Describes an experiment designed to measure the forces between charged parallel plates, and determines the relationship among the effective electrode area, the measured capacitance values, and the electrode spacing of a parallel plate capacitor. (GA)

Discusses the controversy over the development of nuclear power for civilian use. Answers some of the concerns regarding safety considerations, stating that misunderstanding is the reason for the exhibited negative attitudes. (GA)

Traditional undergraduate courses in gas kinetic theory encourage the view that in all collisions between a gas atom and a surface, the angle of incidence of the gas atom equals its angle of reflection. This article illustrates and explains the incorrectness in assuming specular reflection and zero dwell time. (Author/MA)

Describes a team teaching effort in advanced level physics for a secondary school in England. Lectures in various listed topics are assigned to, and tutorials are distributed among, different team members. Lecture notes, several of which are given, are distributed to decrease student reliance on note taking. (TS)

The adoption of a systems" approach involving the application of a circuit to various functions is described. Several diagrams of circuits are used and discussions of these are included. (TS)

Presents ways complex physics concepts can be demonstrated by music. Demonstrations and appropriate comments are provided for: (a) diffraction and interference, (b) standing waves in cavities and solids, (c) wave mechanics, (d) Fourier series, (e) propagation of waves in periodic media, and (f) group velocity. (DS)

Reports on the effectiveness of a water model in illustrating the concept of voltage to secondary school students. Results suggest that the model does not enhance understanding of concepts related to voltage. (Author/SA)

Discusses the potential impact of microcomputers on physics computer-assisted learning in the United Kingdom. Explains some available systems, their requirements, advantages, problems, and the cost involved. (GA)

Describes a measurement system for recording the frequency response of acoustic systems. The computer interface detects the characteristic modes, their relative strengths, and resonant shapes over a broad range of frequencies. Includes experimental data for tubes and analyzes the data to determine the optimal functional form for the resonant…

Studies whether Piagetian reasoning, general intelligence and achievement motive tap different mental structures, and the relative importance of these measures for concept attainment in physics. Concepts chosen for the study were force, couple, total internal reflection and atom. Results indicate that proportional reasoning, combinatorial…