Table of contents

Physics teaching at Winchester College in the second half of the nineteenth century is studied as a case history of the establishment of organized school science teaching.

For pt. I see ibid., vol.8, no.5, 310 (1973). An oscillating system is conventionally excited by a force at the resonant frequency. In the normal electronic feedback oscillator or signal generator this is derived, via the amplifier, from a DC source. Thus the net effect is that of frequency conversion of power from zero frequency to the oscillation frequency. For the parametric oscillators discussed the conversion is from a frequency 2 omega ₀ (say) to a frequency omega ₀.

The author suggests several ways in which physics departments could improve the quality of physics teachers produced. They are all related to the understanding of physical principles rather than the parrot-like reproduction of physical facts. He suggests that the student should be encouraged to question the validity of statements in elementary physics in the light of more advanced work and in the same vein to answer elementary questions which require thorough analysis, such as the famous 'Fermi questions'. His final suggestion is that apparatus should be studied and the student encouraged to develop it to its full potential.

Describes the construction and use of a simple apparatus to enable holograms to be made on fine grain 35 mm film using a low power He-Ne laser, thus bringing holography within the scope of students in schools and colleges of further education.

The author discusses the normal textbook description of experiments on the photoelectric effect and the subsequent derivation of the equation h nu -e phi =eV and shows that the wrong equation is derived due to an inadequate consideration of work functions.

Shows at a level suitable for use with sixth forms and ONC students, how the modern definition of temperature is reached and how it is connected intimately with the concept of an ideal gas. The approach is made on the basis of macroscopic observations, no assumptions being made about the internal structure of matter.

The authors give a description of Young's original eriometer and its application including Young's own remarks. Using a simple form of such an instrument with three different light sources including a He-Ne laser they determine the diameters of blood corpuscles, lycopodium powder and fibres of carpet wool. They feel this low cost experiment is suitable for an optics laboratory.

A brief biography of Thomas Young is presented.

The operational amplifier is perhaps the most useful integrated device in existence today. It is widely used in analogue computers, simulation systems and in a variety of electronic applications such as filtering, buffering and comparison of signal levels. Using operational manifolds such as the Philbrick Nexus Model 5001 one can do a variety of experiments in the physics laboratory. From experience, OPAMP experiments enthuse students ranging from the sixth form to the third year of university.

Small plane angle, defined as the division of perpendicular displacements, and large plane angle, defined as a sum of equally directed small plane angles, have all of the characteristics of axial vectors, including commutative vector addition. Equations containing pi raised to an odd whole number power require pi to have the character of an axial vector. Angular quantities defined as combinations of angle, time and torque have a complete correspondence with linear quantities defined as combinations of displacement, time and force. The author points out how confusion, regarding plane angle, can be reduced by recognizing plane angle to be a vector physical quantity of the axial vector type.

The general theory of relativity is outlined and several experiments are described which were performed to test its predictions.

The course described was designed to engender certain qualities so that students could appreciate the interplay between the principles and concepts of physics and practical work; view practical work as a decision oriented activity rather than as a means of confirming standard results; be willing to design and construct rudimentary apparatus rather than expecting a commercial item to be available; be able to write an account of decisions taken and their rationale and be able to plan data collection and to keep a genuine notebook.