This paper aims to provide a contribution to the research in physics education regarding the interplay between mathematics and physics in teaching and learning physics at the university level. The argument is developed through a study focused on the historical case study of the blackbody that led Planck to make one of the most significant…

Astronomers are using aspects of the fundamentals gleaned by the study of the dynamics of superfluids to help understand what happens inside the intensely hot, collapsed, neutron stars that spin and radiate as pulsars. Current research, focusing on the puzzling behavior of helium in its superfluid state, is discussed. (JN)

Describes the wit, spirit, and inventiveness of Wolfgang Pauli and his relationship with physicists of his time. Reviews Pauli's contributions in the fields of relativity and quantum theory. (GS)

Shows how Maxwell's equations can be obtained by starting with a relatively simple pseudoscalar and scalar potential employing only the Lorentz transformation for a four vector (or pseudovector). (GA)

Discusses the contributions of Bloch and Houston to the electron theory of metals. Contains (1) a biographical note on W. V. Houston, (2) a review of the development of the electron theory of metals, and (3) a discussion of gravitationally induced electric fields. Bibliography. (LC)

A Hamiltonian for the time-dependent damped and forced harmonic oscillator is derived. A simple time-dependent linear canonical transformation transforms the Hamiltonian to one whose solution is readily obtained. The wave function for the corresponding quantum mechanical problem is given. (Author/GA)

Discusses the nature of Laplace transform techniques and explains an alternative to them: the Widder's real inversion. To illustrate the power of this new technique, it is applied to a difficult inversion: the problem of Landau damping. (GA)

Explains how the spherical pendulum could be used to observe nonreentrant orbits, and shows, using theoretical analysis, that for small displacements the elliptical orbit will precess at a rate proportional to its area. (GA)

Shows how to extend Wigner distribution functions, and Weyl correspondence between quantum and classical variables, from the usual kind of canonically conjugate position and momentum operators to the case of an angle and angular momentum operator pair. (Author/GA)

Explains that the quantal state describes a statistical ensemble of similar systems identically prepared, and is not to be identified with any single system. Shows how to determine empirically the general quantum state by calculations involving only the measured mean values of a set of observables called a "Quorum." (Author/GA)

Studies the relationship between Eulerian and Lagrangian coordinate systems with the help of computer plots of variables such as density and particle displacement. Gives examples which illustrate the differences in the shape of a traveling wave as seen by observers in the two systems. (Author/GA)

Cosmology is the theory by which the structure and history of the universe is described. Discusses the relationship between cosmology, gravity, and quantum mechanics, and whether the relationship can be formulated through Einstein's theory or a modification of it. Also discusses progress made in these scientific areas. (JN)

Derives an explicit representation of the permutation operator in terms of coordinate and momentum operators. (Author/GA)

Traces the development of quantum field theory over the last 50 years beginning with the research of Paul Dirac. Includes past and current research endeavors of various scientists. (JN)