Describes an experiment on a coupled system in which accurate timing is carried out using a Light Activated Switch (LAS) technique. LAS can be used for a wide range of periodic phenomena, provided the amplitude is sufficiently large to interrupt a light beam. (Author/SK)

Describes a course dealing with special functions and their applications to chemical engineering problems. Its major objective is to provide an adequate understanding and appreciation of the usefulness of special functions in the modeling of problems taken from various areas of engineering and applied physics. (Author/SK)

Discusses how physics was done at the University of California at Berkeley in the 1930s, focusing on the faculty and their accomplishments, physics experiments, physics instruments/equipment (cyclotron and rhumbatron), and research problems and their solutions. Includes reminiscences about lectures on thermodynamics presented by Otto Stern during…

A description is given of an inexpensive nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer suitable for use in advanced laboratory courses. Applications to the nondestructive analysis of the oil content in corn seeds and in monitoring the crystallization of polymers are presented. (SK)

This article discusses the need for more accurate and complete input data and field verification of the various models of air pollutant dispension. Consideration should be given to changing the form of air quality standards based on enhanced dispersion modeling techniques. (Author/RE)

Microprocessor-based student experiments are described, including flowcharts of a typical program for time interval measurement and experimental and measurement subroutines. (JN)

Describes ray tracing techniques and the method of virtual mirrors to locate images when using multiple mirrors. (JN)

Suggesting that physics need not be entirely mathematically oriented, offers examples and personal anecdotes illustrating how the applications of physics in other disciplines can be used to supplement traditional lectures and the physics of everyday phenomena. (JN)

Describes the design of a simple yet flexible microprocessor and how to construct it using a breadboard. (DC)

Following a list of six recommendations of the 1970 International Conference on Education for Physics Teaching, summarizes content and conclusions of major sessions of the 1980 Conference. Sessions focused on teaching interactions, concepts and misconceptions; evaluation and assessment, constraints and realities of physics instruction, and…

Presents transcripts of freshmen engineering majors solving elementary physics problems to examine some limitations of formula-centered approaches to problem solving. Although students use formulas successfully, the qualitative conception of the underlying physical situation is weak. Results from written tests indicate that this phenomenon may be…

A physicist argues for the establishment of ground rules in the current nuclear power debate so that vital policy decisions and discussions stay within the realm of rationality permitting useful and meaningful exchanges of information and data. (BT)

Provides physics teachers with comments on the value and role of demonstrations during lecture sessions. (SK)

Describes the structure and content of a four-year physics/microcomputer degree program at the University of Surrey. (SK)

Focusing on history of physics, which began about 600 B.C. with the Ionian Greeks and reaching full development within three centuries, suggests that the creation of the concept of the atom is understandable within the context of Greek physical theory; so is the rejection of the atomic theory by the Greek physicists. (Author/SK)