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Jul 1986

Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 583-671

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Roemer, navigation, and the speed of light

Alan J. Friedman

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 583

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01.60.+q Biographies, tributes, personal notes, and obituaries
06.20.Jr Determination of fundamental constants

‘‘Roemer’s work’’

Robert A. Morse

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 583

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01.60.+q Biographies, tributes, personal notes, and obituaries
91.10.Da Cartography

Olaf Rømer and the speed of light

Robert H. Romer

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 583

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01.60.+q Biographies, tributes, personal notes, and obituaries
06.20.Jr Determination of fundamental constants

Acceleration of a buoyant sphere in dry water

Frank S. Crawford

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 584

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It is pointed out that the formula for the upward acceleration of a submerged, buoyant sphere should contain the effective mass of the water that is accelerated downward. (AIP)
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47.32.Ef Rotating and swirling flows

Wave properties of matter and the old quantum theory

R. C. T. da Costa

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 584

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03.65.Ta Foundations of quantum mechanics; measurement theory

Addendum to ‘‘Systematic comparison of the quantization rules of hydrogenoid atoms in the old quantum, Schrödinger, Klein–Gordon, and Dirac theories, by means of a common set of three parameters’’

A. A. Levy

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 585

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03.65.Ge Solutions of wave equations: bound states

On so‐called singular constraints in rigid‐body dynamics

Stephen F. Felszeghy

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 585

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

On the kinetic energy of the electrons in metal formation

G. Solt

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 586

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71.15.Nc Total energy and cohesive energy calculations

On chemical bonding

Peter Senn

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 587

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71.15.Nc Total energy and cohesive energy calculations

Response

Victor F. Weisskopf

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 587

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71.15.Nc Total energy and cohesive energy calculations
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Editorial: Physicists past and present. I. General education

John S. Rigden

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 589

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01.40.Di Course design and evaluation
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Resource letter PS‐1: Physics of sports

Cliff Frohlich

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 590

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This Resource Letter provides a guide to the literature on the physics of sports. The letter E after an item indicates elementary level or material of general interest to persons becoming informed in the field. The letter I, for intermediate level, indicates material of a somewhat more specialized nature; and the letter A indicates rather specialized or advanced material. An asterisk (∗) indicates those articles to be included in an accompanying Reprint Book.
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01.30.Rr Surveys and tutorial papers; resource letters
01.55.+b General physics
45.05.+x General theory of classical mechanics of discrete systems
87.19.rs Movement
87.19.ru Locomotion

1986 Richtmyer Lecture: Unification, grand unification, and the unity of physics

L. Lederman

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 594 | Cited 1 time

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The relationships among the many specialized areas of physics are discussed. The historical aspects are briefly covered, and the relevance of the superconducting super collider is emphasized. (AIP)
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01.10.Fv Conferences, lectures, and institutes
01.55.+b General physics

Frustrated total internal reflection: A demonstration and review

S. Zhu, A. W. Yu, D. Hawley, and R. Roy

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 601 | Cited 38 times

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Frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR) has been studied since the time of Newton and Fresnel. We review its history and applications in modern optics. A simple theoretical description of the phenomenon is presented using Maxwell’s equations. The analogy (often made in textbooks) between FTIR and quantum mechanical tunneling in one dimension is discussed. A simple experimental apparatus, suitable for a laboratory demonstration, is described and a quantitative comparison of the theory with experiment is made at optical wavelengths. A He–Ne laser, power meter, and a simply constructed double‐prism arrangement are used for the demonstration.
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42.25.Gy Edge and boundary effects; reflection and refraction
42.65.Ky Frequency conversion; harmonic generation, including higher-order harmonic generation
01.50.My Demonstration experiments and apparatus

Fluid dynamic and kinetic theory models for a nonprovocative land defense of central Europe

Alvin M. Saperstein

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 607

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A major problem in using theory to make predictions in a practical situation is the validity of the theory. The theoretical predictions are only as good as the theory. A model is developed, based upon a one‐dimensional equation of continuity, for predicting the effectiveness of an attritional mode of defense against a conventional land attack in Europe. The validity of the model and its predictions is tested by comparing the results with those of a stochastic, discrete model of multiple small defensive battles, with the latter results obtained by Monte Carlo type computer simulations. The concordance of the results supports the validity of the models and the efficacy of applying physical‐type reasoning to pressing, nonphysical, world problems.
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01.75.+m Science and society

Egg‐crate analogy

R. J. Reimann

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 612

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A simple analogy is made between a crate of eggs and a semiconductor crystal. This permits easy visualization of such semiconductor properties as valence and conduction bands, thermal creation of electron‐hole pairs, and doping. In addition, biasing is easily demonstrated along with conduction by majority and minority carriers in the valence and conduction bands.
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71.20.Mq Elemental semiconductors

Classical scattering patterns of a central potential

Richard A. Arndt and L. David Roper

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 614

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Particle scattering patterns were examined for a Coulomb potential, a Yukawa potential, and a short‐range attractive well. For the Yukawa potential and short‐range well we found structures associated with classical particle resonances. A fortran Tektronix graphics simulation was used to obtain the results presented here.
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11.80.-m Relativistic scattering theory
03.65.Nk Scattering theory

Experiment on fluid drag and viscosity with an oscillating sphere

V. K. Gupta, Gauri Shanker, and N. K. Sharma

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 619 | Cited 7 times

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The fluid drag on a spherical ball performing oscillatory motion is studied by measuring the decay of amplitude of its free oscillations. For small amplitude of oscillations, the drag force is found to be a linear function of the instantaneous velocity of the ball. This is in agreement with theory. The linear relationship is used to determine the coefficient of viscosity of air. For oscillations involving large amplitude, the relationship between the drag force and the instantaneous velocity is nonlinear. An empirical relationship between the two, consistent with the experimental data, is established.
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01.50.Pa Laboratory experiments and apparatus
47.32.Ef Rotating and swirling flows

Experimental determination of the coefficient of drag of a tennis ball

Joseph M. Zayas

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 622 | Cited 2 times

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The standard projectile motion experiment in the general physics laboratory using a spring gun and metal projectile is not sufficiently sensitive to detect air resistance effects of the ball’s motion. These effects may be successfully studied by using a commercial tennis ball pitching machine which is capable of launching balls with speeds up to about 27 m/ s with negligible spin. Assuming an air resistance force of the form f=−bv2, the coefficient b may be shown by direct solution of the equations of motion to be dependent on the muzzle velocity, the horizontal speed of the ball as it strikes the ground, and its landing angle. By measuring these quantities, b may be obtained and its value then used to compute the drag coefficient CD for the ball. Experimental values of CD compare well with similar values obtained for smooth spheres by other methods.
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01.50.Pa Laboratory experiments and apparatus
45.05.+x General theory of classical mechanics of discrete systems

Experiments on electro‐optic effects with a ceramic dielectric

H. Ofer, H. J. Jodl, and G. Theysohn

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 625 | Cited 1 time

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An experimental investigation of the Kerr effect is described which uses the optical ceramic PLZT, instead of the poisonous nitrobenzene, as a birefringent medium. Both the transverse and the longitudinal electro‐optic effect can be demonstrated. A wide range of further quantitative measurements may be performed using the optical ceramic. As examples we describe how temperature‐dependent properties and hysteresis characteristics of the material can be examined, and demonstrate technical applications such as in welding goggles or for the intensity modulation of a light beam.
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78.20.Jq Electro-optical effects

Generalization of Coulomb’s law to Maxwell’s equations using special relativity

Donald H. Kobe

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 631 | Cited 3 times

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Maxwell’s equations are obtained by generalizing the laws of electrostatics, which follow from Coulomb’s law and the principle of superposition, so that they are consistent with special relativity. In addition, it is necessary to assume that electric charge is a conserved scalar. The Lorentz force on a charged particle and its energy conservation condition are obtained by making Newton’s second law for the particle in an electrostatic field consistent with special relativity. Magnetic monopoles can be introduced into Maxwell’s theory in a way consistent with special relativity.
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03.50.De Classical electromagnetism, Maxwell equations
03.30.+p Special relativity

Putting together a research‐grade laser refractometer in a teaching laboratory

A. A. Zaidi, Y. Makdisi, S. Waldenstrøm, and K. Razi Naqvi

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 637 | Cited 4 times

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The fixed angle of incidence method was developed in Trondheim as an alternative to the classical minimum deviation method [Am. J. Phys. 46, 1009 (1978)]. Modifications to the original apparatus, which has since been duplicated elsewhere, are made, and greater accuracy is achieved by (i) replacing the conventional light source with a laser and (ii) measuring two lengths instead of the deviation angle. Using a tunable dye laser, we have been able to reproduce the dispersion curve of water in the range 366–644 nm with a modicum of effort and equipment.
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01.50.Pa Laboratory experiments and apparatus
07.60.Hv Refractometers and reflectometers
78.20.Ci Optical constants (including refractive index, complex dielectric constant, absorption, reflection and transmission coefficients, emissivity)

The sweet spot of a baseball bat

H. Brody

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 640 | Cited 7 times

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The physics of the three sweet spots of a baseball bat is discussed and the location of the ball impact point on the bat that leads to maximum ‘‘power’’ (greatest batted ball speed) is determined.
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45.05.+x General theory of classical mechanics of discrete systems

A class of exactly soluble many‐body Hamiltonians

Antonio Redondo

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 643 | Cited 2 times

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A class of exactly soluble N‐particle Hamiltonians is presented. The matrix representation of these Hamiltonians, which consists of one‐ and two‐body interactions, is block diagonal. The blocks consist of a finite‐dimensional matrices which can be easily diagonalized. An example for a system with two particles is discussed.
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03.65.Ge Solutions of wave equations: bound states
03.65.Db Functional analytical methods

More on the concentration dependence of Fick’s laws

R. Ghez and W. E. Langlois

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 646 | Cited 1 time

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We show that concentration‐dependent diffusivities that enter Fick’s laws can be derived from random‐walk models of diffusion. In particular, Darken’s phenomenological expression for that dependence results if the transition frequencies depend on the occupation of final states. We develop the one‐dimensional discrete‐to‐continuum passage with some care, and, in particular, we show that fluxes must be defined at the midpoint between lattice sites, even for nonlinear problems.
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05.60.-k Transport processes
66.90.+r Other topics in nonelectronic transport properties of condensed matter (restricted to new topics in section 66)
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Explaining the skin effect simply, with V=RI+L(dI/dt )

N. Gauthier

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 649

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Abstract Unavailable
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73.25.+i Surface conductivity and carrier phenomena
41.20.Gz Magnetostatics; magnetic shielding, magnetic induction, boundary-value problems

Photons in introductory quantum physics

J. Strnad

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 650 | Cited 2 times

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03.65.Ta Foundations of quantum mechanics; measurement theory
03.65.Sq Semiclassical theories and applications
14.70.Bh Photons
42.50.-p Quantum optics

Comment on ‘‘Simple experiment illustrating the properties of waves in a refractive medium’’ [Am. J. Phys. 52, 77 (1984)]

M. Yuste and C. Carreras

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 652

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Abstract Unavailable
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01.50.Pa Laboratory experiments and apparatus
42.25.Gy Edge and boundary effects; reflection and refraction
07.60.Hv Refractometers and reflectometers

More on the point charge and the infinite plane

Jorge Videla and Nelson Zamorano

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 654

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Abstract Unavailable
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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

Group velocity: Display by computer graphics

Ralph Baierlein

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 656

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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

Demonstration of a slow inelastic collision

F. Herrmann

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 658

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

Harmonic motions

Yosi Avron

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 659 | Cited 1 time

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Abstract Unavailable
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45.05.+x General theory of classical mechanics of discrete systems
41.60.-m Radiation by moving charges

Remarks on a well‐known collision experiment

S. K. Bose

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 660

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

Why can we hear but not see around a corner?

Joe L. Ferguson

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 661

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Abstract Unavailable
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42.66.Si Psychophysics of vision, visual perception; binocular vision
43.66.Lj Perceptual effects of sound

On the matching conditions for hard core potentials

V. J. Menon

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 662 | Cited 1 time

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Abstract Unavailable
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03.65.Nk Scattering theory

Reciprocal lattice in two dimensions

B. N. Narahari Achar

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 663

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Abstract Unavailable
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61.50.Ah Theory of crystal structure, crystal symmetry; calculations and modeling

Are microscopic pictures part of macroscopic thermodynamics?

Herman Erlichson

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 665 | Cited 1 time

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Abstract Unavailable
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45.05.+x General theory of classical mechanics of discrete systems
05.70.Ln Nonequilibrium and irreversible thermodynamics

Reply to ‘‘Are microscopic pictures part of macroscopic thermodynamics?’’ [Am. J. Phys. 54, 665 (1986)]

Bruce Arne Sherwood and W. H. Bernard

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 666

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Abstract Unavailable
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45.05.+x General theory of classical mechanics of discrete systems
05.70.Ln Nonequilibrium and irreversible thermodynamics

Modifying Helmholtz coils to magnetically drive a small dipole

Paul A. Lucas

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 666

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Abstract Unavailable
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41.20.Gz Magnetostatics; magnetic shielding, magnetic induction, boundary-value problems
01.50.My Demonstration experiments and apparatus

Comment on the slipping of a rolling sphere [Am. J. Phys. 52, 997 (1984)]

M. G. Olsson

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 667

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

J. J. Sakurai, Author and Richard L. Liboff

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 668 | Cited 1 time

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

POST‐USE REVIEW: Physics

Hans C. Ohanian, Author and A. Douglas Davis

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 668

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

Differential Geometry and Relativity Theory: An Introduction

Richard L. Faber, Author and Gregory Naber

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 669

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Abstract Unavailable
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01.30.mp Textbooks for undergraduates
02.40.Hw Classical differential geometry
04.90.+e Other topics in general relativity and gravitation (restricted to new topics in section 04)

Rainbows, Snowflakes, and Quarks

Hans C. von Baeyer, Author and Thomas D. Rossing

American Journal of Physics -- July 1986 -- Volume 54, Issue 7, pp. 670

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Abstract Unavailable
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01.30.Ee Monographs and collections
01.55.+b General physics
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