Centrifugal Force is described and defined in terms of the underlying theory and terminology with the aid of rigorous analysis of this phenomenon. (DS)

Investigates and explains the phenomenon associated with Rubens flame-tube demonstration, specifically the persistance of flames at regular intervals along the tube for few minutes after the gas is turned off. (GA)

Discusses several aspects of Fraunhofer diffraction patterns from apertures illuminated by diverging light. Develops a generalization to apertures of arbitrary shape which shows that the sizes of the pattern are related by a simple scale factor. Uses the Abbe theory of image formation by diffraction to discuss the intensity of illumination of the…

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

Introduces a lesson plan on astronomy and scientific research. Explains how astronomers conduct research and the detection methods they use. Provides demonstrations and ideas for students to build a giant model of the solar system. (YDS)

Describes the theory and application of an atomic fountain which pushes the atoms by laser pulses. Discusses the applications in measuring atomic properties and in building an atomic clock. (YP)

Discusses the history of electron theory from 1897 to 1987. Includes the works of some physicists, such as Thomson, Lorentz, De Broglie, Bohr, Pauli, Dirac, Feynman, Wheeler, Weinberg, and Salam. (YP)

The Institution of Electrical Engineers conducted a study in the United Kingdom and the United States to determine the need for their new publication "Current Papers in Physics (CPP)," and its usefulness to the physics community. Questionnaires were used to (1) recruit panel members to test reader reaction to the publication over a…

Discusses the practicality of the large scale production of electricity from solar sources utilizing current technology. The prospects are determined to economically unfeasible. (SL)

Describes experiments used during recent history to explain the nature of the quantum world. Explains the essential elements of experiments using polarized light and magnetic flux. Illustrates differences between classical theories in physics and quantum theory. Shows how experiments in the microscopic and macroscopic world appear to support…

Discusses the origin of de Broglie's concept and its influences on his contemporaries, notably on Einstein, Schrodinger, Elsasser, Davisson, and Thomson. Indicates that the theory served not only as the starting point of quantum mechanics, but also opened new experimental possibilities. Historical inaccuracies are corrected with new material…

Discusses theories underlying Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids by explaining flow curves exhibited by plastic, shear-thining, and shear-thickening fluids and Bingham plastic materials. Indicates that the exact mechanism governing shear-thickening behaviors is a problem of further study. (CC)

Discusses the scientific objectives of the space missions to illustrate the role of scientists in space-borne research studies. Included is a tentative list of demonstration experiments worth conducting in order to attain pedagogical goals. (CC)

Discusses the historical rod contraction-block retardation (RC-CR) ether theory to illustrate its relationship to the special theory of relativity and the possibility of experimental differences between them. Indicates that the RC-CR theory is worthy of the attention of both physicists and science philosophers. (CC)