Applies the concepts of kinematics and conservation of mechanical energy to calculate the time needed to reach a certain point along semicircular and parabolic paths. Presents numerical calculations for the critical speed thresholds for the paths of semicircular and parabolic curves. (JRH)

Provides a laboratory experiment using a pendulum on the conservation of energy. The activity has an easy analysis, accurate results, and is enjoyable for the students. (MVL)

Presents an exercise that attempts to correct for the common discrepancies between theoretical and experimental predictions concerning projectile motion using a spring-loaded projectile ball launcher. Includes common correction factors for student use. (MVL)

Illustrates a direct method for estimating the energy loss due to air drag on the pendulum bob and cord, starting from basic principles and using standard drag coefficients. Also shows how to hang the pendulum in a way to make it easy to evaluate the frictional losses at the support. (MVL)

Described is the use of two types of physical sensors, a motion sensor, and a light gate, which enable the microcomputer to be used as a measuring instrument for practical experiments on motion. (KR)

Described is a baton that consists of an unbreakable transparent tube with three inserted light-emitting diodes (LED) and terminal impact buffers that hold batteries and counterweights. The concepts of projectile motion and parabolic paths can be shown by analyzing the path of a thrown baton. (KR)

A large body of data is reviewed to support a new theory of motion perception described by S. Grossberg and M. E. Rudd (1989). The Motion Boundary Contour System is used to explain classical and recent data about motion perception that have not been explained by other models. (SLD)

The study, with 32 adolescents with mild mental retardation and controls, found that imagery practice facilitated the execution of the reaction time component of a motor task and sometimes facilitated performance of the movement time component of the motor task. (DB)

Discusses the physics of the "Ollie," a skateboard jump in which the skateboarder does not hold on to the board. The motion is described through three graphs that illustrate the positions of the tail of the skateboard, the center of mass, and the nose of the skateboard during a jump. (MDH)

Using a physical picture, an expression for the maximum possible transverse velocity and orientation required for that by a linear emitter in special theory of relativity has been derived. A differential calculus method is also used to derive the expression. (Author/KR)

Describes a college physics class that uses National Guard artillery practice as a practical source for the studying of projectile motion. Provides a firing table for the shell used and the physics involved when using variables such as drag, weight, and elevation. (MVL)

An investigation was conducted of the relative drag experienced by different types of tea/coffee stirrers to make deductions about their stirring efficiencies. Experiments compared the stirring performances of convex and concave sides of a plastic teaspoon with the performance of a commercial stirrer. The performance of the spoon exceeded that of…

This discussion of the use of computer-assisted instruction in universities focuses on the quality of motion video used in hypermedia educational software. An evaluation experiment shows that end-users are not deterred by lower quality motion video that costs less. (LRW)

Fifteen adolescents with and 15 without mental retardation were compared on their tendency to show the representational momentum effect when viewing a stimulus array that implied motion. Participants with mental retardation showed the representational momentum effects as did the others, although the magnitude of the memory shift was smaller.…