Discusses the relationship between the SI units and fundamental physical constants. (SL)

Discusses limitations and corrections to be made in physics experiments involving the investigations of drag and terminal velocity on spheres falling through a liquid in accordance with Stokes' law. (SL)

Provides contributed physics activities and laboratory techniques. (CP)

Reports on a survey of 191 Scottish secondary physics teachers to determine teachers' (1) aims of practical work, (2) types of practical work undertaken, (3) methods of organizing work, (4) reasons for science demonstrations, (5) pre-experiment instructional techniques, and (6) methods of recording work. (CP)

Provides a simple routine which allows first-year physics students to use programmable calculators to solve otherwise complex electrostatic problems. These problems involve finding electrostatic potential and electric field on the axis of a uniformly charged ring. Modest programing skills are required of students. (DH)

A panel of prominent physicists has challenged the military's contention that laser or particle-beam weapons for the Strategic Defense Initiative could be developed by the early 1990s. (MSE)

Two studies of performance in psychometric tests of mechanical ability are described. The subjects included a total of 70 undergraduates. Results allowed identification of subjects' rules of mechanical reasoning that accounted for variations in performance according to mechanical ability. (TJH)

Contains a discussion of applications of principles of electronegativity. Concentrates on partial charges on atoms in a variety of compounds. (CW)

Summarizes the general principles governing the significance and applications of electronegativity. Presents and discusses seven principles in a general way. Describes electronegativity in general as a consequence of incompletely screened nuclear charge effective within stable outer orbital vacancies, which in turn is a function of the atomic…

Presented are three demonstrations for chemical education. The activities include: (1) demonstration of vapor pressure; (2) a multicolored luminol-based chemiluminescence demonstration; and (3) a Charles's Law/Vapor pressure apparatus. (RH)

Described is a simple demonstration that provides a way to determine if a given sample contains even a small fraction of superconducting material. The repulsion of the powder from a magnetic field is indicative of superconductivity. (RH)

Describes the use of popular science fiction films in high school and college science courses. Holds that young persons' fascination with science fiction can serve as a takeoff point for serious discussion of principles of physics and biology, in particular. (GC)

Highlights the programs and educational offerings of the Center for History of Physics in New York City that was established by the American Institute of Physics. Reviews the variety of resources associated with the facility and outlines the specific services provided for educators and the public. (ML)

Discusses features of experiments (conducted during 1980-81 in the University of Edinburgh's third-year chemical engineering laboratory) which might make them attractive for wider use. Experiments focus on convective mass and heat transfer, diffusion, heat transfer to a jet, and adiabatic batch reactors. (JN)

Describes: (1) the light beam galvanometer; (2) the electrometer/direct current amplifier; and (3) digital multimeters. Focuses on the uses or potential uses of these instruments in teaching A-level physics. (JN)