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American Journal of Physics

The Physics Teacher»
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SECTION LISTING

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
EDITORIAL
AAPT 75TH ANNIVERSARY
FIGURING PHYSICS
PAPERS
QUESTIONS STUDENTS ASK
APPARATUS FOR TEACHING PHYSICS
TRICK OF THE TRADE
LITTLE GEMS
FROM OUR FILES
PHYSICS CHALLENGE FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS
FOR THE NEW TEACHER
WEBSIGHTS
BOOK REVIEWS

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May 2006

Volume 44, Issue 5, pp. 262-320

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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Raccoons and Bowling Balls

Arthur Eisenkraft

The Physics Teacher -- May 2006 -- Volume 44, Issue 5, pp. 262

Online Publication Date: Apr 2006

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Abstract Unavailable

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01.40.J-	Teacher training
01.50.-i	Educational aids
01.55.+b	General physics

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Limited Lifespan of Conductive Tape

Dave Van Domelen, Director of Undergraduate Labs

The Physics Teacher -- May 2006 -- Volume 44, Issue 5, pp. 262

Online Publication Date: Apr 2006

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Abstract Unavailable

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01.40.E-	Science in school
01.50.Pa	Laboratory experiments and apparatus
01.55.+b	General physics

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Beats with Microsoft Word

Thomas Mills

The Physics Teacher -- May 2006 -- Volume 44, Issue 5, pp. 262

Online Publication Date: Apr 2006

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Abstract Unavailable

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01.40.E-	Science in school
01.50.fh	Posters, cartoons, art, etc.
01.55.+b	General physics

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Definining Mass—Author's Response

Eugene Hecht

The Physics Teacher -- May 2006 -- Volume 44, Issue 5, pp. 263

Online Publication Date: Apr 2006

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Abstract Unavailable

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01.40.E-	Science in school
01.40.gb	Teaching methods and strategies
01.55.+b	General physics

EDITORIAL

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To Our Referees: Thank You

Karl C. Mamola

The Physics Teacher -- May 2006 -- Volume 44, Issue 5, pp. 264

Online Publication Date: Apr 2006

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Abstract Unavailable

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01.30.-y	Physics literature and publications
01.10.Hx	Physics organizational activities

AAPT 75TH ANNIVERSARY

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AAPT 75th Anniversary

The Physics Teacher -- May 2006 -- Volume 44, Issue 5, pp. 266

Online Publication Date: Apr 2006

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In recognition of the 75th anniversary of AAPT, during this year we will be publishing brief notes on interesting and significant science-related events in 1931, the founding year of the association.

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01.60.+q	Biographies, tributes, personal notes, and obituaries
01.65.+g	History of science

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AAPT 75th Anniversary

The Physics Teacher -- May 2006 -- Volume 44, Issue 5, pp. 266

Online Publication Date: Apr 2006

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Show Abstract

In recognition of the 75th anniversary of AAPT, during this year we will be publishing brief notes on interesting and significant science-related events in 1931, the founding year of the association.

Show PACS

01.60.+q	Biographies, tributes, personal notes, and obituaries
01.65.+g	History of science

Select this Article

AAPT 75th Anniversary

The Physics Teacher -- May 2006 -- Volume 44, Issue 5, pp. 266

Online Publication Date: Apr 2006

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Show Abstract

In recognition of the 75th anniversary of AAPT, during this year we will be publishing brief notes on interesting and significant science-related events in 1931, the founding year of the association.

Show PACS

01.60.+q	Biographies, tributes, personal notes, and obituaries
01.65.+g	History of science

Select this Article

AAPT 75th Anniversary

The Physics Teacher -- May 2006 -- Volume 44, Issue 5, pp. 266

Online Publication Date: Apr 2006

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Show Abstract

In recognition of the 75th anniversary of AAPT, during this year we will be publishing brief notes on interesting and significant science-related events in 1931, the founding year of the association.

Show PACS

01.60.+q	Biographies, tributes, personal notes, and obituaries
01.65.+g	History of science

FIGURING PHYSICS

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RAINBOW

Paul Hewitt

The Physics Teacher -- May 2006 -- Volume 44, Issue 5, pp. 268

Online Publication Date: Apr 2006

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Abstract Unavailable

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01.50.Kw	Techniques of testing
01.55.+b	General physics

PAPERS

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An Extension of the Imploding Can Demonstration

L. M. Gratton and S. Oss

The Physics Teacher -- May 2006 -- Volume 44, Issue 5, pp. 269 | Cited 1 time

Online Publication Date: Apr 2006

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In this paper we address some fascinating aspects of the well-known, simple demonstration of a collapsing can. An Internet search on “collapsing can” or “imploding can” gives more than 700 hits.¹ Because physics and physics teaching journals have not given a corresponding amount of attention to this experiment,² we decided to make our own contribution to the literature. We show that a careful study of the crushing can experiment introduces a very wide range of conceptual and practical topics in classical thermodynamics. We especially suggest a simple experimental extension that allows much more information on the physical behavior of the imploding can to be easily obtained.

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01.40.gb	Teaching methods and strategies
01.50.My	Demonstration experiments and apparatus
05.20.Dd	Kinetic theory
51.30.+i	Thermodynamic properties, equations of state

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The Photoelectric Effect Using LEDs as Light Sources

Wayne P. Garver

The Physics Teacher -- May 2006 -- Volume 44, Issue 5, pp. 272 | Cited 3 times

Online Publication Date: Apr 2006

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The photoelectric effect is demonstrated in many introductory physics courses. We have developed an apparatus for this experiment using a phototube and inexpensive LEDs as light sources instead of the usual mercury lamp. Planck's constant can be measured to better than 10% by using several LEDs in the spectrum from 470 nm to 631 nm. Changing the intensity of the LED allows us to measure the electron energy and photocurrent as a function of light intensity. The photocurrent time response also can be measured using a function generator and oscilloscope.

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01.50.My	Demonstration experiments and apparatus
73.20.-r	Electron states at surfaces and interfaces
03.65.-w	Quantum mechanics

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Squishy Materials

Piotr Habdas, Eric R. Weeks, and David G. Lynn

The Physics Teacher -- May 2006 -- Volume 44, Issue 5, pp. 276 | Cited 2 times

Online Publication Date: Apr 2006

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Most people do not realize that many substances they use in the kitchen and the bathroom are not simple liquids or solids. Everyone is familiar with three states of matter: solids, liquids, and gases. However, creams, shampoo, toothpaste, and ketchup all have properties of both liquids and solids. This paper describes demonstrations and laboratory exercises¹ that show intriguing properties of squishy substances, defined as materials that are not unambiguously solid, liquid, or gas. Unlike some areas of physics, the concepts behind squishy materials are understandable even by beginning students. Squishy physics can be used to show physics questions arising from everyday life and to convey the excitement of current research.

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01.55.+b	General physics
01.50.My	Demonstration experiments and apparatus
46.35.+z	Viscoelasticity, plasticity, viscoplasticity

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What Was I Thinking?

Olga Livanis

The Physics Teacher -- May 2006 -- Volume 44, Issue 5, pp. 280 | Cited 1 time

Online Publication Date: Apr 2006

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Abstract Unavailable

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01.40.Fk	Research in physics education
01.40.ek	Secondary school

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Moment of Inertia Without Integrals

Benjamin Oostra

The Physics Teacher -- May 2006 -- Volume 44, Issue 5, pp. 283 | Cited 3 times

Online Publication Date: Apr 2006

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Here at the Universidad de Los Andes (Bogotá) we teach physics to first-year science and engineering students who have not yet completed their calculus courses. Derivatives and integrals are introduced in the kinematics lessons before they are studied more formally in math classes. Even toward the end of the first physics course, when we arrive at the subject of rotation, integrals are not yet very familiar but usually they are a must for computing moments of inertia. For some objects, however, there is an alternative.

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01.40.gb	Teaching methods and strategies
02.90.+p	Other topics in mathematical methods in physics (restricted to new topics in section 02)
45.20.dc	Rotational dynamics

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Kick-off

Armando Vieira

The Physics Teacher -- May 2006 -- Volume 44, Issue 5, pp. 286 | Cited 1 time

Online Publication Date: Apr 2006

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Most problems in physics textbooks are highly idealized to keep them analytically manageable. However, in dealing with daily phenomena, some models presented in textbooks are oversimplified. The discrepancy between what students observe and what these models predict may cause frustration or even distrust. On the other hand, it is crucial to develop intuition to discover the relevant parameters as well as appropriate optimizations—a common perspective in engineering that is not always stressed in physics. This paper addresses these topics in a concrete situation: kicking a soccer ball. The problem is formulated as follows: Given the physical constraints of the athlete, how does one achieve maximum initial velocity and range?

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01.55.+b	General physics
45.20.D-	Newtonian mechanics
45.50.Tn	Collisions

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“…Run, Forrest! Run!…”: A Powerful “Hollywood Physics” Activity

Chandler Dennis

The Physics Teacher -- May 2006 -- Volume 44, Issue 5, pp. 290 | Cited 1 time

Online Publication Date: Apr 2006

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The use of short episodes from current big screen movies to drive home topics in general physics—known as “Hollywood Physics”—has received significant exposure in teaching circles.^1,2 This paper details use of a video segment that can be used to actually begin a physics course during the first class meeting in the fall.³

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01.40.gb	Teaching methods and strategies
01.50.ff	Films; electronic video devices
01.55.+b	General physics
01.75.+m	Science and society
45.40.Aa	Translation kinematics

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Reverse-Engineering the Solution of a “Simple” Physics Problem: Why Learning Physics Is Harder Than It Looks

Edward F. Redish, Rachel E. Scherr, and Jonathan Tuminaro

The Physics Teacher -- May 2006 -- Volume 44, Issue 5, pp. 293 | Cited 9 times

Online Publication Date: Apr 2006

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In this paper, we show an example of students working on a physics problem—an example that demonstrated to us that we had failed to understand the work they needed to do in order to solve a “simple” problem in electrostatics. Our critical misunderstanding was failing to realize the level of complexity that was built into our own knowledge about physics.

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01.40.Fk	Research in physics education
01.40.Ha	Learning theory and science teaching
01.40.Di	Course design and evaluation

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Engaging Physics Students Using Environmental Lab Modules

John M. Pratte

The Physics Teacher -- May 2006 -- Volume 44, Issue 5, pp. 301 | Cited 2 times

Online Publication Date: Apr 2006

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This paper discusses multi-week activity modules that use civic engagement¹ to increase student interest and learning in physics. The modules consist of a mixture of hands-on, field, and Internet-based activities that allow students to investigate their impact on the environment and to examine changes that they can make in their lifestyle to lessen this impact. Assessments of student learning and interest using the modules show that they achieved their goals.

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01.40.Fk	Research in physics education
01.40.G-	Curricula and evaluation
01.50.ht	Instructional computer use
01.75.+m	Science and society

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Battle of the Merry-Go-Rounds: An Angular Momentum Demonstration

Stephen J. Van Hook

The Physics Teacher -- May 2006 -- Volume 44, Issue 5, pp. 304

Online Publication Date: Apr 2006

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Introducing paradoxes where two concepts appear to conflict is a time-honored method of challenging students to think deeper about the concepts. In The Battle of the Merry-Go-Rounds, two adjacent, interacting merry-go-rounds (MGR) exhibit behavior that leads to an apparent contradiction between two fundamental physics principles. This simple demonstration challenges students to think carefully about angular momentum and the notion of a closed system.

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01.50.My	Demonstration experiments and apparatus
45.20.da	Forces and torques
45.20.df	Momentum conservation

QUESTIONS STUDENTS ASK

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How Are Magnetic Lines of Force Formed?

The Physics Teacher -- May 2006 -- Volume 44, Issue 5, pp. 308 | Cited 1 time

Online Publication Date: Apr 2006

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Abstract Unavailable

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01.50.-i	Educational aids
01.50.My	Demonstration experiments and apparatus
01.55.+b	General physics

APPARATUS FOR TEACHING PHYSICS

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Simple Photoelectric Effect

Adolf Cortel

The Physics Teacher -- May 2006 -- Volume 44, Issue 5, pp. 310 | Cited 1 time

Online Publication Date: Apr 2006

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Abstract Unavailable

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01.50.Pa	Laboratory experiments and apparatus
01.55.+b	General physics

TRICK OF THE TRADE

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An External Switch for Commercial Laser Pointers

Sara Schultz and Matthew Craig

The Physics Teacher -- May 2006 -- Volume 44, Issue 5, pp. 312

Online Publication Date: Apr 2006

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Abstract Unavailable

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01.50.My

Demonstration experiments and apparatus

LITTLE GEMS

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The Homopolar Motor and Its Evolution

Norihiro Sugimoto, (Stray Cats) and Hideo Kawada, (Stray Cats)

The Physics Teacher -- May 2006 -- Volume 44, Issue 5, pp. 313 | Cited 2 times

Online Publication Date: Apr 2006

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Abstract Unavailable

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01.50.Pa	Laboratory experiments and apparatus
01.55.+b	General physics

FROM OUR FILES

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Instantaneous multiple use of Michelson's interferometer

Matt Bushner

The Physics Teacher -- May 2006 -- Volume 44, Issue 5, pp. 314 | Cited 1 time

Online Publication Date: Apr 2006

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Abstract Unavailable

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01.50.Pa	Laboratory experiments and apparatus
07.60.Ly	Interferometers

PHYSICS CHALLENGE FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS

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Satel-Light Motion

Boris Korsunsky

The Physics Teacher -- May 2006 -- Volume 44, Issue 5, pp. 316

Online Publication Date: Apr 2006

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Abstract Unavailable

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01.40.J-	Teacher training
01.50.Kw	Techniques of testing

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A Pipe Dream

Boris Korsunsky

The Physics Teacher -- May 2006 -- Volume 44, Issue 5, pp. 316

Online Publication Date: Apr 2006

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Abstract Unavailable

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01.50.Rt	Physics tournaments and contests
01.40.J-	Teacher training

FOR THE NEW TEACHER

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Top 10 Reasons You Should Attend a National Meeting

Diane Riendeau

The Physics Teacher -- May 2006 -- Volume 44, Issue 5, pp. 317

Online Publication Date: Apr 2006

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This school year is drawing to a close and I hope you have found some things in the column that have been helpful to you. As you think about summer plans, consider attending the summer meeting for AAPT. Diane Riendeau, a member of the High School Committee and frequent contributor to TPT, shares her thoughts about attending national meetings.

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