The classical vacuum of physics is not empty, but contains a distinctive pattern of electromagnetic fields. Discovery of the vacuum, thermal spectrum, classical electron theory, zero-point spectrum, and effects of acceleration are discussed. Connection between thermal radiation and the classical vacuum reveals unexpected unity in the laws of…

Presents a laboratory exercise designed to introduce graphical extrapolation. Major advantages of the method are in its simplicity and speed. The only measuring devices are a centimeter ruler and a micrometer caliper to check wall thickness. (JN)

Determined: (1) whether students thought of magnetic poles as exerting forces directly on electric charges and (2) the specific strategies students used to make predictions about the forces acting on electric charges in two problem situations. Implications for instruction are considered. (JN)

Provides a method for correcting the photoemission from a collector when using the photoelectric effect experiment to determine Planck's constant. The problem results from a negative current through the cell and makes the measurement of the cutoff potential difficult. (DH)

Presents a field formula for calculating speed and flight efficiency of soaring birds. By estimating the size of the bank angle and timing the complete circle, the observer can determine the speed and circling radius on a chart provided. Lift coefficients and flight characteristics of several birds are also discussed. (DH)

Discusses the microscopic interpretation of thermal conductivity of various forms of matter. Forms considered include gases, metals, and insulators. (JN)

Provides procedures for a simple laboratory activity on exponential growth and its characteristic doubling time. The equipment needed consists of a large plastic bucket, an eyedropper, a stopwatch, an assortment of containers and graduated cylinders, and a supply of water. (JN)

Discusses errors/misleading statements concerning the principle of action/reaction as found in two published sources. The first, focusing on the application of Newton's third law to airplane lift, is found in a college-level text. The second, related to electromagnetic forces, is found in a book providing solutions to physics problems. (JN)

Lists newly published or newly stocked books available from the Association for Science Education Headquarters. (GS)

Supports the contention that sliding friction explains the inversion of a tippe top when it is spun upon a flat surface. Provides a rigorous analysis of the top's mechanics, together with computer-generated solutions of its equations of motion. (MLH)

Summarized are speeches presented at an American Institute of Physics meeting held, October 8-9, 1976, at General Motors Corporation research laboratories, Warren, Michigan. Speeches emphasized industrial research, applications of physics, and frontier areas of physics. (SL)

Outlines the basic ideas which explain the movement of sand in air and water. Uses the behavior of spheres as a model to indicate the behavior of sand grains. (GS)

This roster contains detailed data from the annual Survey of Enrollments and Degrees conducted by the American Institute of Physics. The roster contains data reported by degree-granting physics departments in the United States for 1998-1999 introductory physics course enrollments, 1998-1999 degrees, and fall 1999 undergraduate majors and graduate…

Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, the US government set in motion a broad set of measures whose aim was to screen foreign applicants for entrance into the US, to try to identify those who it was felt might attempt to carry out further attacks. Since the 2001-02 academic year had already begun in most schools, and since it took time for…

About one-third of the physics majors in the class of 2001 took more than 4 years to complete their undergraduate studies. The most common reasons were receiving a double major and changing majors. There are 761 departments in the US that confer at least a bachelor's degree in physics. These programs produced 4091 bachelor's degrees in the class…