The power distributions of nearly all major countries have accepted three-phase distribution as a standard. With increasing power requirements of instrumentation today even a small physics laboratory requires a three-phase supply. While physics students are given an introduction to this in passing, no experimental work is done with three-phase…

Describes an undergraduate laboratory experiment in which a moving coil galvanometer is studied and the electromotive force generated by the swinging coil provides the impulse response information in a form suitable for digitizing and inputing to a microcomputer. Background information and analysis of typical data are included. (JN)

Describes how, using an overhead projector (OHP) and a transparent roll of acetate film, it is possible to demonstrate: (1) travelling waves; (2) standing waves; and (3) phase and group velocity applied to waves. The set-ups provide a way to demonstrate features which are normally difficult to visualize and understand. (JN)

Describes the Interactive Microcomputer Peripheral (including major features, source, and current cost) and physics experiments using the instrument. The instrument can also be used for such purposes as counting, timing, and frequency measurement as well as for experiments in biology and experimental psychology. (JN)

Describes: (1) two experiments using a laser (resonant cavity for light and pinhole camera effect with a hologram); (2) optical differaction patterns displayed by microcomputer; and (3) automating the Hall effect (with comments on apparatus needed and computer program used); and (4) an elegant experiment in mechanical equilibrium. (JN)

Shows how air flows around a sail, explaining why a dinghy is able to move toward the wind rather than be blown backwards. Also illustrates the effects of alternating the angle of a sail, using different sail shapes and using a rig consisting of two sails. (JN)

Shows that the angle of projection of a bullet is not the same as the angle of the bore of the firearm just before firing. Includes an equation that is useful when considering the firing of bullets and arrows in the air. (JN)

Discusses several aspects of the relationship between teaching and learning in a way that may possibly stimulate thinking in the same manner as learning hierarchies, stage theory, and the abundant use of metaphor. (Author/JN)

Describes simple speckle photography experiments which are easy to set up and require only low cost standard laboratory equipment. Included are procedures for taking single, double, and multiple exposures. (JN)

Describes the types of industrial studies course offerings available in higher education. Also discusses the bachelor of science program in industrial studies at Sheffield City Polytechnic. The program, which focuses on science-based industry, places equal emphasis on technological and business inputs. (JN)

Two individuals who hold university and industry appointments were asked to respond to questions on various issues related to science curriculum and instruction in Great Britain. Their responses to these questions are presented. Issues examined include 0-/A-level testing and the use of erroneous science reports in the media. (JN)

Discusses the air resistance on projectiles, examining (in separate sections) air resistance less than gravity and air resistance greater than gravity. Also considers an approximation in which a trajectory is divided into two parts, the first part neglecting gravity and the second part neglecting the air resistance. (JN)

Examines the extent to which technology and applied physics should be included in introductory physics courses. Areas explored include the meaning of applied physics, the nature of pure and applied physics, and applied physics as viewed by a scientist, an educator, and society. Implications for the physics curriculum are addressed. (JN)

Continues a discussion of magnetic fluids by providing background information on and procedures for conducting several demonstrations. Indicates that, with a little patience and ingenuity, only modest magnetic fields and about 20 ml of low-viscosity, commercial magnetite-water-based magnetic fluid are required. (JN)

Discusses the nature of "thought experiments" and why they are an integral part of physics. Also examines some of the better-known thought experiments in special relativity and quantum mechanics, focusing on content audiences they are aimed at and the prior knowledge of these audiences. (JN)