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Hoffman, Dale T. – Physics Teacher, 1991
Discusses a misconception about the cycloid that asserts the final point on the path of shortest time in the "Brachistochrone" problem is at the lowest point on the cycloid. Uses a BASIC program for Newton's method to determine the correct least-time cycloid. (MDH)
Descriptors: High Schools, Mathematical Formulas, Mathematical Models, Misconceptions
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Flynn, Robert W. – Physics Teacher, 1991
Addresses the problem that students balk at the notion velocities do not add algebraically. Offers a geometric model to verify the algebraic formulas that calculate velocity addition. Representations include Galilean relativity, Einstein's composition of velocities, and the inverse velocity transformation. (MDH)
Descriptors: High Schools, Kinetics, Light, Mathematical Formulas
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Blakeslee, Daryl; Walkiewicz, Thomas A. – Physics Teacher, 1991
Presents a motion problem that students in a college physics class are asked to solve and later asked to continue to analyze until they have stopped learning from the problem or the problem itself is finished. (MDH)
Descriptors: Divergent Thinking, High Schools, Learning Processes, Mathematical Applications
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Craig, T. W.; Kiang, D. – Physics Teacher, 1991
Presents a problem to determine conditions under which two identical masses, constrained to move along two perpendicular wires, would collide when positioned on the wires and released with no initial velocity. Offers a solution that utilizes the position of the center of mass and a computer simulation of the phenomenon. (MDH)
Descriptors: Computer Simulation, Enrichment Activities, Force, Geometry
Peer reviewed Peer reviewed
de Villiers, Michael D. – Physics Teacher, 1991
Presents a simple mathematical model in which resultant speed is the sum or difference between wind speed and runner speed and a more complex model that assumes that only a proportion of the wind's speed affects one's running speed to describe the time difference between running with and without wind. (MDH)
Descriptors: Algebra, High Schools, Integrated Activities, Interdisciplinary Approach