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Full-Text Articles in Physics
A Simple Electric Field Probe In A Gauss's Law Laboratory, Daniel O. Ludwigsen, Gregory N. Hassold
A Simple Electric Field Probe In A Gauss's Law Laboratory, Daniel O. Ludwigsen, Gregory N. Hassold
Daniel Ludwigsen
Early in our calculus-based introductory course, students are introduced to electric fields and sometimes struggle with the abstraction of a vector field. They have less familiarity with the phenomena associated with electric fields, and the connection between phenomena and mathematical formalism is weaker. Our very next topic is Gauss's law.
Choose Wisely: Static Or Kinetic Friction—The Power Of Dimensionless Plots, Daniel O. Ludwigsen, Kathryn A. Svinarich
Choose Wisely: Static Or Kinetic Friction—The Power Of Dimensionless Plots, Daniel O. Ludwigsen, Kathryn A. Svinarich
Daniel Ludwigsen
Consider a problem of sliding blocks, one stacked atop the other, resting on a friction-less table. If the bottom block is pulled horizontally, nature makes a choice: if the applied force is small, static friction between the blocks accelerates the blocks together, but with a large force the blocks slide apart. In that case, kinetic friction still forces the upper block forward but with less acceleration than the lower block. The choice, then, lies in the relative terms—what is meant by small and large? After a confusing experience during a recent exam, we’ve found a demonstration and graphical presentation that …