Proposes the use of problems of the everyday world to motivate students to master basic physical principles. Cites the example of conversion of solar energy by a photovoltaic cell as a source of topics in electricity and solid state physics. (CP)

Describes a theory concerning the formation of soap films which enables this technique to be applied to problems requiring the minimization of the surface area between fixed boundaries. (Author/CP)

Describes the experimental apparatus and method for the study of magnetic vector potential (MVP). Includes a discussion of inherent errors in the calculations involved, precision of the results, and further applications of MVP. (GS)

Describes an attempt to plot the walking speeds of crowds as a Maxwellian velocity distribution in one dimension, analagous to an ideal gas approximation. (CP)

Describes the steps in writing a computer program to solve radioactive decay problems by a digital method. (CP)

Discusses the Peltier, or thermoelectric effect, which provides a way of cooling a system by coupling it thermally to the junction of two materials suitably chosen, shaped, and connected to a d.c. current. Describes an apparatus which simply and inexpensively demonstrates this effect. (MLH)

Stefan's law is demonstrated by measuring the temperature of the tungsten filament of an electric light bulb and plotting a log-log graph of temperature against power dissipation. (MLH)

Mathematically analyzes the polarization of rainbows, a phenomenon which can be demonstrated in a laboratory simulation using polaroid sheets, perspex discs, and a white light source. (MLH)

Advocates a strong emphasis on the teaching of the design of electronic circuits in undergraduate courses. An instructional paradigm involving the design and construction of a single-transistor amplifier is provided. (CP)

Explains a technique by which three dimensional displays of transistor characteristics can be demonstrated on a cathode ray tube. (CP)

Describes a cooperative research and construction project suitable for undergraduate physics students. Steps involved in the development of a device to demonstrate the distribution of molecular velocities in gases are detailed. (CP)

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)