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Results for “physics.ed-ph”

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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2008

Visualizing Teleportation

A novel way of picturing the processing of quantum information is described, allowing a direct visualization of teleportation of quantum states and providing a simple and intuitive understanding of this fascinating phenomenon. The discussion is aimed at providing physicists a method of explaining teleportation to non-scientists. The basic ideas of quantum physics are first explained in lay terms, after which these ideas are used with a graphical description, out of which teleportation arises naturally.

physics.ed-ph↗

arXiv2007

A practical guide to stochastic simulations of reaction-diffusion processes

A practical introduction to stochastic modelling of reaction-diffusion processes is presented. No prior knowledge of stochastic simulations is assumed. The methods are explained using illustrative examples. The article starts with the classical Gillespie algorithm for the stochastic modelling of chemical reactions. Then stochastic algorithms for modelling molecular diffusion are given. Finally, basic stochastic reaction-diffusion methods are presented. The connections between stochastic simulations and deterministic models are explained and basic mathematical tools (e.g. chemical master equation) are presented. The article concludes with an overview of more advanced methods and problems.

q-bio.SC↗

arXiv2007

An English translation o Bertrand's theorem

A beautiful theorem due to J. L. F. Bertrand concerning the laws of attraction that admit bounded closed orbits for arbitrarily chosen initial conditions is translated from French into English.

physics.class-ph↗

arXiv2007

Alice and Bob and Hendrik

This paper offers an alternative approach to discussing both the principle of relativity and the derivation of the Lorentz transformations. This approach uses the idea that there may not be a preferred inertial frame through a privileged access to information about events. In classroom discussions, it has been my experience that this approach produces some lively arguments.

physics.gen-ph↗

arXiv2007

The Forgotten Night: The Number Devil Explores Spherical Geometry

This is a missing chapter from Hans Magnus Enzensberger's mathematical adventure The Number Devil (Henry Holt and Company, New York, 1997). In the book, a math-hating boy named Robert is visited in his dreams by the clever Number Devil, who teaches him to love all things numerical. However, we all forget our dreams from time to time. Here is one adventure that Enzensberger overlooked, where the Number Devil introduces Robert to geometry not-of-Euclid, great circles, parallel transport, the pendulum of Foucault, and the genius of Euler.

math.HO↗

arXiv2007

The Scientific Method

The nature of the scientific method is controversial with claims that a single scientific method does not even exist. However the scientific method does exist. It is the building of logical and self consistent models to describe nature. The models are constrained by past observations and judged by their ability to correctly predict new observations and interesting phenomena. The observations exist independent of the models but acquire meaning from their context within a model. Observations must be carefully done and reproducible to minimize errors. Models assumptions that do not lead to testable predictions are rejected as unnecessary.

physics.hist-ph↗

arXiv2007

Relativity without tears

Special relativity is no longer a new revolutionary theory but a firmly established cornerstone of modern physics. The teaching of special relativity, however, still follows its presentation as it unfolded historically, trying to convince the audience of this teaching that Newtonian physics is natural but incorrect and special relativity is its paradoxical but correct amendment. I argue in this article in favor of logical instead of historical trend in teaching of relativity and that special relativity is neither paradoxical nor correct (in the absolute sense of the nineteenth century) but the most natural and expected description of the real space-time around us valid for all practical purposes. This last circumstance constitutes a profound mystery of modern physics better known as the cosmological constant problem.

physics.ed-ph↗

arXiv2007

Eduction and Economy -- An Analysis of Statistical Data

In this paper the correlation between education, research and macroeconomic strength of countries at a global scale is analyzed on the basis of statistical data published by the UNIDO and OECD. It uses sets of composite indicators describing the economical performance and competitiveness as well as those relevant for human development, education, knowledge and technology achievement and correlates them. It turns out that for countries with a human development index (HDI) below 0.7 the basic education and technology achievement indices are the driving force for further development, whereas for the industrialized countries the knowledge index as a composite education and communication index has the strongest effect on the economic strength of a country as measured by the gross domestic product.

physics.soc-ph↗

arXiv2007

Research News -- Quantum Mechanical Entanglement and Tests of CPT Theorem with Neutral Mesons at e+ e- Colliders

We review the recent confirmation of quantum entanglement in e+ e- collisions at the BELLE experiment at KEK-B in Japan with neutral B- mesons, and at the KLOE experiment at the DAFNE in Italy with neutral K- mesons. Such effects in the latter system seen already in proton-antiproton collisions by the CPLEAR experiment are also reviewed for purposes of comparison. In addition, the KLOE experiment provides new tests of the CPT theorem and are briefly discussed.

physics.pop-ph↗

arXiv2007

Ettore Majorana's Inaugural Lecture on Theoretical Physics (Naples, Italy; Jan.13, 1938)

Ettore Majorana was a member of Enrico Fermi's research group in Rome, Italy. Fermi did regard Majorana as much brihter than himself as far as theoretical physics was concerned (more information can be found particularly in the arXives' e-print physics/9810023, in Italian, and refs therein, and also in the recent multilanguage arXiv:0708.2855v1 [physics.hist-ph]). In 1937 Majorana partecipated in the national Italian competition, for a chair in theoretical phyics, requested by Emilio Segre' at that time at Palermo University: Other competitors being GC.Wick, G.Racah, and G.Gentile jr. After a proposal of the judging Commette, chaired by E.Fermi, Majorana got a full-professorship at Naples University, for exceptional scientific merits, outside the competition normal procedures. In this e-print we make known the notes prepared by Majorana for his Inaugural Lecture (and discovered long ago, in 1973, by one of the present editors (ER)),together with some comments of ours: everything being both in English (first article) and in Italian (second article, with a short Bibliography at its end). The present articles have been prepared on the occasion of the Centenary (2006) of Majorana's birth. The preliminary notes for his Inaugural Lecture reveal Majorana's interest not only for scientific research, but also for the best didactical methods to be followed in order to teach classical and quantum physics in the most effective way (while his approach to Special Relativity is known to us from his lecture notes, published elesewhere). P.S.: Il Riassunto in Italiano appare all'inizio della versione italiana.

physics.hist-ph↗

arXiv2008

An In-Class Discussion Activity on the Nature of Science and Intelligent Design

In this paper I describe an in-class discussion activity aimed at helping elementary education majors in a physical science course think about issues surrounding the inclusion of "Intelligent Design" in public school science standards. I discuss the background instruction given, the content of the activity and some results from its use in class.

physics.ed-ph↗

arXiv2007

Light and Electromagnetic Waves Teaching in Engineering Education

Suggestion of physics laboratory exercises and discussion of the physics laboratory curricula for engineering majors where the properties of light and electromagnetic waves are studied in parallel. It is shown that one of the important educational advantages of an experimental study of the properties of microwaves as an example of electromagnetic waves simultaneously with the properties of light are, on one hand, visualization of the properties of microwaves, and on the other hand, provide evidences that light is an electromagnetic wave.

physics.ed-ph↗

arXiv2009

In-situ observation of a soap film catenoid - a simple educational physics experiment

The solution to the Euler-Lagrange equation is an extremal functional.To understand that the functional is stationary at local extrema (maxima or minima), we propose a physics experiment that involves using soap film to form a catenoid. A catenoid is a surface that is formed between two coaxial circular rings and is classified mathematically as a minimal surface.Using soap film, we create catenoids between two rings and characterize the catenoid in-situ while varying distance between rings. The shape of the soap film is very interesting and can be explained using dynamic mechanics. By observing catenoid, physics students can observe local extrema phenomena. We stress that in-situ observation of soap film catenoids is an appropriate physics experiment that combines theory and experimentation.

physics.class-ph↗

arXiv2009

The dog-and-rabbit chase problem as an exercise in introductory kinematics

The purpose of this article is to present a simple solution of the classic dog-and-rabbit chase problem which emphasizes the use of concepts of elementary kinematics and, therefore, can be used in introductory mechanics course. The article is based on the teaching experience of introductory mechanics course at Novosibirsk State University for first year physics students which are just beginning to use advanced mathematical methods in physics problems. We hope it will be also useful for students and teachers at other universities too.

physics.ed-ph↗

arXiv2008

Tiger Tales: A Critical Examination of the Tiger's Enclosure at the San Francisco Zoo

Given the recent tragedy involving a 350 pound Siberian Tiger and the death of teenager Carlos Souza Jr., one must ask a fundamental question: Can a tiger overcome an obstacle that is thirty-three feet away and twelve and a half feet tall? Are these dimensions sufficient enough to protect the zoo-visitors from a potential escape and/or attack? To answer these questions we use simple two-dimensional projectile motion to find the minimum velocity a tiger needs in order to clear the obstacle. With our results we conclude that it is highly likely that the tiger was able to leap over the obstacle with ease!

physics.soc-ph↗

arXiv2008

Looking Beyond Content: Skill development for engineers

Current concerns over reforming engineering education have focused attention on helping students develop skills and an adaptive expertise. Phenomenological guidelines for instruction along these lines can be understood as arising out of an emerging theory of thinking and learning built on results in the neural, cognitive, and behavioral sciences. We outline this framework and consider some of its implications for one example: developing a more detailed understanding of the specific skill of using mathematics in modeling physical situations. This approach provides theoretical underpinnings for some best-practice instructional methods designed to help students develop this skill and providesguidance for further research in the area.

physics.ed-ph↗

arXiv2009

The meaning of 1 in l(l+1)

The magnitude of the angular momentum ($J^2$) in quantum mechanics is larger than expected from a classical model. We explain this deviation in terms of quantum fluctuations. A standard quantum mechanical calculation gives the correct interpretation of the components of the angular momentum in the vector model in terms of projections and fluctuations. We show that the addition of angular momentum in quantum mechanics gives results consistent with the classical intuition in this vector model.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2008

Heuristic model of teaching

A simple physical model differentiates effective from ineffective teaching and identifies elements that make teaching productive, with specific implications concerning training of teachers.

physics.ed-ph↗