An interesting problem in fluid mechanics, with significant educational importance, is the classic hydrostatic paradox. The hydrostatic paradox states the fact that in different shaped containers, with the same base area, which are filled with a liquid of the same height, the applied force by the liquid on the base of each container is exactly the…

A series of papers have recently addressed the mechanism by which a siphon works. While all this started as an effort to clarify words--namely, dictionary definitions--the authors feel that words, along with the misguided use of physical concepts, are currently contributing to considerable confusion and casuistry on this subject. They wish to make…

Shows how simple ideas about the forces between atoms and molecules can be used to explain, at an elementary level, some of the bulk properties of matter. (Author/CP)

Applies Newtonian mechanics in an analysis of how a swing is made to move. (GS)

States that the major problem in learning quantum mechanics is often the student's ignorance of classical mechanics and that one conceptual hurdle in quantum mechanics is its statistical nature, in contrast to the determinism of classical mechanics. (MLH)

In addition to two misapprehensions, that the earth is uninvolved in many physical phenomena and that it is infinite and unmoving, physics students often believe that the earth, without expending energy, can push things along its surface, giving rise to accelerations. (MLH)

Demonstrates that when a system of attracting or repelling bodies is bound, its rest mass will generally be different than the sum of the rest masses of the individual bodies. The mass excess or defect is simply related to the stored potential energy of the system. (Author/MLH)

Describes the difference between the approach of statistical probability and the deterministic approach to physical theories. Shows that it is near the truth to see physical theory as a hierarchical structure in which successively complex levels alternate between probabilistic and deterministic explanations. (Author/GA)

Explains the mechanism and basic physics that govern the growth of a single raindrop by condensation and droplet capture, and such properties as its falling speed, shape, and stability. (Author/GA)

Describes a physics experiment for medical students to demonstrate equilibrium of the lower arm. (GA)

Describes the college level experiments: a simple measurement of the isotopic abundance of 40-K, a mechanical experiment, on kinetic energy, and on soap films between wedged plates. (GA)

Explains the properties and gives the derivations of Airy's functions for simple example problems on stress such as the cantilever beam and the tensional cross-bow. (GA)

Describes a simple water channel, for use with an overhead projector. It is run from a water tap and may be used for flow visualization experiments, including the effect of streamlining and elementary building aerodynamics. (MLH)

Presented is the design of an electrical analogue of the simple pendulum--a one-dimensional oscillator resonating within a frequency range which can be generated and observed with readily available instruments. One possible study sequence is outlined. (Author/MA)

Suggests an approach which treats the electric circuit as a channel through which energy flows and to which the application of energy conservation makes the distinction between electromotive force and potential difference unnecessary. Equations, examples, and visual representations are included. (RT)