Presents an alternative method for measuring the electronic charge using data from the electrolysis of acidified distilled water. The process (carried out in a commercially available electrolytic cell) has the advantage of short completion time so that students can determine electron charge and mass in one laboratory period. (DH)

Explains the physical principles which result in various colors of the sky. Topics addressed include: blueness, mystical properties of water vapor, ozone, fluctuation theory of scattering, variation of purity and brightness, and red sunsets and sunrises. (DH)

As background material for a paper on the transuranium elements (SE 537 837), this article reviews: (1) several descriptive terms; (2) nuclear reactions; (3) radioactive decay modes; (4) chemical background; and (5) experimental methods used in this field of research and more broadly in nuclear chemistry. (Author/JN)

Describes an experiment in which the final speed of a toy car is predicted by measuring the elastic potential energy stored in its spring at the start and the energy lost to friction during the run. Conservation of energy is discussed and the necessary mathematical formulas are presented. (BC)

Reviews the basic properties and evidence for their existence. (The sequel will consider the consequences if a human being had opportunity to interact directly with a black hole.) (JN)

The best-characterized gas evolution oscillator is the dehydration of formic acid in concentrated sulfuric acid. Reports on an improved demonstration which exhibits at least as dramatic behavior, although for a shorter time. Includes background information, principles illustrated, procedures used, and typical results obtained. (JN)

Traces the effects the relationship between printing technology, and publishing have had on the historical emergence of college physics textbooks. Printing technology before 1880, growth of the book publishing industry, emergence of college physics textbooks, linotype machines, printing technology, and textbook pedagogy are among the areas…

Discusses why light is able to pass through a thick piece of glass but not through a thin piece of paper. (JN)

Discusses similarities between chemistry and three central concepts of quantum physics: (1) stationary states; (2) wave functions; and (3) complementarity. Based on these and other similarities, it is indicated that quantum physics is a chemical physics. (JN)

Describes how a planetarium was constructed on the ceiling of a traditional physics laboratory. Similarities and differences between the "poor man's" planetarium and other planetariums are noted. (JN)

The authors draw together a variety of facts concerning a nonlinear differential equation and compare the exact solution with approximate solutions. Then they provide an expository introduction to the elliptic sine function suitable for presentation in undergraduate courses on differential equations. (MNS)

Although the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen experiment was originally a hypothetical situation, John Bell was able to apply a version of their argument to an experiment that could actually be done. This experiment (called "Bell's Inequality") and a hypothetical experiment analogous to the one Bell proposed at the atomic level are described. (JN)

A scavenger hunt is used as an instructional strategy during the final weeks of the school year. Procedures used, types of questions and problems asked, and student reaction are discussed. (JN)

Describes experiments involving variations on the electroscope, an electrostatic toy, a stationary wave machine, a spark counter, a carbon microphone, curvilinear expansion, soap films, a barber's pole, and a simple pendulum. (GS)

Presented are recommendations of English mathematicians and physicists for ensuring that there is an optimum match in the math/physics interface in secondary schools. Recommendations stress the need for increased cooperation between the disciplines. (SL)