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Dec 1986

Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1063-1157

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More on Olympic records and g

George W. Ficken, Jr.

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1063

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Abstract Unavailable
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87.19.rs Movement
87.19.ru Locomotion

Higher voltage, less energy?

Robert E. Jones

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1063

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Abstract Unavailable
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01.75.+m Science and society
84.70.+p High-current and high-voltage technology: power systems; power transmission lines and cables

The role of referees

John W. Jewett, Jr.

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1063

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Abstract Unavailable
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01.30.-y Physics literature and publications
01.90.+g Other topics of general interest (restricted to new topics in section 01)

QED and Copernican epicycles

H. Aspden

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1064

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Abstract Unavailable
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12.20.Ds Specific calculations
12.20.Fv Experimental tests

Abuses in salary reviews result from secrecy

Alex A. Berezin

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1064

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Abstract Unavailable
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01.40.-d Education
01.75.+m Science and society

‘‘Free‐particle’’ software

R. H. Good

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1064

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Abstract Unavailable
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01.50.ht Instructional computer use
41.20.Jb Electromagnetic wave propagation; radiowave propagation
07.05.Hd Data acquisition: hardware and software
07.05.Kf Data analysis: algorithms and implementation; data management
07.05.Rm Data presentation and visualization: algorithms and implementation

On the magnetic field of a solenoid

Minoru Harada

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1065

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Abstract Unavailable
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41.20.Gz Magnetostatics; magnetic shielding, magnetic induction, boundary-value problems
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Editorial: The current challenge: Introductory physics

John S. Rigden Editor

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1067

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Abstract Unavailable
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01.40.Di Course design and evaluation
01.55.+b General physics
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Rudolf Clausius and the road to entropy

William H. Cropper

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1068 | Cited 2 times

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That Rudolf Clausius invented the entropy concept is well known, but less familiar is the argument that served as his inspiration. This paper traces the development of Clausius’ ‘‘transformation theory’’ of heat, which finally persuaded him to define the measure of transformation equivalence he called entropy.
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01.65.+g History of science
01.60.+q Biographies, tributes, personal notes, and obituaries
05.70.Ce Thermodynamic functions and equations of state

A summer program for high school physics teachers

Patricia A. Heller, Russell K. Hobbie, and Roger S. Jones

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1074 | Cited 1 time

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In the summer of 1985 we ran a workshop for high school physics teachers, sponsored by the National Science Foundation under its program of Honors Workshops for Pre‐College Teachers of Science and Mathematics. The summer experience consisted of a five‐week workshop and a four‐week industrial experience. The teachers had a wide variety of backgrounds and needs, which were accommodated in the workshop. This paper describes how the workshop was run, what activities were successful, and where we encountered problems.
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01.40.J- Teacher training
01.40.E- Science in school

Casino physics in the classroom

Charles A. Whitney

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1079 | Cited 1 time

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This article describes a seminar on the elements of probability and random processes that is computer centered and focuses on Monte Carlo simulations of processes such as coin flips, random walks on a lattice, and the behavior of photons and atoms in a gas. Representative computer programs are also described.
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01.40.Di Course design and evaluation
01.50.ht Instructional computer use
02.50.Ng Distribution theory and Monte Carlo studies
02.50.Cw Probability theory

pV cycle area equals work done: An undergraduate experiment

Daniel F. Dempsey and J. Keith Hartman

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1086 | Cited 1 time

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A simulated heat engine is described which can raise weights to a higher level. The engine’s pressure and volume data, when plotted on a pV diagram, give a closed cycle whose area is in good agreement with mgh, the work accomplished during the cycle.
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01.50.Pa Laboratory experiments and apparatus
05.70.-a Thermodynamics

The Schrödinger equation in classical physics

Stanley M. Flatté

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1088 | Cited 5 times

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The use of the Schrödinger equation in classical physics was begun in 1950; in the classical context it is known as the parabolic wave equation. The derivation of the parabolic wave equation from the full classical wave equation is analogous to deriving the Schrödinger equation from the Klein–Gordon equation. An introduction to the Schrödinger equation by this route could be of help in introductory quantum‐mechanics classes.
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03.65.Ta Foundations of quantum mechanics; measurement theory

Resolution of a cosmological paradox using concepts from general relativity theory

Abraham N. Silverman

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1092 | Cited 5 times

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According to the big bang theory, the universe began about 15 billion years ago and has been continually expanding ever since. If certain elementary physical concepts are naively applied to this cosmological theory, it can lead to a paradox in which distant astronomical objects seem to have lain at distances from the Earth larger than the possible size of the universe. The paradox is resolved by using concepts from general relativity theory. These concepts may appear startling to some readers.
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98.62.Py Distances, redshifts, radial velocities; spatial distribution of galaxies
95.30.Sf Relativity and gravitation

Solving classical mechanics problems by numerical integration of Hamilton’s equations

Daniel R. Stump

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1096

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The numerical solution of classical mechanics problems is described. The method of solution is by application of a Runge–Kutta formula to Hamilton’s equations. Two problems, the elastic pendulum and the compound pendulum, are considered as examples. The use of numerical solutions in teaching mechanics is discussed.
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45.05.+x General theory of classical mechanics of discrete systems

Using the virial theorem

Jean Sivardiere

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1100

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Elementary applications of the virial theorem are presented. The driven harmonic oscillator and the anharmonic oscillator are considered, along with the Kepler motion.
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45.05.+x General theory of classical mechanics of discrete systems

The compressed hydrogen atom

Staffan Yngve

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1103 | Cited 4 times

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A simple model of a compressed hydrogen atom and an approximate formula for the energy shift due to compression are presented. The model is used in a theoretical lab, where the numerical energy shifts obtained from the approximate formula are compared with the results of an independent numerical calculation starting from the radial Schrödinger equation with boundary conditions.
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03.65.Ge Solutions of wave equations: bound states

From wave to geometrical optics

N. Gauthier, P. Rochon, and T. J. Racey

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1107

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The problem of diffraction by a long perfectly reflecting cylinder of radius R which is illuminated by light of wave vector k is considered from the standpoint of the scalar theory of light. The transition to geometrical optics is shown to occur as kR→∞ and a comparison between the present predictions and those of Maxwell’s theory is made.
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42.15.Dp Wave fronts and ray tracing
42.25.Fx Diffraction and scattering

Current transformers

Rodney C. Cross

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1110 | Cited 1 time

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Current transformers are used primarily to measure time varying currents under conditions where some degree of isolation from the primary circuit is desired. In this paper, the basic physics of current transformers is considered and several useful techniques for extending their performance are described. They can be used in an undergraduate laboratory as the basis for very interesting and illustrative experiments on measurement techniques and on the properties of magnetic materials.
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84.32.Hh Inductors and coils; wiring
01.50.Pa Laboratory experiments and apparatus
07.50.-e Electrical and electronic instruments and components
07.55.-w Magnetic instruments and components

Microscopic observations on a kinetic Ising model

J. Marro and R. Toral

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1114

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We comment on the practical realization and physical relevance of a kinetic Ising model which has played an important role during the last decade as a guide for real experiments and for the development of theory. We stress the possibility of performing microscopic observations during the computer evolution of the model system. This is illustrated by discussing the observed behavior of some general concepts of physics such as energy, specific heat, and metastable states.
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75.10.Hk Classical spin models
05.50.+q Lattice theory and statistics (Ising, Potts, etc.)

A basic acoustic diffraction experiment for demonstrating the geometrical theory of diffraction

B. Barry Narod and Matthew J. Yedlin

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1121 | Cited 2 times

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An apparatus is described in which acoustic diffractions are generated. Such diffractions are recorded in the field when seismic data is collected over a geological area that has many faults and truncated geological structures. The design of the experiment is considered from the point of view of theoretical feasibility and practical implementation. A computer‐controlled transceiver is guided on a traverse perpendicular to a model of a rigid half‐plane. At each transceiver location an acoustic pulse is emitted, and the scattered acoustic pulse is recorded. Results of this experiment are presented and analyzed from the perspective of Keller’s geometric theory of diffraction. The predicted asymmetry of the diffraction hyperbola is observed in the model data collected.
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01.50.Pa Laboratory experiments and apparatus
43.20.Dk Ray acoustics
43.20.Fn Scattering of acoustic waves

On the radiation from point charges

H. A. Haus

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1126 | Cited 11 times

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An alternative derivation of the radiation field of a point charge is presented. It starts with the Fourier components of the current produced by the moving charge. The electric field is found from the vector wave equation. Each step in the integration permits physical interpretation. The retarded time appears very naturally in this derivation. The interpretation of the present derivation is that a charge at constant velocity math(‖math‖<c) does not radiate, not because it is unaccelerated, but because it has no Fourier components synchronous with waves traveling at the speed of light. Of course, Cherenkov radiation in a medium, in which the velocity of electromagnetic propagation is less than c, is the classic example of radiation by a charge moving at constant velocity.
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03.50.De Classical electromagnetism, Maxwell equations
41.20.Jb Electromagnetic wave propagation; radiowave propagation

An improved mechanical model to demonstrate the first‐ and second‐order phase transitions of the easy‐axis Heisenberg antiferromagnet

John E. Drumheller, David Raffaelle, and Mark Baldwin

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1130 | Cited 4 times

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A simple mechanical model is presented and analyzed which illustrates analogies to the first‐order antiferromagnetic to spin–flop phase transition and the second‐order phase transition from the ordered phase to the paramagnetic state in an ‘‘easy‐axis’’ Heisenberg antiferromagnet.
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75.30.Kz Magnetic phase boundaries (including classical and quantum magnetic transitions, metamagnetism, etc.)
75.10.Jm Quantized spin models, including quantum spin frustration

Quantizing the damped harmonic oscillator

Bernard Yurke

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1133 | Cited 4 times

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A damped harmonic oscillator can be modeled as a manifestly conservative system by replacing the dissipative element with a string or transmission line of infinite extent. This conservative system can be quantized in a straightforward manner using the standard techniques of canonical quantization. The system may be used to illustrate various aspects of the quantum mechanics of a particle interacting with a field.
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03.65.Ca Formalism

On the distribution of the nearest neighbor

M. Berberan Santos

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1139 | Cited 1 time

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The classical derivation of the distance distribution function of the nearest neighbor is discussed, and its limitations outlined. A new derivation, more general, is presented and applied to a random distribution of particles in a sphere.
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51.90.+r Other topics in the physics of gases (restricted to new topics in section 51)
61.25.Em Molecular liquids
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Induced electric field from a time‐dependent current

Mark A. Heald

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1142

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This note is an extension of the problem posed by Shakur,1 and commented on by Gauthier,2 which asks what induced electric field exists in the vicinity of a long straight wire carrying a current that increases linearly with time. While the problem appears to be elementary, it is in fact quite subtle—more for what it leaves out than what it includes. Here we pose and discuss a number of queries that might occur to someone not satisfied by Shakur’s ‘‘solution.’’
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41.20.Gz Magnetostatics; magnetic shielding, magnetic induction, boundary-value problems

Frictional force and impulse measured in the slip method of determining inertial moment

Dale L. Schruben

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1143

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Abstract Unavailable
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01.50.Pa Laboratory experiments and apparatus
45.05.+x General theory of classical mechanics of discrete systems

Comment on ‘‘Demonstration of longitudinal standing waves in a pipe revisted’’ [Am. J. Phys. 53, 1110 (1985)]

George F. Spagna, Jr.

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1146

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Abstract Unavailable
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01.50.Pa Laboratory experiments and apparatus
43.20.Mv Waveguides, wave propagation in tubes and ducts

An updated equipotential apparatus

D. E. Shaw and J. L. Dallas

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1146

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Abstract Unavailable
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01.50.Pa Laboratory experiments and apparatus
07.05.Hd Data acquisition: hardware and software
07.05.Kf Data analysis: algorithms and implementation; data management
07.05.Rm Data presentation and visualization: algorithms and implementation
07.50.-e Electrical and electronic instruments and components
07.55.-w Magnetic instruments and components

A note on the angular momentum operators

P. T. Leung

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1148

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Abstract Unavailable
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03.65.Fd Algebraic methods

A minimum time problem revisited

I. Richard Lapidus

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1148

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

Another proof of the random variable transformation theorem

B. Roy Frieden and Daniel T. Gillespie

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1149

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Abstract Unavailable
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02.50.Cw Probability theory

Observing electrical transients with multimeters

Jay S. Huebner

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1150

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Abstract Unavailable
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01.50.Pa Laboratory experiments and apparatus
07.50.-e Electrical and electronic instruments and components
07.55.-w Magnetic instruments and components
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The Picture Book of Quantum Mechanics

Siegmund Brandt, Author, Hans Dieter Dahmen, Author, and Edwin F. Taylor

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1153

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Abstract Unavailable
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01.30.mm Textbooks for graduates and researchers
03.65.-w Quantum mechanics

Quantum Mechanics in Simple Matrix Form

Thomas F. Jordan, Author and Kannan Jagannathan

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1154

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Abstract Unavailable
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01.30.mm Textbooks for graduates and researchers
01.30.mp Textbooks for undergraduates
03.65.Ta Foundations of quantum mechanics; measurement theory
03.65.Db Functional analytical methods

Entropy in relation to incomplete knowledge

K. G. Denbigh, Author, J. S. Denbigh, Author, and Ralph Baierlein

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1156

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Abstract Unavailable
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01.30.Ee Monographs and collections
05.70.-a Thermodynamics
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Seven Ideas that Shook the Universe

Nathan Spielberg, Author, Bryon D. Anderson, Author, and Art Hobson

American Journal of Physics -- December 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 12, pp. 1156

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Abstract Unavailable
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01.30.mp Textbooks for undergraduates
01.55.+b General physics
01.65.+g History of science
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