Showing papers in "The Physics Teacher in 1998"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that naive notions often are misconceptions (or "folk concepts") that hinder learning of appropriate concepts in the field, and that these naive notions are misconceptions that hinder learners from learning appropriate concepts.
Abstract: Students enter courses with prior knowledge of the subject area. Unfortunately, these naive notions often are misconceptions (or “folk concepts”) that hinder learning of appropriate concepts in the field.
137 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the first semester of calculus-based introductory physics course sequence, students work in small groups on mechanics projects and many teams choose digital video analysis for projects involving mechanics.
Abstract: During the first semester of our calculus-based introductory physics course sequence, students work in small groups on mechanics projects. Many teams choose digital video analysis for projects involving mechanics. We discuss the management of collaborative projects and schemes for critiquing collaborative papers and assigning individual grades. We also describe some of the more interesting projects. Finally, we offer some advice on how to find the information needed to create good digital video movies.
86 citations
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TL;DR: This article reported the results of a longitudinal study of three non-major introductory classes that achieved relatively high FCI gains (g=1.5) using an inquiry-based tutorial approach.
Abstract: We report the results of a longitudinal study of three nonmajor introductory classes that achieved relatively high FCI gains (g=1.5) using an inquiry-based tutorial approach. Original FCI gains persisted as many as four years following instruction.
38 citations
TL;DR: This article observed the behavior of students running and walking between two fixed points and found that people accurately judge the paths of least time for their own motion, which is the principle of Fermat's principle.
Abstract: Fermat’s principle is demonstrated by observing the behavior of students running and walking between two fixed points. Measurements of path lengths and velocities show that people accurately judge paths of least time for their own motion.
23 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors suggest the use of problems that yield a solution that challenges students' expectations or are worded in such a manner that students obtain a wrong solution by making some obvious mistakes.
Abstract: In this article I suggest the use of problems that yield a solution that challenges students’ expectations or are worded in such a manner that students obtain a wrong solution by making some obvious mistakes The counterintuitive result or the wrong result is supposed to point out the inadequate initial analysis and subsequent solving method Some examples of these two kinds of problems are provided and discussed
15 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, Nijhawan has published an intriguing demonstration that indicates that humans are partially able to correct for the time delays inherent in their vision, and a simple apparatus for reproducing the demonstration is described.
Abstract: Nijhawan has published an intriguing demonstration that indicates that humans are partially able to correct for the time delays inherent in their vision. Nijhawan’s demonstration is briefly discussed and a simple apparatus for reproducing the demonstration is described.
15 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used a sonic ranger to measure the acceleration of a low-friction cart using data collected from its motion coasting up and down an incline.
Abstract: A sonic ranger is used to measure the acceleration of a low-friction cart using data collected from its motion coasting up and down an incline. The uninitiated but experienced physics student may predict the accelerations up and down the incline to be equal. However, when a cart is rolled up an incline, the speed vs time graph produced by sonic ranger clearly shows a point of inflection when the cart reverses direction at its highest point on the ramp. The author then shows how the ratios of the accelerations can be used to determine the coefficient of friction for this event.
12 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe simple experiments involving the magnetic force on currents and electromagnetic induction, and show that the magnetic forces on the currents and the electromagnetic induction can be modelled.
Abstract: In this paper we describe some simple experiments involving the magnetic force on currents and electromagnetic induction.
11 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a theory regarding the position and velocity associated with the 100m dash is presented, which is applied to data produced by world-class sprinters as well as students with little formal training in sprinting.
Abstract: This note outlines the theory regarding the position and velocity associated with the 100-m dash. The theory is applied to data produced by world-class sprinters as well as students with little formal training in sprinting. Inexpensive computer software is used to analyze the data to verify the outcome of these races so as to comment on the accuracy of the theory.
11 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the Coriolis force is experienced as a participant on a rotating frame of reference made from two 8-ft-long plywood carts that can be used in a classroom or lab if the regular furniture is movable.
Abstract: This note describes some insights into relative motion and the Coriolis force not available from a computer or by watching apparatus on a lab bench. They are better seen and experienced as a participant. The apparatus is a 5-m-long rotating frame of reference made from two 8-ft-long plywood carts that can be used in a classroom or lab if the regular furniture is movable or in a hall, commons area, or cafeteria.
TL;DR: In this article, the Maxwell wheel motion is experimentally investigated by interfacing the system to a PC with a force sensor and a position sensor, and the impluse-momentum theorem during the collision at the end of the string is studied.
Abstract: The Maxwell wheel motion is experimentally investigated by interfacing the system to a PC with a force sensor and a position sensor. Mechanical energy transformations and the impluse-momentum theorem during the “collision” at the end of the string are studied.
TL;DR: The response time of a thermometer is dependent upon the coefficient of convective heat transfer of the (liquid) medium being measured, which places the thermometer in a unique category among measuring instruments as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The response time of a thermometer is governed by Newton’s law of cooling. The time constant is analogous to that of electrical RC circuits. The response time of a thermometer is, however, critically dependent upon the coefficient of convective heat transfer of the (liquid) medium being measured. This places the thermometer in a unique category among measuring instruments.
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TL;DR: The apparent weight of an hourglass is an excellent illustration of mechanics concepts, such as Impluse, momentum, center-of-mass motion, and gravitation all contribute.
Abstract: The apparent weight of an hourglass is an excellent illustration of mechanics concepts. Impluse, momentum, center-of-mass motion, and gravitation all contribute. The average weight is unaltered, but tidal effects decrease the apparent weight while center-of-mass acceleration increases it.
TL;DR: In this paper, the force exerted by a vertically falling chain being brought to rest on a horizontal surface can be measured as a function of time using hardware and software, and the results confirm the prediction based on impulse and momentum considerations.
Abstract: The force exerted by a vertically falling chain being brought to rest on a horizontal surface can be measured as a function of time using “off-the-shelf” hardware and software. The results confirm the prediction based on impulse and momentum considerations.
TL;DR: In this paper, a simple physical model of flight that relies only on Newton's second law and yet is able to reproduce all the salient features of a more rigorous fluid dynamical treatment is presented.
Abstract: Presented here is a very simple physical model of flight that relies only on Newton’s second law and yet is able to reproduce all the salient features of a more rigorous fluid dynamical treatment. From a pedagogical point of view the model helps understand the origins of lift and drag in terms of forces rather than pressures, and enables all the important points to be made without recourse to complicated mathematics.
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors demonstrate the addition of primary colors red, green, and blue to produce white, yellow, magenta, and cyan using three commercially available lightsticks and a variable speed drill.
Abstract: Addition of primary additive colors of light using red, green, and blue lightsticks. Demonstrations of the addition of primary colors red, green, and blue to produce white, yellow, magenta, and cyan using three commercially available lightsticks and a variable speed drill are discussed. The demonstrations are applicable for junior-high and high school science, physics, or chemistry classes.
TL;DR: In this article, a low-cost Global Positioning System (GPS) is used to determine the magnitude of the resultant of two displacement vectors, and a physics class takes a field trip to the school's football field.
Abstract: A low -cost Global Positioning System (GPS) is used to determine the magnitude of the resultant of two displacement vectors A physics class takes a field trip to the school’s football field Then using the GPS, the students mark the corners of the field The class then compare the calculated measurement of the field’s diagonal to that obtained from the GPS Information and references are provided concerning the capabilities and limitations of the GPS
TL;DR: In this paper, a simple apparatus for demonstrating Lenz's law is presented, in which the data of distance fallen by a magnet as a function of time is obtained using a computer mouse.
Abstract: We present a simple apparatus for demonstrating Lenz’s law in which we obtain data of distance fallen by a magnet as a function of time. A computer mouse serves as an interface between the apparatus and the computer to provide real-time data.
TL;DR: In this article, a simple experiment using a force sensor to investigate the uniform circular motion of a conical pendulum is presented. But the experiment was performed on a single pendulum.
Abstract: We present a simple experiment using a force sensor to investigate the uniform circular motion of a conical pendulum.
TL;DR: In this article, the period of the pendulum has been studied experimentally by suspending a bob on a thin, light string, displacing the bob until the string makes an angle Θ with the vertical, and then releasing the bob.
Abstract: Traditionally, the period of the pendulum has been studied experimentally by suspending a bob on a thin, light string, displacing the bob until the string makes an angle Θ with the vertical, and then releasing the bob.
TL;DR: In this article, a Coke bottle is modeled in analogy to a resonant LC circuit to obtain a theoretical prediction of the fundamental frequency as a function of the length of the air column.
Abstract: A Coke™ bottle is modeled in analogy to a resonant LC circuit to obtain a theoretical prediction of the fundamental frequency as a function of the length of the air column. Experimental measurements are in excellent accord with our model.
TL;DR: The parallel-axis theorem implies that the period of a physical pendulum is the same for all locations of the axis equidistant from the center of mass as mentioned in this paper, which can be demonstrated for the simple geometry of a rectangular plate with a concentric hole, where a knife edge supports the plate at different points along the rim of the hole.
Abstract: The parallel-axis theorem implies that the period of a physical pendulum is the same for all locations of the axis equidistant from the center of mass. This can be demonstrated for the simple geometry of a rectangular plate with a concentric hole, where a knife edge supports the plate at different points along the rim of the hole.
TL;DR: When an object is partially immersed and inclined in the water, the shadow of the object seen on the bottom of the container appears to be broken in two distinct parts or blown up in correspondence of the immersion line.
Abstract: When an object is partially immersed and inclined in the water, the shadow of the object seen on the bottom of the container appears to be broken in two distinct parts or blown up in correspondence of the immersion line. The effect is very simple to show and observations and discussions could be developed in the classroom about surface tensions, wettability, and optics.
TL;DR: In this paper, a set of wind chimes in which each hanging rod produces a clear tone, and the combination of rods generates a chord is constructed. But they did not specify the number of rods to be used.
Abstract: We offered our students an opportunity to earn bonus points by demonstrating their knowledge of standing waves. The project we developed involves constructing a set of wind chimes in which each hanging rod produces a clear tone, and the combination of rods generates a chord.
TL;DR: This paper explored student performance on a simple hands-on activity commonly referred to as "batteries and bulbs" and found that a large population of introductory calculus-based physics students formed the subject group.
Abstract: This study explores student performance on a simple hands-on activity commonly referred to as “batteries and bulbs.” A large population of introductory calculus-based physics students formed the subject group. Special consideration was given to gender differences in success rates.
TL;DR: One-dimensional head-on collisions of two objects, one of mass m1 moving with speed v1 and another mass m2 moving with velocity v2, are often treated in general physics textbooks.
Abstract: One-dimensional head-on collisions of two objects, one of mass m1 moving with speed v1, and one of mass m2 moving with speed v2, are often treated in general physics textbooks.
TL;DR: In this paper, the sources and prices of good quality plastic color filters are given, as well as information about using them for additive and subtractive color mixing, and the information about how to use them for color mixing.
Abstract: Sources and prices of good quality plastic color filters are given, as is information about using them for additive and subtractive color mixing
TL;DR: The results of a study in which simple experimental techniques and statistical analysis were used to measure the accuracy of a Global Positioning System device are presented.
Abstract: The use of the Global Positioning System is becoming increasingly widespread. We present the results of a study in which simple experimental techniques and statistical analysis were used to measure the accuracy of a Global Positioning System device.