In November 1982, 10 college physics teachers visited universities and other sites in the People's Republic of China. Discusses this tour, focusing on the quality of life in China and physics at Chinese universities. The latter discussion includes various aspects of physics curriculum, instruction, and research. (JN)

Lists physics courses at universities and colleges of technology in Scotland. Includes honors degree courses, course structure, special entry requirements (if any), special notes, and name of contact person. (SK)

Presents results of a survey on physics teachers' opinions of microcomputers and microprocessor-based teaching aids they have used, including what features were considered most important and advantages/disadvantages of and personal comments about each device. Includes a glossary of terms used in the report. (JN)

Basic concepts associated with seismic wave propagation through the earth and the location of seismic events were explained in part 1 (appeared in January 1983 issue). This part focuses on the construction of a student seismometer for detecting earthquakes and underground nuclear explosions anywhere on the earth's surface. (Author/JN)

Discusses the concepts of energy, flow of energy through ecosystems in which people live, our increasing use of energy as society evolves, and the importance of energy to all societies. A chart listing advantages/disadvantages of various energy sources is included. (JN)

Photoelectrochemistry is based on the semiconductor electrode. It is the semiconductor's ability to absorb light and convert it to electrical and/or chemical energy that forms the basis for the semiconductor liquid-junction solar cell. To understand how this occurs, solid-state physics concepts are discussed. (Author/JN)

The use of semiconductors as electrodes for electrochemistry requires an understanding of both solid-state physics and electrochemistry, since phenomena associated with both disciplines are seen in semiconductor/electrolyte systems. The interfacial energetics of these systems are discussed. (JN)

Describes five physics demonstrations using inexpensive and easily obtainable materials. Demonstrations include: (1) sinking ice cubes and diffusion; (2) returnable can; (3) persistent currents in a liquid; (4) light scattering by milk particles; and (5) rotation of a plane of polarization. (JN)

Thermal features of and beneath the surface of a sample can be detected and imaged with a thermal-wave microscope. Various methodologies for the excitation and detection of thermal waves are discussed, and several applications, primarily in microelectronics, are presented. (Author)

An experiment on cooling by convection, holographic processes achieved using optical fibers and observation of magnetic domains are described. Also describes four demonstrations: mechanical resonance on air track, independence of horizontal/vertical motion, motion of sphere in fluid medium, and light scattering near the critical point. (JN)

In introductory mechanics courses it is often necessary to know the geometric properties of some irregular figure. An interactive program (using an Apple II microcomputer) which allows an instructor to determine the geometric properties of an arbitrary figure is described. Includes mathematical formulation, properties of irregular polygons, and…

Traces development of chemical physics as a distinct discipline and reviews its position as a subject for study in United Kingdom universities. Reports results of a survey of chemical physics courses and graduates (1975-1980), including employment data on these graduates. (Author/JN)

Describes use of laboratory kits for home-based experimental studies for external science students. Contents of kits and extra equipment the student would need are listed, selection of suitable experiments and arrangements for loan of kits are discussed, and performance of external students using kits is compared to that of internal students. (EAO)

An adventure-type computer game in which treasure can be acquired by solving problems in ray optics is described. The program is shorter than most adventures and is designed to run in a 16-K Commodore PET microcomputer with tape cassette input. Program and documentation are available at cost from the author. (Author/JN)

Physicists had assumed that the world is distinguishable from its mirror image and constructed theories to ensure that the corresponding mathematical property (parity) is conserved in all subatomic processes. However, a scientific experiment demonstrated an intrinsic handedness to at least one physical process. The experiment, equipment, and…