Walter C. Michels

The Role of Experimental Work

An important function of the laboratory in undergraduate physics instruction is considered to be the illustration of the way in which the interaction of theory and experiment results in the growth of physical science. When existing practices are measured by their degree of success in fulfilling the function, many are found to be deficient. On the other hand, experiments under way in various departments of physics suggest ways in which the laboratory can be made a unique tool for instruction. A set of general requirements for good experiments is proposed and the problems of their application are discussed.

Graduate-Record Examination Advanced Physics Test as a Predicator of Performance

The performances of 124 physics graduate students in two departments have been compared with their Graduate Record Examination scores. It is indicated that the currently used forms of the Advanced Physics Test and the Quantitative Aptitude Test are satisfactory devices for predicting a meaningful probability that a student will be a successful candidate for the doctorate. Both tests, however, fail to distinguish among “fair,” “good,” and “excellent,” students. The GRE scores furnish information of significance for the admission of students to graduate departments but they cannot be counted upon to determine which students show highest promise or to which a limited number of fellowships or other financial aids should be awarded.

Freedom, Responsibility, and Barriers

Response of the Oersted Medalist to the American Association of Physics Teachers, January 23, 1964.

Phase Shifts and the Doppler Effect

If the path between a source S and an observer O is changed by an amount Δx, the phase of the wave received by O is shifted by Δn = −Δx/λ = −fΔx/c, where λ and f are, respectively, the wavelength and frequency of the disturbance and c is the speed of propagation, all measured by an observer fixed in the medium. The resulting change in observed frequency is Δf  = Δn/Δt, where Δt is the time taken for the observation of the phase change. It is shown that these two statements are sufficient for the derivation of the acoustic Doppler effect equations in all cases. The extension to the relativistic optical Doppler effect also follows if the Einstein time dilatation is taken into account.

Presentation of J. W. Buchta as the Oersted Medalist for 1957

Remarks made by the Chairman of the Committee on Awards in presenting J. W. Buchta for award of the 1957 Oersted Medal in recognition of his notable contributions to the teaching of physics.

Authoritarianism versus Imagination in Physics Teaching

The failure of our educational system to produce as many physicists as are required for the national welfare challenges us to re-examine our introductory college physics courses. If one accepts the tenable idea that physics is a research activity, rather than a body of knowledge, he finds much to criticize in the aims and methods of these courses. Some changes which might help to remedy the faults of the traditional course are proposed and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Greater emphasis on the encouragement of independent thought is urged.

One-Year Introductory Course in a Liberal Arts College

Prepared at the request of the AAPT Conference to illustrate how the recommendations of the Report may be applied in a small liberal arts college, this syllabus describes a one-year course for students majoring in science and mathematics, as well as for others not planning to major in those fields.

Precision for a Pittance

Apparatus consisting of two precision potential dividers, a students galvanometer, a cheap standard cell, a table radio receiver, and a pair of intermediate frequency transformers is shown to be sufficiently flexible and sufficiently precise to allow it to be used for a large part of the electrical calibrations needed in a laboratory. Accuracies of about 14 of 1% at zero frequency and of about 1% at 455 kilocycles per second can be obtained. The total cost of the equipment is

Balance between Teaching and Research in the Independent College

125 or less.

An Undergraduate Experiment for the Determination of Alpha-Particle Range

A wealth of research potential exists in the independent colleges of the country, yet it has been tapped only to a slight extent in comparison with the way in which the capabilities of the universities have been exploited. To convert this potentiality to actuality, we need financial support of a somewhat different type from that commonly available at present. Some of the conditions which must be satisfied, both by sponsors and by the colleges, are discussed.