Feedback
Help

Sign In
Your Recent History
View Cart

Keyword
Volume/Page
DOI
Advanced

Search Content Type

Volume: Page/Article:

article doi:

Home
Browse
Search
About
Authors
Features
Subscriptions
Advertisers
Scitation
American Journal of Physics

The Physics Teacher»
Browse»

SECTION LISTING

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
GUEST EDITORIAL
AAPT AWARDS
PAPERS
FIGURING PHYSICS
PAPERS
APPARATUS FOR TEACHING PHYSICS
TRICK OF THE TRADE
LITTLE GEMS
PHYSICS CHALLENGE FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS
FOR THE NEW TEACHER
WEBSIGHTS
BOOK REVIEWS

BROWSE VOLUMES

Year Range:

2012

Volume 50

2011

Volume 49

2010

Volume 48

2009

Volume 47

2008

Volume 46

2007

Volume 45

Issue 9 | Dec 2007 | pp. 532-579

Issue 8 | Nov 2007 | pp. 468-528

Issue 7 | Oct 2007 | pp. 404-463

Issue 6 | Sep 2007 | pp. 326-399

Issue L2 | Aug 2007 | pp. L1-L2

Issue L1 | Jul 2007 | pp. L1-L3

Issue 5 | May 2007 | pp. 260-320

Issue 4 | Apr 2007 | pp. 196-256

Issue 3 | Mar 2007 | pp. 132-192

Issue 2 | Feb 2007 | pp. 68-126

Issue 1 | Jan 2007 | pp. 4-59

2006

Volume 44

2005

Volume 43

2004

Volume 42

2003

Volume 41

2002

Volume 40

2001

Volume 39

2000

Volume 38

1999

Volume 37

1998

Volume 36

1997

Volume 35

1996

Volume 34

1995

Volume 33

1994

Volume 32

1993

Volume 31

1992

Volume 30

1991

Volume 29

1990

Volume 28

1989

Volume 27

1988

Volume 26

1987

Volume 25

1986

Volume 24

1985

Volume 23

1984

Volume 22

1983

Volume 21

1982

Volume 20

1981

Volume 19

1980

Volume 18

1979

Volume 17

1978

Volume 16

1977

Volume 15

1976

Volume 14

1975

Volume 13

1974

Volume 12

1973

Volume 11

1972

Volume 10

1971

Volume 9

1970

Volume 8

1969

Volume 7

1968

Volume 6

1967

Volume 5

1966

Volume 4

1965

Volume 3

1964

Volume 2

1963

Volume 1

Search Term

Search Issue | RSS Feeds

RSS
Previous Issue Next Issue

Apr 2007

Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 196-256

Add

View

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Select this Article

Whiteboards∕Blackboards

William DeBuvitz

The Physics Teacher -- April 2007 -- Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 196

Online Publication Date: Mar 2007

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Abstract Unavailable

Show PACS

01.50.F-	Audio and visual aids
01.40.gb	Teaching methods and strategies

Select this Article

Blackboards∕Whiteboards

Paul Beeken

The Physics Teacher -- April 2007 -- Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 196

Online Publication Date: Mar 2007

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Abstract Unavailable

Show PACS

01.50.F-	Audio and visual aids
01.40.gb	Teaching methods and strategies

Select this Article

Author's Response

Albert Allen Bartlett, Professor Emeritus of Physics

The Physics Teacher -- April 2007 -- Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 197

Online Publication Date: Mar 2007

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Abstract Unavailable

Show PACS

01.50.F-	Audio and visual aids
01.40.gb	Teaching methods and strategies

Select this Article

Extending the Life of a Marker

Bill Jameson

The Physics Teacher -- April 2007 -- Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 198

Online Publication Date: Mar 2007

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Abstract Unavailable

Show PACS

01.50.F-	Audio and visual aids
01.40.gb	Teaching methods and strategies

Select this Article

A Physics Lesson for the Prom

George Hademenos

The Physics Teacher -- April 2007 -- Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 198

Online Publication Date: Mar 2007

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Abstract Unavailable

Show PACS

01.40.ek	Secondary school
01.40.J-	Teacher training

Select this Article

Correction: “Issue with TI-83s,” Phys. Teach. 44, 566 (Dec. 2006).

The Physics Teacher -- April 2007 -- Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 199

Online Publication Date: Mar 2007

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Abstract Unavailable

Show PACS

01.50.H-	Computers in education
01.50.-i	Educational aids

GUEST EDITORIAL

Select this Article

Taking Advantage of Opportunities

Scott Beutlich, Shannon Hughes, John Lewis, Josh Ravenscraft, Diane Riendeau, and Jay Walgren

The Physics Teacher -- April 2007 -- Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 200 | Cited 1 time

Online Publication Date: Mar 2007

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Abstract Unavailable

Show PACS

01.60.+q

Biographies, tributes, personal notes, and obituaries

AAPT AWARDS

Select this Article

2007 Distinguished Service Citations Awarded to Andria L. Erzberger, Robert Beichner, A. John Mallinckrodt, Deborah Rice, Paul Stokstad, David and Christine Vernier

Dick Peterson, Past President AAPT, Awards Chair-2006

The Physics Teacher -- April 2007 -- Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 202

Online Publication Date: Mar 2007

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Abstract Unavailable

Show PACS

01.10.Hx	Physics organizational activities
01.60.+q	Biographies, tributes, personal notes, and obituaries

Select this Article

2007 Distinguished Service Citations Awarded to Andria L. Erzberger, Robert Beichner, A. John Mallinckrodt, Deborah Rice, Paul Stokstad, David and Christine Vernier

Dick Peterson, Past President AAPT, Awards Chair-2006

The Physics Teacher -- April 2007 -- Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 202

Online Publication Date: Mar 2007

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Abstract Unavailable

Show PACS

01.10.Hx	Physics organizational activities
01.60.+q	Biographies, tributes, personal notes, and obituaries

Select this Article

2007 Distinguished Service Citations Awarded to Andria L. Erzberger, Robert Beichner, A. John Mallinckrodt, Deborah Rice, Paul Stokstad, David and Christine Vernier

Dick Peterson, Past President AAPT, Awards Chair-2006

The Physics Teacher -- April 2007 -- Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 203

Online Publication Date: Mar 2007

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Abstract Unavailable

Show PACS

01.10.Hx	Physics organizational activities
01.60.+q	Biographies, tributes, personal notes, and obituaries

Select this Article

2007 Distinguished Service Citations Awarded to Andria L. Erzberger, Robert Beichner, A. John Mallinckrodt, Deborah Rice, Paul Stokstad, David and Christine Vernier

Dick Peterson, Past President AAPT, Awards Chair-2006

The Physics Teacher -- April 2007 -- Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 203

Online Publication Date: Mar 2007

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Abstract Unavailable

Show PACS

01.10.Hx	Physics organizational activities
01.60.+q	Biographies, tributes, personal notes, and obituaries

Select this Article

2007 Distinguished Service Citations Awarded to Andria L. Erzberger, Robert Beichner, A. John Mallinckrodt, Deborah Rice, Paul Stokstad, David and Christine Vernier

Dick Peterson, Past President AAPT, Awards Chair-2006

The Physics Teacher -- April 2007 -- Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 204

Online Publication Date: Mar 2007

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Abstract Unavailable

Show PACS

01.10.Hx	Physics organizational activities
01.60.+q	Biographies, tributes, personal notes, and obituaries

Select this Article

2007 Distinguished Service Citations Awarded to Andria L. Erzberger, Robert Beichner, A. John Mallinckrodt, Deborah Rice, Paul Stokstad, David and Christine Vernier

Dick Peterson, Past President AAPT, Awards Chair-2006

The Physics Teacher -- April 2007 -- Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 204

Online Publication Date: Mar 2007

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Abstract Unavailable

Show PACS

01.10.Hx	Physics organizational activities
01.60.+q	Biographies, tributes, personal notes, and obituaries

Select this Article

Melba Newell Phillips Award Awarded Jan. 9, 2007, to Clifford E. Swartz

The Physics Teacher -- April 2007 -- Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 205

Online Publication Date: Mar 2007

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Abstract Unavailable

Show PACS

01.10.Hx	Physics organizational activities
01.60.+q	Biographies, tributes, personal notes, and obituaries

PAPERS

Select this Article FREE

A Data Analysis for the Inverse Square Law

Russell Downie

The Physics Teacher -- April 2007 -- Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 206 | Cited 1 time

Online Publication Date: Mar 2007

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Show Abstract

When first encountered, inverse square laws can damage the confidence of beginning physics students whose maths skills are uncertain. Engaging in practical exercises that help them work with the idea can be a great help. We have used the following apparatus for a number of years and our students understand and enjoy the exercise.

Show PACS

01.50.My	Demonstration experiments and apparatus
01.50.Pa	Laboratory experiments and apparatus
42.00.00	Optics

FIGURING PHYSICS

Select this Article

RAPID EVAPORATION

Paul Hewitt

The Physics Teacher -- April 2007 -- Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 208

Online Publication Date: Mar 2007

Full Text: | Download PDF

Abstract Unavailable

Show PACS

01.50.F-	Audio and visual aids
01.55.+b	General physics

PAPERS

Select this Article FREE

Two Kinds of Electron?

Franklin Miller, Jr.

The Physics Teacher -- April 2007 -- Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 210 | Cited 2 times

Online Publication Date: Mar 2007

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Show Abstract

In the 1930s physicists were confronted by two conflicting values for the charge of the electron as measured with great precision by two different methods. Could it be that there are two kinds of (negative) electrons, differing in charge by a fraction of a percent? The experiments were reconciled when a small systematic error in one of the experiments was identified and taken into account using elementary methods. This is physics at its best.

Show PACS

01.60.+q	Biographies, tributes, personal notes, and obituaries
01.65.+g	History of science
06.20.Jr	Determination of fundamental constants
06.30.Ka	Basic electromagnetic quantities

Select this Article

Galilean Relativity and the Work-Kinetic Energy Theorem

Brandon J. Tefft and James A. Tefft

The Physics Teacher -- April 2007 -- Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 218 | Cited 1 time

Online Publication Date: Mar 2007

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Show Abstract

As the topic of relativity is developed in a first-year physics class, there seems to be a tendency to move as quickly as possible to the fascinating ideas set forth in Einstein's special theory of relativity.¹ In this paper we linger a little with the Galilean side of relativity and discuss an intriguing problem and its solution to illustrate a sometimes omitted issue in relativity. Using only ideas from Galilean relativity, we will consider the covariance of the relationship between work and kinetic energy as we move from one inertial reference frame to another.

Show PACS

01.55.+b	General physics
47.00.00	Fluid dynamics

Select this Article FREE

Why Shiny Metals Are Poor Emitters of Radiation

Ronald Bryan

The Physics Teacher -- April 2007 -- Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 222

Online Publication Date: Mar 2007

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Show Abstract

Students often wonder why polished metals are poor emitters of radiation when they are so shiny. Here I present a simple model that helps to explain this apparent paradox.

Show PACS

01.55.+b	General physics
40.00.00	ELECTROMAGNETISM, OPTICS, ACOUSTICS, HEAT TRANSFER, CLASSICAL MECHANICS, AND FLUID DYNAMICS

Select this Article

A Simple Experiment for Determining the Elastic Constant of a Fine Wire

W. Larry Freeman and Ronald F. Freda

The Physics Teacher -- April 2007 -- Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 224 | Cited 2 times

Online Publication Date: Mar 2007

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Show Abstract

Many general physics laboratories involve the use of springs to demonstrate Hooke's law, and much ado is made about how this can be used as a model for describing the elastic characteristics of materials at the molecular or atomic level. In recent years, the proliferation of computers, and appropriate sensors, have made it possible to demonstrate this on a small scale without the necessity of purchasing or fabricating specialized equipment. This paper describes an experiment that uses these new resources to determine the elongation of a very fine wire as a function of stretching force. A graphical presentation clearly demonstrates the range of validity of Hooke's law and also allows one to see the onset of plastic deformation without catastrophic failure of the wire. The experiment is easy to perform with off-the-shelf equipment and may be readily incorporated into a standard Hooke's law laboratory exercise.

Show PACS

62.20.D-	Elasticity
62.20.-x	Mechanical properties of solids
46.25.-y	Static elasticity

Select this Article

Physics Lab Renovation 101

Susan Ramlo

The Physics Teacher -- April 2007 -- Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 228

Online Publication Date: Mar 2007

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Show Abstract

If you have an older physics laboratory and∕or classroom space, you've probably dreamed about how to make the space more adaptable to today's technology and the best teaching and learning practices. Yet, few articles exist in the literature to give us direction for this type of renovation, thus creating the potential of misspending funds that are difficult to obtain. This paper discusses how I determined to renovate my existing introductory laboratory∕classroom space and how these changes improved the teaching and learning environment as well as accessibility to the physically handicapped.

Show PACS

01.50.Lc	Laboratory computer use
01.50.Pa	Laboratory experiments and apparatus

Select this Article

Having Fun with Error Analysis

Peter Siegel

The Physics Teacher -- April 2007 -- Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 232

Online Publication Date: Mar 2007

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Show Abstract

We present a fun activity that can be used to introduce students to error analysis: the M&M game. Students are told to estimate the number of individual candies plus uncertainty in a bag of M&M's. The winner is the group whose estimate brackets the actual number with the smallest uncertainty. The exercise produces enthusiastic discussions and serves as a good “mixer” for the first day of a laboratory class.

Show PACS

01.50.Pa	Laboratory experiments and apparatus
06.20.Dk	Measurement and error theory

Select this Article

Why You Should Measure Your Students' Reasoning Ability

Vincent P. Coletta, Jeffrey A. Phillips, and Jeffrey J. Steinert

The Physics Teacher -- April 2007 -- Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 235 | Cited 2 times

Online Publication Date: Mar 2007

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Show Abstract

Many teachers administer a force concept test such as the Force Concept Inventory^1,2 (FCI) to their students in an effort to evaluate and improve their instructional practices. It has been commonly assumed that looking at class normalized gains allows teachers to compare their courses with other courses. In this paper we present evidence to suggest that the use of class normalized gains alone may not provide a complete picture. We argue that student reasoning ability should also be assessed before between-course comparisons can be made. Assessment of reasoning ability is also useful in identifying students who are at risk. In the following we shall concentrate on the FCI, but we think our conclusions probably apply to physics concept tests generally.

Show PACS

01.40.Fk	Research in physics education
01.40.gb	Teaching methods and strategies

Select this Article

Measuring the Thickness of a Transparent Ring with a Laser

Alfred F. Leung

The Physics Teacher -- April 2007 -- Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 239

Online Publication Date: Mar 2007

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Show Abstract

There seems to be no reasonable way to measure the thickness of a narrow-mouth glass bottle. One can measure the outer and inner diameters of the mouth with a ruler or a pair of calipers and then calculate the thickness. However, this measurement might be interfered with by the threads at the mouth. Furthermore, it is uncertain whether the thickness at the mouth is the same as that of the body. An optical method¹ has been proposed. It requires the alignment of an incident laser beam tangent to the bottle and the measurement of the angle of laser light refracted out of the bottle. Here, another method for measuring of thickness is presented. It is first tested on a transparent ring, because the thickness of the ring can be easily measured. The method is then applied to measure the thickness of narrow-mouth glass bottles.

Show PACS

42.00.00

Optics

Select this Article

Oscillations in a Linearly Stratified Salt Solution

Richard M. Heavers

The Physics Teacher -- April 2007 -- Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 241

Online Publication Date: Mar 2007

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Show Abstract

Our physics students like to watch a ball bouncing underwater. They do this by dropping a weighted plastic ball into a 1000-ml cylinder filled with a linearly stratified salt-water solution at room temperature. The ball oscillates and comes to rest at about mid-depth. Its motion is analogous to the damped vertical oscillations of a mass hanging from a spring. Our apparatus for producing precise linear salt gradients is simple, inexpensive (cost about $50), and is easy to use. A refractometer is used to measure salt content (or density) of samples taken at various depths. Here we specify fresh- and salt-water volumes for making density gradients suitable for a class demonstration or a three-hour laboratory class.

Show PACS

06.00.00	Metrology, measurements, and laboratory procedures
47.27.-i	Turbulent flows
01.50.My	Demonstration experiments and apparatus
01.50.Pa	Laboratory experiments and apparatus
62.10.+s	Mechanical properties of liquids

Select this Article

Make a Mystery Circuit with a Bar Light Fixture

Martha Lietz

The Physics Teacher -- April 2007 -- Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 244

Online Publication Date: Mar 2007

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Show Abstract

Teachers have been building mystery circuits or so-called “black box circuits” to use as a demonstration with their students for years.¹ This paper presents an easy way to make simple mystery circuits using inexpensive light fixtures (see Fig. 1) available at almost any home improvement store.² In a black box circuit, only the lightbulbs are visible and the wiring in these circuits is hidden from the students. The students are then presented with the challenge of deducing the nature of the electrical connections hidden by the black box. The students may remove one or more lightbulbs from the circuit to watch how the brightness of the other bulbs changes and, from this, deduce which bulbs are connected in series and which are connected in parallel.

Show PACS

01.50.Pa	Laboratory experiments and apparatus
40.00.00	ELECTROMAGNETISM, OPTICS, ACOUSTICS, HEAT TRANSFER, CLASSICAL MECHANICS, AND FLUID DYNAMICS

APPARATUS FOR TEACHING PHYSICS

Select this Article

Steamy Optics: A System for Demonstrating Geometric and Physical Optics

Matthew Craig, Ryan Johnson, and Sara Schultz

The Physics Teacher -- April 2007 -- Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 247 | Cited 1 time

Online Publication Date: Mar 2007

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Show Abstract

A simple apparatus consisting of a plastic box with transparent sides filled with fog from an ultrasonic humidifier is very effective for demonstrating the passage of light through optical elements. There are several other methods for making the light passing through an optical system visible, including an apparatus that generates fog using liquid nitrogen.¹ Logiurato et al.² have described a setup that employs a mist maker available from scientific supply companies to produce the fog. The demonstration described here is useful because the initial equipment costs are low, and the necessary items may all be easily obtained locally. The vapor is generated using only tap water.

Show PACS

01.50.My	Demonstration experiments and apparatus
42.90.+m	Other topics in optics (restricted to new topics in section 42)

TRICK OF THE TRADE

Select this Article

Wattage: Household Appliances

John J. Lynch

The Physics Teacher -- April 2007 -- Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 249 | Cited 2 times

Online Publication Date: Mar 2007

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Abstract Unavailable

Show PACS

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

LITTLE GEMS

Select this Article

Shedding Light on Darkness

Michael Gore

The Physics Teacher -- April 2007 -- Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 250 | Cited 1 time

Online Publication Date: Mar 2007

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Abstract Unavailable

Show PACS

01.50.My	Demonstration experiments and apparatus
01.40.gb	Teaching methods and strategies

PHYSICS CHALLENGE FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS

Select this Article FREE

Opposites Attract

Boris Korsunsky

The Physics Teacher -- April 2007 -- Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 251

Online Publication Date: Mar 2007

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Abstract Unavailable

Show PACS

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

FOR THE NEW TEACHER

Select this Article

Three or Four Golden Rules of Lecture

Michael Dubson

The Physics Teacher -- April 2007 -- Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 252 | Cited 2 times

Online Publication Date: Mar 2007

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Show Abstract

• Editor's Note: Each year, AAPT recognizes excellence in teaching by presenting awards at the pre-college and undergraduate level to teachers who have been nominated by their peers for their dedication to teaching. Michael Dubson, the 2006 recipient of the Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award, shares his insights and guidelines for effective instruction.

Show PACS