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Dec 1983

Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1065-1160

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Physics students, authority, and the real world

M. A. B. Whitaker

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1065

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01.30.mp Textbooks for undergraduates
01.55.+b General physics

Letter to the Editor

Terry Zaccone

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1066

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01.30.mp Textbooks for undergraduates
01.55.+b General physics

References of articles

A. D. Jordan and A. H. Kalantar

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1066

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01.30.-y Physics literature and publications

Comment on a problem

Oliver B. Keyes

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1066

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45.05.+x General theory of classical mechanics of discrete systems

Addendum: ‘‘Hesiod’s universe’’

Bartley L. Cardon

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1066

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45.05.+x General theory of classical mechanics of discrete systems

Some further remarks on the Archimedes’ principle

D. C. Agrawal and V. J. Menon

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1067

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62.10.+s Mechanical properties of liquids

Letter to the Editor

P. D. Gupta

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1067

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01.50.My Demonstration experiments and apparatus
07.50.-e Electrical and electronic instruments and components
07.55.-w Magnetic instruments and components
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New Problems

Edward M. Purcell, Editor

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1068

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01.40.-d Education

Solutions to November Problems

Edward M. Purcell, Editor

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1068

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01.40.-d Education

Some Corrections and Some Comments

Edward M. Purcell, Editor

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1068

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01.40.-d Education
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Energy forms or energy carriers?

G. , F. Herrmann, and G. Bruno Schmid

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1074 | Cited 7 times

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It is customary to say that energy exists in different forms which are transformed or converted into one another during physical processes. However, a careful analysis shows that thinking in and speaking of energy forms is inappropriate and conceptually even misleading. Since most textbooks use the term ‘‘energy form’’ without spelling out a clear procedure by which different ‘‘forms’’ of energy can be categorized, rigorous criteria for categorizing flowing and stored energy are discussed in this paper. These criteria show that the term ‘‘energy form’’ for the respective categories is unsatisfactory because it easily leads to the misinterpretation that there are different kinds of energy, rather than emphasizing the simpler and physically more correct picture of energy as an unalterable substance. Taking into account the well‐known but little recognized natural law that energy always flows simultaneously with at least one other physical quantity, the concept of energy carrier is introduced. This concept provides a clear picture of how energy is transported, exchanged, and stored. This picture is scientifically accurate, yet simple and easy to present even at an elementary level.
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01.55.+b General physics
66.90.+r Other topics in nonelectronic transport properties of condensed matter (restricted to new topics in section 66)
72.90.+y Other topics in electronic transport in condensed matter (restricted to new topics in section 72)
05.70.-a Thermodynamics

Laser spectroscopy on a ‘‘shoestring’’

J. C. Camparo and C. M. Klimcak

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1077 | Cited 5 times

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The advent of tunable lasers has had a profound influence on both experimental and theoretical physics. Unfortunately, since these laser systems are typically hazardous and expensive, the physics student at the undergraduate or first‐year graduate level has no real familiarity with their application in modern physics; and thus cannot fully appreciate their significance. Tunable single mode laser diodes, however, may offer a remedy to this situation. To demonstrate their applicability, we have designed a relatively simple and inexpensive experiment of laser diode spectroscopy in an atomic beam which illustrates the effect of hyperfine structure and the isotope shift in the rubidium D1 transition (52S1/2−52P1/2). Furthermore, this experiment demonstrates the possibility of investigating basic physics without major expenditures for laser systems and laboratory facilities.
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01.50.Pa Laboratory experiments and apparatus
32.30.Jc Visible and ultraviolet spectra
32.10.Fn Fine and hyperfine structure
42.62.-b Laser applications

Electromagnetic waves without Maxwell’s equations

Melvin S. Steinberg

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1081

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Elementary experimental information about magnetostatic field production by turned‐on current sources suggests that such fields are nonpropagating superpositions of electromagnetic waves. It is shown that the local structure of these waves may be deduced from the Lorentz force law and the transformations of special relativity, without the intervention of Maxwell’s equations. The electromagnetic energy density formula is identified in the context of field production by a model ‘‘circuit’’ consisting of opposed parallel current sheets. Coulomb’s law of electrostatics is deduced by transforming the magnetostatic field of this circuit into the rest frames of the source particles.
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41.20.Cv Electrostatics; Poisson and Laplace equations, boundary-value problems
41.20.Gz Magnetostatics; magnetic shielding, magnetic induction, boundary-value problems
03.50.De Classical electromagnetism, Maxwell equations
41.20.Jb Electromagnetic wave propagation; radiowave propagation
03.30.+p Special relativity
03.50.Kk Other special classical field theories

Elastic electron‐atom collision effects in the Franck–Hertz experiment

D. R. A. McMahon

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1086 | Cited 3 times

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In the Franck–Hertz experiment one observes the effect of inelastic collisions in which fixed quanta of energy are exchanged between electrons and atoms. It is shown here that one can also readily demonstrate with a Franck–Hertz apparatus energy‐dependent features of the elastic collision cross section. For mercury vapor of sufficiently high pressure, elastic electron–atom collisions between the grid and the anode are able to energy analyze the electrons so that the characteristic peaks and troughs in the anode current are still observed without the traditional retarding field to separate off the lowest‐energy electrons. This is because in mercury vapor the most energetic electrons have the longest mean free path, are more penetrating through the gas, and are the most likely electrons to reach the anode. The electron transport theory for this effect is developed and applied to a crude determination of the electron energy distribution. Not surprisingly, the electron energy distribution in this experiment consists of two electron groups separated in energy by 4–5 eV consistent with the known 61S‐63P energy‐level separation in mercury of 4.9 eV.
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01.50.Pa Laboratory experiments and apparatus
34.80.Bm Elastic scattering
51.50.+v Electrical properties (ionization, breakdown, electron and ion mobility, etc.)

The special theory of relativity and the one‐way speed of light

Burke Townsend

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1092 | Cited 5 times

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Two recent discussions in this journal of the conventionality of the one‐way speed of light in the special theory of relativity are corrected and generalized. It is concluded that these discussions reveal no ground for a challenge of the traditional conventionalist thesis.
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03.30.+p Special relativity

Classical mechanics and the electron spin

André Heslot

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1096 | Cited 2 times

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It is shown by means of simple techniques how it is possible to describe the electron spin and to predict the correct value for the gyromagnetic ratio within the framework of nonrelativistic classical mechanics. The paper illustrates at an elementary level the relevance of the generator aspect of observables in classical mechanics.
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45.05.+x General theory of classical mechanics of discrete systems
14.60.Cd Electrons (including positrons)

Radial photon paths in a cosmic model: A student exercise

Jack Higbie

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1102

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We address primarily the question of why it is that early light has taken so long to reach us given that initially all galaxies were so close together in a big bang model. We perform a pair of simple numerical integrations in order to trace the present photon trajectory backward in time. We find that this data not only answers our initial question but is also sufficient to make several model predictions and alternative ‘‘world maps’’ of galactic trajectories.
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95.30.Sf Relativity and gravitation
98.80.Cq Particle-theory and field-theory models of the early Universe (including cosmic pancakes, cosmic strings, chaotic phenomena, inflationary universe, etc.)
04.20.-q Classical general relativity

Alternative approach to the concepts of special relativity

L. Kannenberg

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1107 | Cited 1 time

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Some subtleties in the concept of simultaneity are avoided with a presentation of relativity which emphasizes the importance of the inertial frames as a privileged set for reconciling transit times of signals traversing closed curves in opposite senses.
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03.30.+p Special relativity

Additional formulas for stimulated atomic transitions

A. E. Siegman

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1110 | Cited 1 time

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A number of additional formulas for stimulated atomic transitions are presented to supplement the collection of formulas recently assembled by Hilborn [Am. J. Phys. 50, 982–986 (1982)]. Additional topics covered include resonant atoms imbedded in a dielectric medium, the vector and tensor susceptibility properties of atomic transitions, and the often‐discussed ‘‘factor of 3.’’
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78.45.+h Stimulated emission
77.22.Ej Polarization and depolarization
03.50.De Classical electromagnetism, Maxwell equations
41.20.Jb Electromagnetic wave propagation; radiowave propagation
32.70.-n Intensities and shapes of atomic spectral lines

A derivation of the classical monopole energy loss from angular momentum conservation

J. S. Trefil

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1113

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It is shown that the classical energy loss for a magnetic monopole in matter can be derived completely from considerations of angular momentum conservation, without recourse to the usual dynamical calculations. This derivation provides insight into the role of the angular momentum of the electromagnetic field in problems involving magnetic monopoles.
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41.20.Gz Magnetostatics; magnetic shielding, magnetic induction, boundary-value problems
14.80.Hv Magnetic monopoles

Adding plane waves to find the complete TM and TE wave solutions for metallic rectangular waveguide

D. J. White and G. Everett

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1115 | Cited 1 time

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The superposition of plane waves, ray optics, and geometrical arguments are used to find the complete set of transverse magnetic (TM) and transverse electric (TE) modes in rectangular waveguide. These same methods are used to find the TEn0 modes in rectangular waveguide partially filled with a dielectric. This approach gives a clear physical picture of guided wave propagation. The partial differential wave equation, which perhaps tends to obscure the relations between plane waves, TE and TM modes, as well as group and phase velocities, need not be directly solved using this approach.
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03.50.De Classical electromagnetism, Maxwell equations
41.20.Jb Electromagnetic wave propagation; radiowave propagation
42.79.Gn Optical waveguides and couplers
84.40.Az Waveguides, transmission lines, striplines

Mass renormalization in classical electrodynamics

David J. Griffiths and Russell E. Owen

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1120 | Cited 13 times

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The electromagnetic mass of a charged object can be calculated by three independent methods: (1) mu=u/c2, where u is the field energy of the object at rest, (2) mp=p/v, where p is the field momentum when the particle is moving at speed v, and (3) ms=F/a, where F is the self‐force when the object has acceleration a. In the context of a simple dumbbell model we demonstrate that mp=ms, but these in general exceed mu.
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41.20.Cv Electrostatics; Poisson and Laplace equations, boundary-value problems
41.20.Gz Magnetostatics; magnetic shielding, magnetic induction, boundary-value problems

Energy gaps in one‐dimensional amorphous materials: a disordered Kronig–Penney model

Alvin M. Saperstein

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1127

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With use of a model of equal rectangular potential barriers, randomly spaced, without overlapping, along an infinite axis, it is shown how gaps can be derived in the continuum of energies allowed to electrons in a one‐dimensional amorphous material. The simple derivation allows a direct comparison between the energy gaps in amorphous materials and those in perfect crystals.
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71.23.-k Electronic structure of disordered solids

Relativistic addition of velocities directly from the constancy of the velocity of light

N. David Mermin

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1130 | Cited 7 times

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The relativistic addition law for parallel velocities is derived as an immediate consequence of the constancy of the velocity of light, without making use of Lorentz transformations, and without appealing to the phenomena of length contraction, time dilation, or the relativity of simultaneity.
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03.30.+p Special relativity

Generalized prism dispersion theory

F. J. Duarte and J. A. Piper

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1132 | Cited 6 times

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The case of dispersion in multiple‐prism arrays is considered. A general expression is derived, using geometrical optics, for the dispersion of multiple‐prism assemblies arranged either in the additive or the compensating‐pair configurations.
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42.79.Bh Lenses, prisms and mirrors
42.79.Fm Reflectors, beam splitters, and deflectors
42.15.Dp Wave fronts and ray tracing

Quantum solutions of the damped harmonic oscillator

G. J. Milburn and D. F. Walls

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1134 | Cited 4 times

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Solutions to the Fokker–Planck equation for a damped harmonic oscillator corresponding to uniquely quantum‐mechanical initial states with no classical correspondence are given.
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03.65.Ge Solutions of wave equations: bound states

Bound states and scattering from a one‐dimensional hydrogen atom at a boundary

I.Richard Lapidus

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1137 | Cited 5 times

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The bound‐state energy of a one‐dimensional hydrogen atom with a δ‐function potential is modified by the presence of a nearby boundary. The distortion of the wave function raises the energy of the atom. If the atom is sufficiently close to a high barrier the system does not have a bound state. Scattering from a δ‐function potential is also modified by the presence of the boundary. This simple example, which can be solved exactly, may help to provide insight into more realistic interactions between single atoms and surfaces.
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03.65.Ge Solutions of wave equations: bound states
03.65.Nk Scattering theory

Differential forms as a basis for vector analysis—with applications to electrodynamics

Nathan Schleifer

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1139 | Cited 2 times

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I give a concise and self‐contained presentation of the theory of differential forms and how it subsumes all of classical vector analysis when applied to a three‐dimensional space. The differential form analog of all vector operators, identities, and theorems are given (many of which are proved), all in the context of classical electrodynamics.
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02.30.-f Function theory, analysis
03.50.De Classical electromagnetism, Maxwell equations
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Another treatment of a trajectory

H. L. Armstrong

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1146

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Abstract Unavailable
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45.05.+x General theory of classical mechanics of discrete systems

Symmetrization of C. G. Darwin’s clock paradox scenario

Frank S. Crawford

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1146

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Abstract Unavailable
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03.30.+p Special relativity

A scheme for remembering magnetic units

Morton A. Fineman

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1147

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Abstract Unavailable
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06.20.F- Units and standards
03.50.De Classical electromagnetism, Maxwell equations

A note on the Poincaré gauge

Bo‐Sture K. Skagerstam

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1148 | Cited 3 times

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03.50.De Classical electromagnetism, Maxwell equations

The displacement current

W. G. V. Rosser

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1149

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41.20.Gz Magnetostatics; magnetic shielding, magnetic induction, boundary-value problems

Reply to ‘‘The displacement current’’

William K. Terry

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1150

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41.20.Gz Magnetostatics; magnetic shielding, magnetic induction, boundary-value problems

Approximate energy levels of central field bound quantum systems

Francisco M. Fernández and Eduardo A. Castro

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1150

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Abstract Unavailable
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03.65.Ge Solutions of wave equations: bound states

Virial coefficients for one‐dimensional hard rods

Marvin Bishop

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1151 | Cited 2 times

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Abstract Unavailable
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05.70.Ce Thermodynamic functions and equations of state

Comments on ‘‘The effect of gravity on the velocity of sound’’

W. Stocker

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1152

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43.35.Ae Ultrasonic velocity, dispersion, scattering, diffraction, and attenuation in gases
43.20.Bi Mathematical theory of wave propagation
51.40.+p Acoustical properties
92.60.-e Properties and dynamics of the atmosphere; meteorology

Remarks on the Comments of W. Stocker

D. C. Agrawal and V. J. Menon

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1153

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Abstract Unavailable
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05.20.Dd Kinetic theory
43.28.Fp Outdoor sound propagation through a stationary atmosphere, meteorological factors
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Electromagnetism. Paths to Research

Doris Teplitz, Editor and David Griffiths

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1154

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Abstract Unavailable
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01.30.Ee Monographs and collections
41.20.Jb Electromagnetic wave propagation; radiowave propagation
03.50.De Classical electromagnetism, Maxwell equations

Gauge Theories in Particle Physics

I. J. R. Aitchison, Author, A. J. G. Hey, Author, and John F. Donoghue

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1156

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Abstract Unavailable
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01.30.mm Textbooks for graduates and researchers
11.15.-q Gauge field theories
03.70.+k Theory of quantized fields

Newtonian Dynamics

Ralph Baierlein, Author and Sheldon H. Radin

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1157

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Abstract Unavailable
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01.30.mp Textbooks for undergraduates
45.05.+x General theory of classical mechanics of discrete systems

A Symmetry Primer for Scientists

Joe Rosen, Author and William C. Davidon

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1158

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Abstract Unavailable
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01.30.Ee Monographs and collections
01.55.+b General physics
11.30.-j Symmetry and conservation laws

POST‐USE REVIEW: Electronics Circuits and Devices

Ralph J. Smith, Author and Kenneth Laws

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1159

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Abstract Unavailable
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01.30.mp Textbooks for undergraduates
84.30.Bv Circuit theory
84.30.-r Electronic circuits
85.40.Bh Computer-aided design of microcircuits; layout and modeling

Chemistry, Quantum Mechanics and Reductionism: Perspectives in Theoretical Chemistry

Hans Primas, Author and Abner Shimony

American Journal of Physics -- December 1983 -- Volume 51, Issue 12, pp. 1159

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Abstract Unavailable
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01.30.Ee Monographs and collections
03.65.Ta Foundations of quantum mechanics; measurement theory
01.70.+w Philosophy of science
82.90.+j Other topics in physical chemistry and chemical physics (restricted to new topics in section 82)
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