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9,400 | Partnerships For Physics Teaching Reform -- a crucial role for universities and colleges | physics.ed-ph | To meet National Standards recommended by the National Research Council for
high school physics, inservice teachers must be integrated into the physics
community. They must be empowered by access to resources of the physics
community and by sustained support for their professional development. To that
end, university a... | physics |
9,401 | Ideal Gas in a Finite Container | physics.ed-ph | The thermodynamics of an ideal gas enclosed in a box of volume a1 x a2 x a3
at temperature T is considered. The canonical partition function of the system
is expressed in terms of complete elliptic integrals of the first kind, whose
argument obeys a transcendental equation. For high and low temperatures we
derive expli... | physics |
9,402 | A Elasticidade Relativista | physics.ed-ph | The purpose of this paper is to make clear the difference between rigid and
undeformable bodies in Relativity. The error of confusing these two concepts
has survived up to the present day treatises. We hope it will not persist in
the XXI century treatises. The large majority of relativists do not know the
formulae for ... | physics |
9,403 | Renormalizing Recitation Grades | physics.ed-ph | I discuss issue of how to adjust recitation grades given by different
instructors in a large course, taking into account and correcting for
differences in standards among the instructors, while preserving the effects of
differences in average student performance among the recitation sections. | physics |
9,404 | Potential Momentum, Gauge Theory, and Electromagnetism in Introductory Physics | physics.ed-ph | If potential energy is the timelike component of a four-vector, then there
must be a corresponding spacelike part which would logically be called the
potential momentum. The potential four-momentum consisting of the potential
momentum and the potential energy taken together is just the gauge field of the
associated for... | physics |
9,405 | The Quantized Hall Effect. (Lab Tutorial. In German.) | physics.ed-ph | This paper is a lab tutorial (and a theory primer) for the integral quantum
Hall effect experiment as conducted at Applied Solid State Physics, University
of Bochum, Germany. | physics |
9,406 | Introduction to the Fock Quantization of the Maxwell Field | physics.ed-ph | In this article we give an introduction to the Fock quantization of the
Maxwell field. At the classical level, we treat the theory in both the
covariant and canonical phase space formalisms. The approach is general since
we consider arbitrary (globally-hyperbolic) space-times. The Fock quantization
is shown to be equiv... | physics |
9,407 | Aberration and Special Relativity | physics.ed-ph | Section 7 of Einstein's 1905 electrodynamics paper gives frequency-shift and
aberration formulae that together describe an elongated ellipsoidal wavefront.
A Lorentz contraction of this ellipsoid solves most (but not all) of the
associated relativistic problems. | physics |
9,408 | Ruler-changes and Relative Velocity | physics.ed-ph | Simple signal-propagation effects make receding objects seem contracted and
approaching objects seem elongated. These effects are theoretically
photographable, and are proportional in strength to the frequency-change in the
object's emitted light. In a one-dimensional version of the "barn-pole"
experiment, a "moving" o... | physics |
9,409 | Some Remarks on the Question of Charge Densities in Stationary-Current-Carrying Conductors | physics.ed-ph | Recently, some discussions arose as to the definition of charge and the value
of the density of charge in stationary-current-carrying conductors. We stress
that the problem of charge definition comes from a misunderstanding of the
usual definition. We provide some theoretical elements which suggest that
positive and ne... | physics |
9,410 | Finite Rotations | physics.ed-ph | We present an elementary discussion of two basic properties of angular
displacements, namely, the anticommutation of finite rotations and the
commutation of infinitesimal rotations, and show how commutation is achieved as
the angular displacements get smaller and smaller. | physics |
9,411 | Four-Spinor Reference Sheets | physics.ed-ph | Some facts about 4-spinors listed and discussed. None, well perhaps some, of
the work is original. However, locating formulas in other places has proved a
time-consuming process in which one must always worry that the formulas found
in any given source assume the other metric (I use {-1,-1,-1,+1}) or assume
some other ... | physics |
9,412 | Notes on Brownian motion and related phenomena | physics.ed-ph | In this article we explore the phenomena of nonequilibrium stochastic process
starting from the phenomenological Brownian motion. The essential points are
described in terms of Einstein's theory of Brownian motion and then the theory
extended to Langevin and Fokker-Planck formalism. Then the theory is applied to
barrie... | physics |
9,413 | Gauge Invariance and Canonical Variables | physics.ed-ph | We discuss some paradoxes arising due to the gauge-dependence of canonical
variables in mechanics. | physics |
9,414 | Intrinsic Kinematics | physics.ed-ph | We show how some geometric elements of the path of a particle moving in a
plane -- the osculating circle and its radius of curvature -- can be used to
construct the parabolic trajectory of projectiles in motion under gravity. | physics |
9,415 | Difficult Problems Having Easy Solutions | physics.ed-ph | We discuss how a class of difficult kinematic problems can play an important
role in an introductory course in stimulating students' reasoning on more
complex physical situations. The problems presented here have an elementary
analysis once certain symmetry features of the motion are revealed. We also
explore some unex... | physics |
9,416 | Progetto per la costituzione del centro di divulgazione della cultura scientifica a Sesto Fiorentino | physics.ed-ph | Two Italian non-profit organizations (Set and Galea) are working together to
realize a center (Cdcs) supported by the town administration of Sesto
Fiorentino (a little town not far from Florence, Italy), for the divulgation of
the scientific culture in the schools and among people. This is their project:
the key idea i... | physics |
9,417 | Post-Gaussian variational method for quantum anharmonic oscillator | physics.ed-ph | Using the post-Gaussian trial functions, we calculate the variational
solutions to the quantum-mechanical anharmonic oscillator. We evaluate not only
the ground state but also some excited energies, and compare them with
numerical results. | physics |
9,418 | Mecanica Clasica (Classical Mechanics) | physics.ed-ph | First Internet graduate course on Classical Mechanics in Spanish
(Castellano). This is about 80% of the material I covered during the
January-June 1999 semester at IFUG in the Mexican city of Leon. English and
Romanian versions are in (slow) progress and hopefully will be arXived. For a
similar course on Quantum Mechan... | physics |
9,419 | Oscar's Physics Phaire: A Collection of Problems | physics.ed-ph | You will find here a number of (mostly) elementary physics problems dealing
mainly with uniform motion kinematics. In preparing this collection I have
tried to create original situations that could help bring motivation to an
introductory course. You are welcome to suggest improvements and ... provide
solutions! | physics |
9,420 | Classical Mechanics | physics.ed-ph | This is the English version of a friendly graduate course on Classical
Mechanics, containing about 80% of the material I covered during the
January-June 1999 semester at IFUG in the Mexican city of Leon. For the Spanish
version, see physics/9906066 | physics |
9,421 | Regional Centres for Space Science and Technology Education (Affiliated to the United Nations) | physics.ed-ph | Education is a prerequisite to master the challenges of space science and
technology. Efforts to understand and control space science and technology are
necessarily intertwined with social expressions in the cultures where science
and technology is carried out. The United Nations is leading an effort to
establish regio... | physics |
9,422 | Making sense of Physics in the first year of study | physics.ed-ph | We address the question "How do students make sense of Physics from the point
of view of constituting physics knowledge?". A phenomenographic study is
described as a result of which we present six qualitatively different ways in
which students experience the first year of Physics. The variation is analysed
in terms of ... | physics |
9,423 | An elementary quantum mechanics calculation for the Casimir effect in one dimension | physics.ed-ph | We obtain the Casimir effect for the massless scalar field in one dimension
based on the analogy between the quantum field and the continuum limit of an
infinite set of coupled harmonical oscillators. | physics |
9,424 | Hydrogen atom in a spherical well: linear approximation | physics.ed-ph | We discuss the boundary effects on a quantum system by examining the problem
of a hydrogen atom in a spherical well. By using an approximation method which
is linear in energy we calculate the boundary corrections to the ground-state
energy and wave function. We obtain the asymptotic dependence of the
ground-state ener... | physics |
9,425 | In search of fundamental laws | physics.ed-ph | One of the main activities in science teaching, and in particular in Physics
teaching, is not only the discussion of both modern problems and problems which
solution is an urgent matter. It means that the picture of an active and alive
science should be transmitted to the students, mainly to the College students.
A cen... | physics |
9,426 | Compendium of vector analysis with applications to continuum mechanics | physics.ed-ph | 1. Connection between integration and differentiation/ Gauss theorem.
Coordinate-free definitions: gradient, divergence, curl. Stokes theorem. 2.
Elements of continuum mechanics/ Continuity equation. Stress tensor. Euler
equation. Hydrodynamics. Elasticity. | physics |
9,427 | Averages of static electric and magnetic fields over a spherical region: a derivation based on the mean-value theorem | physics.ed-ph | Submitted to "Notes and Discussions" in American Journal of Physics. | physics |
9,428 | The oscillations in the lossy medium | physics.ed-ph | The object of this laboratory work: to explore dependence mass point
oscillatory motion parameters in the following cases:
- without resistance (free oscillations);
- the resistance force is proportional to the velocity vector;
- the resistance force is proportional to the velocity squared.
Used equipment: the ... | physics |
9,429 | Effective Field Theory for Pedestrians | physics.ed-ph | A pedagological introduction to effective field theory is presented. | physics |
9,430 | Elementary Quantum Mechanics | physics.ed-ph | This is the first graduate course on elementary quantum mechanics in Internet
written in Romanian for the benefit of Romanian speaking students (Romania and
Moldova). It is a translation (with corrections) of the Spanish version of the
course (physics/9808031, English translation physics/0004072), which I did at
the re... | physics |
9,431 | Revitalization of an undergraduate physics program | physics.ed-ph | This article describes the successful revitalization of an undergraduate
physics program. The areas of curriculum development, undergraduate research
experiences and advising and retention, to name a few, are emphasized in this
interconnecting and systematic approach whereby each and every effort combines
to get result... | physics |
9,432 | Lagrangians and Hamiltonians for High School Students | physics.ed-ph | A discussion of Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics is presented at a level
which should be suitable for advanced high school students. This is intended
for those who wish to explore a version of mechanics beyond the usual Newtonian
treatment in high schools, but yet who do not have advanced mathematical
skills. | physics |
9,433 | Matching Conditions on Capillary Ripples: Polarization | physics.ed-ph | The matching conditions at the interface between two non-mixed fluids at rest
are obtained directly using the equation of movement of the whole media. This
is a non-usual point of view in hydrodynamics courses and our aim is to fix
ideas about the intrinsic information contained in the matching conditions, on
fluids in... | physics |
9,434 | Elementary Nonrelativistic Quantum Mechanics | physics.ed-ph | This is a graduate course on elementary quantum mechanics written for the
benefit of undergraduate and graduate students. It is the English version of
physics/0003106, which I did at the suggestion of several students from
different countries. The topics included refer to the postulates of quantum
mechanics, one-dimens... | physics |
9,435 | Classical Electrodynamics | physics.ed-ph | Excerpts are presented from a graduate course on Classical Electrodynamics
held during the spring semester of 2000 at the Institute of Physics, Guanajuato
State University, Mexico | physics |
9,436 | The Precessing Top | physics.ed-ph | I discuss the precession motion of a symmetrical top without the assumption
that its precessional velocity is much smaller than its spin angular velocity.
I derive the general formula for the precessional velocity in an elementary way
and discuss the cases of slow and fast precessions. | physics |
9,437 | Coriolis force in Geophysics: an elementary introduction and examples | physics.ed-ph | We show how Geophysics may illustrate and thus improve classical Mechanics
lectures concerning the study of Coriolis force effects. We are then interested
in atmospheric as well as oceanic phenomena we are familiar with, and are for
that reason of pedagogical and practical interest. Our aim is to model them in
a very s... | physics |
9,438 | Compactification of the moduli space in symplectization and hidden symmetries of its boundary | physics.ed-ph | In this paper, we establish the compactification of the moduli space in
symplectization and and studied the hidden symmetries of its boundary. | physics |
9,439 | A bubble theorem | physics.ed-ph | Proof of a simple mathematical inequality using elements of surface tension
theory and ideal gas law to the formation and coalescence of bubbles. | physics |
9,440 | Mecanica Relacional: A proposito de uma resenha | physics.ed-ph | We present a critical analysis of what is called Relational Mechanics, as it
has been presented in a book thus entitled, which has been recently reviewed in
this journal. | physics |
9,441 | Adding Resistances and Capacitances in Introductory Electricity | physics.ed-ph | We propose a unified approach to addition of resistors and capacitors such
that the formulae are always simply additive. This approach has the advantage
of being consistent with the intuition of the students. To demonstrate our
point of view, we re-work some well-known end-of-the-chapter textbook problems
and propose s... | physics |
9,442 | Verifying the learning process in Physics | physics.ed-ph | The paper describes an automated evaluation system for the learning of
general Physics. The system whose name is Test on Line (ToL) is based on a
questions bank from which an appropriate software generates individual
multi-issue questionnaires to be submitted through the web. ToL has been
extensively experimented durin... | physics |
9,443 | Addition Laws in Introductory Physics | physics.ed-ph | We propose a unified approach to addition of some physical quantities (among
which resistors and capacitors are the most well-known) that are usually
encountered in introductory physics such that the formulae required to solve
problems are always simply additive. This approach has the advantage of being
consistent with... | physics |
9,444 | Lessons From the Physics-Education Reform Effort | physics.ed-ph | Several years ago I reported a survey (Hake 1998a,b,c) of pre/post test data
for 62 introductory physics courses enrolling a total of 6542 students. The
present article provides a summary of that survey and presents fourteen lessons
from the physics-education reform effort that may assist the general upgrading
of educa... | physics |
9,445 | Introducing Time Dependence into the Static Maxwell Equations | physics.ed-ph | Using to a minimum extent special relativity input, and relying on the
Lorentz-force expression for the force acting on a charged particle in motion
under the influence of electric (E) and magnetic (B) fields, the Maxwell curl
equations are shown to follow from the covariance of the two Maxwell divergence
equations ${\... | physics |
9,446 | Improving the effectiveness of introductory physics service courses: Bridging to engineering courses | physics.ed-ph | A simple model to help students see the connections between a physics course
and their engineering major is described. "Bridging" had positive effects on
performance, attitude, and motivation, as measured by grade analyses, surveys,
and student and faculty comments. In addition to the improved performance,
enrollment i... | physics |
9,447 | Direction dependency of extraordinary refraction index | physics.ed-ph | A simple experiment is presented that enables qualitative and quantitative
measurement of the extraordinary refractive index direction dependency in an
uniaxial nematic liquid crystal. Three liquid crystaline cells were designed in
which elongated molecules of nematic liquid crystal align in directions which
enable to ... | physics |
9,448 | An experience model for anyspeed motion | physics.ed-ph | Simple airtrack simulations, like those now possible with web-based 3D
environments, can provide explorers of any age with experiential data
sufficient to formulate their own models of motion. In particular, with a
compressable spring, two gliders, a moving clock and two gate pairs with timers
(pre and post collision),... | physics |
9,449 | Electromagnetic induction and damping - quantitative experiments using PC interface | physics.ed-ph | A bar magnet, attached to an oscillating system, passes through a coil
periodically, generating a series of emf pulses. A novel method is described
for the quantitative verification of Faraday's law which eliminates all errors
associated with angular measurements, thereby revealing delicate features of
the underlying m... | physics |
9,450 | Kinematics on oblique axes | physics.ed-ph | We solve a difficult problem involving velocity and acceleration components
along oblique axes, and propose two problems of central force motion to be
solved using oblique axes. | physics |
9,451 | Speed of light measurement using ping | physics.ed-ph | We report on a very simple and inexpensive method for determining the speed
of an electrical wave in a transmission line. The method consists of analyzing
the roundtrip time for ethernet packets between two computers. It involves
minimal construction, straightforward mathematics and displays the usefulness
of stochasti... | physics |
9,452 | A Hundred Years of Larmor Formula | physics.ed-ph | Sir Joseph LARMOR showed in 1897 that an oscillating electric charge emits
radiation energy proportional to (acceleration)$^2$. At first sight,the result
appears to be valid for arbitrary accelerations. But, perpetual uniform
acceleration has been a case of nagging doubts, as radiation reaction vanishes
and the equival... | physics |
9,453 | Expounding on physics -- A phenomenographic study of physicists talking of their physics | physics.ed-ph | Physicists and physics students have been studied with respect to the
variation in ways they expound on their topic of research and a physics
problem, respectively. A phenomenographic approach has been employed; six
fourth-year physics students and ten teacher/researcher physicists at various
stages of their careers ha... | physics |
9,454 | Can we derive the Lorentz force from Maxwell's equations? | physics.ed-ph | The Lorentz force can be obtained from Maxwell's equations in the Coulomb
gauge provided that we assume that the electric portion of the force acted on a
charge is known, and the magnetic component is perpendicular to the velocity of
motion of the charged particle. | physics |
9,455 | Initial-amplitude dependence in weakly damped oscillators | physics.ed-ph | A pedagogically instructive experimental procedure is suggested for
distinguishing between different damping terms in a weakly damped oscillator,
which highclights the connection between non-linear damping and
initial-amplitude dependence. The most common damping terms such as contact
friction, air resistance, viscous ... | physics |
9,456 | Education Curricula of the Regional Centres for Space Science and Technology Education (Affiliated to the United Nations) | physics.ed-ph | Since 1988, the United Nations, through the Programme on Space Applications,
is supporting the establishment and operation of regional Centres for Space
Science and Technology Education in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America
and the Caribbean, and Western Asia. Simultaneously, education curricula have
been deve... | physics |
9,457 | Investigating Student Understanding of Quantum Mechanics: Spontaneous Models of Conductivity | physics.ed-ph | Students are taught several models of conductivity, both at the introductory
and the advanced level. From early macroscopic models of current flow in
circuits, through the discussion of microscopic particle descriptions of
electrons flowing in an atomic lattice, to the development of microscopic
non-localized band diag... | physics |
9,458 | Understanding and Affecting Student Reasoning About Sound Waves | physics.ed-ph | Student learning of sound waves can be helped through the creation of
group-learning classroom materials whose development and design rely on
explicit investigations into student understanding. We describe reasoning in
terms of sets of resources, i.e. grouped building blocks of thinking that are
commonly used in many d... | physics |
9,459 | The Object Coordination Class Applied to Wavepulses: Analysing Student Reasoning in Wave Physics | physics.ed-ph | Detailed investigations of student reasoning show that students approach the
topic of wave physics using both event-like and object-like descriptions of
wavepulses, but primarily focus on object properties in their reasoning.
Student responses to interview and written questions are analysed using diSessa
and Sherin's c... | physics |
9,460 | The Vocabulary of Introductory Physics and its Implications for Learning Physics | physics.ed-ph | We investigate studnets' use of words used in everyday language as well as in
physics. We find students are more likely to identify and explain the meaning
of the word as it is used in physics when they have become familiar with the
associated physical variables. | physics |
9,461 | Model Analysis: Assessing the dynamics of student learning | physics.ed-ph | In this paper we present a method of modeling and analysis that permits the
extraction and quantitative display of detailed information about the effects
of instruction on a class's knowledge. The method relies on a congitive model
that represents student thinking in terms of mental models. Students frequently
fail to ... | physics |
9,462 | Epistemology mediating conceptual knowledge: Constraints on data accessible from interviews | physics.ed-ph | A student's epistemological stance (be it knowledge as memorized information,
knowledge from authority, or knowledge as invented stuff) may constrain that
student from reasoning in productive ways while also shaping the inferences a
researcher can make about how that student reasons about a particular
phenomenon. We di... | physics |
9,463 | The challenge of listening: The effect of researcher agenda on data collection and interpretation | physics.ed-ph | Even in the relatively favorable circumstances of an individual interview,
accurate listening requires careful effort. Our research interests dictate
which student statements we attend to during the interview, and which we
consider to constitute data during later analysis. Explicit consideration of
possible research ag... | physics |
9,464 | The challenge of changing deeply-held student beliefs about the relativity of simultaneity | physics.ed-ph | Previous research indicates that after standard instruction students at all
academic levels often construct a conceptual framework in which the ideas of
absolute simultaneity and the relativity of simultaneity co-exist. This article
describes the development and assessment of instructional materials intended to
improve... | physics |
9,465 | Student Resources in Quantum Mechanics, or Why Students Need Meta-resources | physics.ed-ph | We are trying to identify resources students are using to reason in quantum
mechanics. In this process we realize students must have not only the right
resources available but sophisticated for evaluating and controlling their
thought processes. We will discuss examples from student interviews to
illustrate our point. | physics |
9,466 | Making Sense of How Students Make Sense of Mechanical Waves | physics.ed-ph | We report on our study of student understanding of the physics of mechanical
waves, specifically the propagation and superposition of simple wavepulses
traveling on long, taut strings. We introduce the terms "particle pulses mental
model" to describe the reasoning approach that students use to guide their
thinking in w... | physics |
9,467 | Mathematical Tutorials in Introductory Physics | physics.ed-ph | Students in introductory calculus-based physics not only have difficulty
understanding the fundamental physical concepts, they often have difficulty
relating those concepts to the mathematics they have learned in math courses.
This produces a barrier to their robust use of concepts in complex problem
solving. As a part... | physics |
9,468 | Effectiveness of group interaction on conceptual standardized test performance | physics.ed-ph | We analyze the effectiveness of working in pairs on the Conceptual Survey of
Electricity and Magnetism test in a calculus-based introductory physics course.
The group performance shows large normalized gain and evidence for
co-construction. We discuss the effect of pairing students with different
individual achievement... | physics |
9,469 | Student understanding of time in special relativity: simultaneity and reference frames | physics.ed-ph | This article reports on an investigation of student understanding of the
concept of time in special relativity. A series of research tasks are discussed
that illustrate, step-by-step, how student reasoning of fundamental concepts of
relativity was probed. The results indicate that after standard instruction
students at... | physics |
9,470 | A Wind Tunnel in Your Classroom: The Design and Implementation of a Portable Wind Tunnel for Use in the Science Classroom | physics.ed-ph | This article describes a wind tunnel's ease of construction and its uses as a
visualization tool that integrates concepts at the primary and secondary
levels. An Appendix contains detailed building instructions. A web site (under
construction) will provide sample lesson plans, visualization and application
tips, animat... | physics |
9,471 | Limitations in predicting student performance on standardized tests | physics.ed-ph | The Maryland Physics Expectations Survey (MPEX) describes student attitudes
and expectations toward learning, and might be used to predict normalized gains
on tests such as the Force and Motion Concept Evaluation (FMCE). These
predictions are incomplete, though, due to limitations of the standardized
tests themselves. ... | physics |
9,472 | Listening to the coefficient of restitution and the gravitational acceleration of a bouncing ball | physics.ed-ph | We show that a well known method for measuring the coefficient of restitution
of a bouncing ball can also be used to obtain the gravitational acceleration. | physics |
9,473 | The Nobel Prize in Physics 2002 for the observation of cosmic neutrinos | physics.ed-ph | A brief description of the work for which the first half of the Nobel prize
for physics for the year 2002 is presented. | physics |
9,474 | Teaching with Physlets: Examples from Optics | physics.ed-ph | Physlets are scriptable Java applets that can be used for physics
instruction. In this article we discuss the pedagogical foundations of Physlet
use and provide a sample of Physlet-based exercises that could be used to teach
optics. | physics |
9,475 | Wick Calculus | physics.ed-ph | In quantum field theory, physicists routinely use "normal ordering" of
operators, which just amounts to shuffling all creation operators to the left.
Potentially confusing, then, is the occurrence in the literature of
normal-ordered functions, sometimes called "Wick transforms". We aim to
introduce the reader to some b... | physics |
9,476 | Abstract Applets: a Method for Integrating Numerical Problem-Solving into the Undergraduate Physics Curriculum | physics.ed-ph | In upper-division undergraduate physics courses, it is desirable to give
numerical problem-solving exercises integrated naturally into weekly problem
sets. I explain a method for doing this that makes use of the built-in class
structure of the Java programming language. I also supply a Java class library
that can assis... | physics |
9,477 | A Note on Derivation of Rutherford Formula within Born Approximation | physics.ed-ph | It is shown in this paper that one does not need to use just exponential
dumping factor when computing the Rutherford formula within Born approximation.
Text, which is very simple, might be of interest for physics students as well
as for physics teachers. | physics |
9,478 | Physical Science: A revitalization of the traditional course by avatars of Hollywood in the physics classroom | physics.ed-ph | National studies conducted over many years show that, while most Americans
are interested in science and support federal funding of scientific research,
the scientific literacy of the public is very low. Why this situation exists
and who is responsible are not easy questions to answer. This paper describes a
project ai... | physics |
9,479 | Brownian Motion: Theory and Experiment:: A simple Classroom Measurement of the Diffusion Coefficient | physics.ed-ph | Brownian motion is the perpetual irregular motion exhibited by small
particles immersed in a fluid. Such random motion of the particles is produced
by statistical fluctuations in the collisions they suffer with the molecules of
the surrounding fluid. Brownian motion of particles in a fluid (like milk
particles in water... | physics |
9,480 | Ex-nihilo II: Examination Syllabi and the Sequencing of Cosmology Education | physics.ed-ph | Cosmology education has become an integral part of modern physics courses.
Directed by National Curricula, major UK examination boards have developed
syllabi that contain explicit statements about the model of the Big Bang and
the strong observational evidence that supports it. This work examines the
similarities and d... | physics |
9,481 | Wave propagation in a chiral fluid: an undergraduate study | physics.ed-ph | We study the propagation of electromagnetic waves in a chiral fluid, where
the molecules are described by a simplified version of the Kuhn coupled
oscillator model. The eigenmodes of Maxwell's equations are circularly
polarized waves. The application of a static magnetic field further leads to a
magnetochiral term in t... | physics |
9,482 | Quantum Statistics: Is there an effective fermion repulsion or boson attraction? | physics.ed-ph | Physicists often claim that there is an effective repulsion between fermions,
implied by the Pauli principle, and a corresponding effective attraction
between bosons. We examine the origins of such exchange force ideas, the
validity for them, and the areas where they are highly misleading. We propose
that future explan... | physics |
9,483 | Visualizing the Mass and Width Spectrum of Unstable Particles | physics.ed-ph | Several graphical representations of the mass and width spectrum of unstable
subatomic particles are presented. Such plots are useful tools for introducing
students to the particle zoo and provide students an alternate way to organize
conceptually what can seem like an overwhelming amount of data. In particular,
such g... | physics |
9,484 | The Flex-Pendulum -- Basis for an Improved Timepiece | physics.ed-ph | A compound pendulum of simple geometry was built from a lightweight rod to
which a pair of masses are clamped, one above and the other below the axis of
rotation. By making the position of the upper mass variable, it was found that
the characteristics of this pendulum can be altered dramatically. A theoretical
model of... | physics |
9,485 | A comment on W. Greiner's "Quantum Mechanics -- An Introduction" | physics.ed-ph | It is pointed out that in Greiner's book, ``Quantum Mechanics --An
Introduction,'' there is a confusion between the wavelength spectral function
and the (angular) frequency spectral function in the derivation of the Wien's
displacement law. | physics |
9,486 | Textos de física para professores e estudantes | physics.ed-ph | This is a series of short teaching papers dealing with specific topics in a
standard first-year undergraduate Physics course.
-----
Este texto comp\~oe-se de quatro pequenas notas -- independentes entre si --
em que se discutem alguns t\'opicos espec\'{\i}ficos de f\'{\i}sica para o
segundo grau e o primeiro ano un... | physics |
9,487 | Classroom computer animations of relativistic objects | physics.ed-ph | This is a short note to announce the availability of some movies that may be
useful in classroom discussions on the photographic appearance of objects
moving at relativistic speeds. The images are based on special relativity with
no account taken of (other than to ignore) the effects of doppler shifts,
intensity shifts... | physics |
9,488 | Quaternions in University-Level Physics Considering Special Relativity | physics.ed-ph | As an expansion of complex numbers, the quaternions show close relations to
numerous physically fundamental concepts. In spite of that, the didactic
potential provided by quaternion interrelationships in formulating physical
laws are hardly regarded in the current physics curriculum. In particular, many
approaches emer... | physics |
9,489 | Complex functions as lumps of energy | physics.ed-ph | We present an application of the basic mathematical concept of complex
functions as topological solitons, a most interesting area of research in
physics. Such application of complex theory is virtually unknown outside the
community of soliton researches. | physics |
9,490 | The Thomas Precession Factor in Spin-Orbit Interaction | physics.ed-ph | The origin of the Thomas factor 1/2 in the spin-orbit hamiltonian can be
understood by considering the case of a classical electron moving in crossed
electric and magnetic fields chosen such that the electric Coulomb force is
balanced by the magnetic Lorentz force. | physics |
9,491 | The rules of coherence and other habits | physics.ed-ph | Physics and mathematics are difficult enough without the aditional burden of
bad habits. In this article, we examine some helpful habits that tend to be
underemphasized by many physics teachers (mainly because they seem so
obvious!). | physics |
9,492 | Problems When Studying Holography (Probleme beim Erlernen der Holographie) | physics.ed-ph | Holography as a subject is neglected largely in current physics lessons and
in school books. Even though this topic might be complex, it is applicable and
viable in the world that we live in. Holography lends itself to further develop
knowledge with regard to inference optics. However, misconceptions of students
impede... | physics |
9,493 | A Newtonian pre-introduction to gravitational lenses | physics.ed-ph | Understanding the deflection of light by a massive deflector, as well as the
associated gravitational lens phenomena, require the use of the theory of
General Relativity. I consider here a classical approach, based on Newton's
equation of motion for massive particles. These particles are emitted by a
distant source and... | physics |
9,494 | Student Conceptions of Holography (Schuelervorstellungen zur Holographie) | physics.ed-ph | In a lesson on holography a tension is to be found between the ray model, the
wave model, the phasor model and the particle model. Lessons depend on the
previous experiences of the students, the intentions of the teacher as well as
on other parameters and therefore provide a diversity in emphasis while
explaining holog... | physics |
9,495 | What happened to modern physics? | physics.ed-ph | Relativity, Quantum Mechanics and Chaos theory are three of the most
significant scientific advances of the 20th Century - each fundamentally
changing our understanding of the physical universe. The authors ask why the UK
National Curriculum in science almost entirely ignores them. Children and young
people regularly c... | physics |
9,496 | A Didactic Approach to Linear Waves in the Ocean | physics.ed-ph | The general equations of motion for ocean dynamics are presented and the
waves supported by the (inviscid, unforced) linearized system with respect to a
state of rest are derived. The linearized dynamics sustains one zero frequency
mode (called buoyancy mode) in which salinity and temperature rearrange in such
a way th... | physics |
9,497 | Making sense of studying physics | physics.ed-ph | With an investigation into how students in a physics Master of science
program make sense of their whole first year study experience in one of the
years following a programme reform, we try to offer insights and advice to
consider when involved in similar changes. We conclude and argue that by trying
to support the stu... | physics |
9,498 | Learning-focuses in physics simulation learning situations | physics.ed-ph | This is a report on a qualitative study of students' learning where a physics
computer simulation session is used to supplement lectures on the topic.
Drawing on phenomenography as the analytical framework, the students'
learning-focuses were analysed. The result is a description of four distinctly
different learning-f... | physics |
9,499 | Expressing Maxwell's equations independently of the unit system | physics.ed-ph | A procedure to teach Electrodynamics independently of unit systems is
presented and compared with some of those given in physics literature. | physics |
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