This paper presented in the 1978 Oppenheimer Memorial Lecture at Los Alamos Scientific Laboratories on August 17, 1978, discusses Einstein's contributions to physics, in particular, his discovery of the general theory of relativity. (HM)

Presents basic relations involving the concept of available energy that are derived from the local equations of nonequilibrium thermodynamics. The equations and applications of the local thermodynamic equilibrium LTD model are also presented. (HM)

Points out that neither Minkowski's nor Abraham's proposal gives correctly the momentum density of light in a refracting medium. Derives the correct result as given by Peierls. (MLH)

Presents a discussion of the rigid rotor problem appropriate for a basic quantum mechanics course. (MLH)

The Gordon Research Conferences were established to stimulate research in universities, research foundations, and industrial laboratories. The topics for the conferences are listed as well as the locations and scheduled presentations at each conference. (CS)

Describes the construction of a thermostat of double-oven design that can maintain a stability of two mdeg for several hours and can accomodate sealed-glass ampoules at elevated temperatures. (MLH)

Describes a temperature control system that can be used with a double-oven thermostat to provide two mdeg regulation over several hours. (MLH)

Describes a graphical method for representing image formation in lenses and mirrors. (MLH)

Discusses the contribution of 17th and 18th century instrument makers to the development and progress of science and the methods of teaching science. (MLH)

Presents a pedogogic introduction to multiple scattering theory, emphasizing projectile-nucleus collisions and the treatment of antisymmetry of the target nucleus wave function. (MLH)

Describes a systems analysis procedure for organizing an electronics unit for a second-year physics course. (MLH)

Presents a brief biographical inventory of the founder of the American Association of Physics Teachers. (MLH)

Proposes a simple two-parameter trial wave function for the helium atom and helium-like ions. Shows that a variational calculation for the ground-state energy yields better results than the usual one-parameter example. (MLH)

Reflects on the implications of the changes that the Dearing review proposed for 16-19 education. Attempts to stimulate further discussion on the structure and content of the 16-19 physics curriculum for the next century. (JRH)

Describes an experiment that measures the diffusion of ions in the liquid phase and shows that the relative distances of diffusion are related qualitatively to the inverse of the mass of the solvated ion. Involves soluble salts on opposite sides of a Petri dish diffusing through a layer of water and meeting to form an insoluble salt. (JRH)