Offers the potential user of digital computers information and suggestions for acquiring a time-sharing system. The results of a survey of the equipment, cost, and services offered by a sample of time-sharing firms are presented. (LC)

Describes equipment and procedures for an experiment using diodes to introduce non-linear electronic devices in a freshman physics laboratory. The experiment involves calculation and plotting of the characteristic-curve and load-line to predict the operating point and compare prediction to experimentally determined values. Background information…

Describes a simple apparatus and provides instructions to do relative index of refraction measurements/calculations and to show mathematical relationships betwen indices when light travels from one liquid to another. A listing of a computer program (in BASIC) which will analyze data is available from the author. (JM)

The application of very sensitive electronic detecting devices during the last decade has revolutionized and revitalized the study of polarization in celestial objects. The nature of polarization, how polaroids work, interstellar polarization, dichroic filters, polarization by scattering, and modern polarimetry are among the topics discussed. (JN)

Many secondary/college textbook authors define current explicitly or implicitly, by the diagrams, in terms of negative-charge motion. Discusses several reasons why the "conventional current" direction is preferred. (JN)

Describes a laboratory designed to give students practical experiences with experimental phenomena discussed in lectures, focusing on laboratory organization and typical experiment. In addition to a list of experiments, three exercises are discussed: fluorescence/laser, ferromagnetic domains, and thermal population (which uses PET computer…

The Physics Plus Project is producing a series of pamphlets designed to supplement existing curricula with physics application topics (such as physics of sports, motor cars, weather, medical physics, energy). Discusses rationale for the projects, pamphlet production, distribution to schools, and use of pamphlet material on examinations. (JM)

Discusses the physics of liquid crystal displays (LCD) which is based on polarizing properties of crystals controlled by electric command. Production of alphanumerics, display control, and input are considered. (JM)

Describes the construction of a small (portable), inexpensive, and easy to build Foucault pendulum. Includes photographs of the apparatus, a schematic of the electrical circuit used, and discussion of the amount of accuracy to be expected during classroom investigation. (JM)

Presents an experimental comparison of the efficacy of two neutron sources under conditions commonly used in laboratory experiments for demonstrating neutron activation of liquid samples. (Author)

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

Four ways in which microcomputers can be turned into laboratory instruments are discussed. These include adding an analog/digital (A/D) converter on a printed circuit board, adding an external A/D converter using the computer's serial port, attaching transducers to the game paddle ports, or connecting an instrument to the computer. (JN)

A large-scale computer managed training program in problem-solving in applied mathematics and basic physics for first-year medical students at the University of Leuven is described. Students do calculations away from the terminals, but are corrected and evaluated at terminals. Some tentative results are presented. (Author/MSE)

Highlights six papers presented at the Seventh Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (Stillwater, Oklahoma 1982). Topics addressed included history, status, and future of SI units, algebra of SI units, periodic table, new standard-state pressure unit, and suggested new names for mole concept ("numerity" and "chemical amount"). (JN)