching laboratories. Includes information on its vibration, frequency of vibration, elasticity, and reasons for having two prongs. (YDS)

Addresses metaphysical questions concerning the ultimate structure of reality and discusses scientific nature. Suggests that the world cannot afford to neglect the role of conceptual analysis in thinking critically about the possibilities that science fiction claims to describe. (Author/KHR)

Analyzes physical features of breath-hold diving. Considers the diver's descent and the initial surface dive and presents examples that show the diver's buoyancy equilibrium varying with depth, the driving force supplied by finning, and the effect of friction between the water and the diver. (Author/JRH)

Describes the construction and use of a nondriven pendulum that can be used in a classroom to demonstrate the rotation of Earth on its axis. (JRH)

Describes the current process of physics education in Denmark, including projects and assignments, examinations, and physics in the mathematical and language lines. (JRH)

Explains how x-ray doses to patients are measured. Describes how different techniques expose patients to differing amounts of ionizing radiation. Compares these figures with other natural and man-made sources. (Author/MKR)

Describes principles involved in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). (MKR)

Very sensitive SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device) detectors are used in the technique known as magnetoencephalography to provide dynamic images of the brain. This can help our fundamental understanding of the way the brain works and may be of particular use in treating disorders such as epilepsy. (Author/MKR)

Explores some of the principles behind the working of fluorescent bulbs using a specially prepared fluorescent bulb with the white inner fluorescent coating applied along only half its length. Discusses the spectrum, the bulb plasma, and light production. (JRH)