Keith Atkin

An introduction to the memristor

In recent years there has been a revolution in electronics, with a variety of physical phenomena being utilized in the construction of new types of memory circuits for computer application. A device which has had an increasing role is the memristor, whose description and properties have so far had little mention in physics education. This paper provides a simple introduction to the concept of the memristor and how it is possible to fabricate and test a working device in the teaching laboratory.

Using the Arduino with MakerPlot software for the display of resonance curves characterisic of a series LCR circuit

This paper shows how very simple circuitry attached to an Arduino microcontroller can be used for the measurement of both frequency and amplitude of a sinusoidal signal. It is also shown how the addition of a readily available software package, MakerPlot, can facilitate the display and investigation of resonance curves for a series LCR circuit.

The Teaching of Mechanics: Some Criticisms, and Suggestions for a Rational Approach.

This paper examines the common confusion associated with the meaning of mass encountered in modern textbooks, and describes some of the misconceptions to be found in the teaching of mechanics. A new teaching approach is suggested, which may provide a more logical basis for these important ideas.

Time to ditch non-SI units in physics teaching?

The current use of two sets of units in the UK continues to be a source of muddle and confusion. Young people are taught metric (SI) units in school but, in the outside world, still have to contend with units such as inches, feet, pounds, stones and miles. Specialist teachers and practitioners of the sciences are not blameless. This paper considers the fact that some units commonly used in physics, astronomy, and physics education are unnecessary, involve time-wasting conversions and frequently lead to confusion or even error. This unsatisfactory situation is illustrated by examples, and suggestions are made for a radical improvement.

An Alternative Approach to Capacitors in Complex Arrangements.

Examples of capacitive circuits easily reducible to series and parallel combinations abound in the textbooks but students are rarely exposed to examples where such simple procedures are apparently impossible. This paper extends that of a previous contributor by showing how the delta–star theorem of network theory can resolve such difficulties.

Construction of a simple low-cost teslameter and its use with Arduino and MakerPlot software

This paper shows how it is possible to construct a very simple device for the measurement of magnetic flux densities in an educational context. It is also shown how such a device can be interfaced to a microcontroller with plotting-software to facilitate the study of magnetic fields produced by a current-carrying coil.

Energy transfer and a recurring mathematical function

This paper extends the interesting work of a previous contributor concerning the analogies between physical phenomena such as mechanical collisions and the transfer of power in an electric circuit. Emphasis is placed on a mathematical function linking these different areas of physics. This unifying principle is seen as an exciting opportunity to enhance both teaching and learning by illustrating the power and subtleties of similarities in physics.

A simple diffraction/interference-pattern scanner constructed from inkjet-printer parts

This paper describes the construction of a simple inexpensive scanner which can be used in conjunction with a data logger to produce intensity plots of diffraction and interference patterns. Making use of the drive mechanism from an old inkjet-printer is the central feature.