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Discusses some historically important reference systems including those by Newton, Leibniz, and Galileo. Provides models illustrating space-time relationship of the reference systems. Describes building models. (YP)

Stresses the importance of a reference frame in mechanics. Shows the Galilean transformation in terms of relativity theory. Discusses accelerated reference frames and noninertial reference frames. Provides examples of reference frames with diagrams. (YP)

This paper presented in the 1978 Oppenheimer Memorial Lecture at Los Alamos Scientific Laboratories on August 17, 1978, discusses Einstein's contributions to physics, in particular, his discovery of the general theory of relativity. (HM)

Celebrates the centennial of Einstein's birth with an eight-page pictorial biography and two special articles: (1) Einstein the catalyst; and (2) Unitary field theories. His special and general theories of relativity and his contributions to quantum physics and other topics are also presented. (HM)

Gives an analysis of how Einstein viewed "thinking," and the nature of scientific discovery, using extensive quotations from Einstein's own writings, and especially from his essay "Autobiographical Notes."

Presents some highlights on Einstein's life and his main contributions to physics. (HM)

Analyzes the concepts of physical time and of the measurement of the magnitude of time, and examines the International System of Units (SI). A proposal for the use of the Einstein system (ES) is also included. (HM)

Describes the development of the theory of relativity of Einstein and its influence on physics and mathematics. The philosophical meaning of relativity is also discussed. (HM)

Reviews Einstein's main contributions to physics, and analyzes the importance of a coherent body of theory. Einstein's involvement in nonscientific issues such as nuclear disarmament is also included. (HM)

Discusses Einstein's contributions to physics and describes how the progress of theoretical physics has been guided by the concepts and methodology of relativity theory. (HM)

This article is adapted from a presentation made in 1978 at the symposium on the Impact of Modern Scientific Ideas on Society organized by UNESCO in Ulm, West Germany. It discusses Einstein's theory of gravitation and how it started a new line of activity for physicists. (HM)

Examines the physical bases for the appearance of the starfield from a moving reference frame. Concludes with a sequence of computer-generated figures to show the appearance of Earth's starfield at various velocities and that a "starbow" does not exist. (Author/GA)

Using covarient harmonic oscillator formalism as an illustrative example, a method is proposed for illustrating the difference between the Poincare (inhomogeneous Lorentz) and homogeneous Lorentz groups. (BT)

The three articles in this collection discuss secular trends and changes in (1) human stature, weight, and maturation, (2) body proportions and composition, and (3) size and maturity. (CM)

Presents a calculation of the precession of the perihelion of Mercury due to the perturbations from the outer planets. The time-average effect of each planet is calculated by replacing that planet with a ring of linear mass density equal to the mass of the planet divided by the circumference of its orbit. (Author/GA)

Investigates the "photographic" appearance of a cube moving at relativistic speeds, and shows that it depends upon whether the camera is held fixed with the optic axis perpendicular to the direction of motion or panned to follow the cube as it moves. (Author/GA)

Discussions about the meaning of quantum mechanics remain stymied as a result of the failure of physicists to formulate a cognitive paradigm adequate to their theory. Explains why conventional interpretations are inadequate, and proposes a psychological explanation for the persistence of classical beliefs. (Author/GA)

Schrodinger-Einstein correspondence reveals the fact that deBroglie's doctoral thesis provided Schrodinger with much of the background and inspiration that enabled him to invent wave mechanics. (GA)

Using a photon-counting technique, finds the angular distribution of emitted and detected power and the total radiated power of an arbitrary moving source, and uses the technique to verify the predicted effect of the earth's motion through the cosmic blackbody radiation. (Author/GA)

Presents part two of an article that discusses the opinions of the public and scientists regarding Einstein and his theory of relativity during the years after 1919. (HM)

Discusses a method used at DePaul University of Chicago, Illinois, in a relativity course for students who are not science majors, emphasizing logical reasoning rather than memory of facts. (HM)

Examines how quasi-history, by eliminating the social dimension, distorts its description of major scientific advances in one of two distinct ways; either almost trivial or almost mystical. Uses two examples, Einstein's theory of the photoelectric effect and Planck's discovery of his law. (GA)

Presents selective and representative evidence relating to the genesis of the theory of special relativity. The evidence seems to defy most of the philosophic preconceptions which many physics teachers appear to have about the nature of physics. (GA)

Explains some developments in the teaching of special relativity theory, and discusses some ideas that are basic to the understanding of the theory. (GA)

The motivation and interpretation of the Fizeau experiment are reviewed, and its status as a test of special relativity is discussed. It is shown, with the aid of a simplified, purely mechanical model of the propagation of light in matter, that the experiment actually cannot discriminate between Galilean and relativistic kinematics. (Author/SK)

The Einstein-Hopf model for the thermodynamic equilibrium between the electromagnetic field and dipole oscillators is considered within the framework of quantum mechanics. Both the wave and particle aspects of the Einstein fluctuation formula are interpreted in terms of the fundamental absorption and emission processes. (Author/SK)

Discusses eight misconceptions concerning Einstein's work and views, as part of a presentation at the Einstein Symposium held at the 178th National American Chemical Society Meetings in Washington, D.C., in September, 1979. (CS)

The bound electron self-energy or Lamb shift is calculated in nonrelativistic quantum electrodynamics. Retardation is retained and also an interaction previously dropped in other nonrelativistic approaches is kept. Results are finite without introducing a cutoff and lead to a Lamb shift in hydrogen of 1030.9 MHz. (Author/JN)

Some simple undergraduate laboratory experiments are described, which verify the energy-momentum relationship of special relativity. These experiments have been designed either to be used as classroom demonstrations or to be carried out by second-year students. (Author/JN)

The Poincare group, the group of transformations of the plane which preserve the Minkowski distance between points, is derived as compositions of suitably defined reflections in straight lines. It is shown that any such transformations must be one of four types. (Author/JN)

Provides information on the calculation of the redshift to blueshift ratio introduced by the transverse Doppler effect at relativistic speeds. Indicates that this shift should be mentioned in discussions of whether quasars are "local" rather than "cosmological" objects. (GS)

Presents a simple introduction to the fundamental physical ideas involved in the breaking of local gauge symmetry. The purpose of this article is to show how these ideas can be understood independently of any particular application. (Author/HM)

Following an historical sketch of the development of relativistic quantum mechanics, a discussion of the still unresolved difficulties of the currently accepted theories is presented. This review is designed to complement and update the discussion of relativistic quantum mechanics presented in many texts used in college physics courses. (Author/SK)

Discusses the works by six contemporary American novelists that illustrate the current state of "physics fiction." The discussed examples of physics fiction ranged from the fluent and frequent inclusion of the casual, to the elaborate systems of physics metaphors. (GA)

Reviews relativity theory in physics to derive a relativistic metatheory applicable to life span developmental psychology. The discussion points out ways in which relativistic thinking might enhance understanding of life span development and epistemology. (Author/DB)

A general model of conceptual change which is largely derived from current philosophy of science, but which can illuminate learning as well, is described. Some features of this model are illustrated by interviews with students studying special relativity in physics. Finally, some pedagogical implications are presented. (Author/PB)

Traces the development of quantum field theory over the last 50 years beginning with the research of Paul Dirac. Includes past and current research endeavors of various scientists. (JN)

Reviews the accomplishments in physics previous to 1931 and compares them to accomplishments during the past 50 years. (JN)

Describes the nature and use of computer algebra and its applications to various physical sciences. Includes diagrams illustrating, among others, a computer algebra system and flow chart of operation of the Euclidean algorithm. (SK)