{"title":"Pencil-drawn tunable electrical resistance and Joule heating demonstration using a smartphone-based thermal imaging camera","authors":"Aditya Singh Thakur, Shivam Dubey, Abhay Singh Thakur, Vinit Srivastava, Rahul Vaish","doi":"10.1088/1361-6552/ad61b0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6552/ad61b0","url":null,"abstract":"This paper delves into the educational potential of pencil circuits for teaching key electrical concepts. Using both practical experiments and theoretical examinations, this study explores the application of pencil circuits in demonstrating concepts related to series and parallel resistance, Ohm’s law, and Joule’s heating law. By leveraging the simplicity and accessibility of pencil-based setups, students can gain a practical understanding of these fundamental principles. Additionally, the integration of thermal imaging technology enhances the visualization of Joule’s heating law, further enriching the learning experience.","PeriodicalId":39773,"journal":{"name":"Physics Education","volume":"48 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141869377","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A simple, rapid and entertaining method to measure specific heat of metals using liquid nitrogen and Leidenfrost effect","authors":"F Dourado, J Barreto, G Bonfait","doi":"10.1088/1361-6552/ad5eeb","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6552/ad5eeb","url":null,"abstract":"Taking advantage of the fascination of ‘playing’ with liquid nitrogen, this article proposes a didactical experiment involving the use of this liquid to measure the heat capacity of cylindrical metallic blocks (copper, aluminum, brass, and stainless steel; volume ≈ 20 cm<sup>3</sup>). It also permits to demonstrate qualitatively and quantitatively the Leidenfrost effect. The experimental setup consists of a low-cost recipient adequate for liquid N2 storage, a multimeter and a weighing scale. The experience starts by a rapid immersion of metallic block in liquid N2 and by measuring simultaneously the block’s temperature and the mass of the evaporated liquid along the cooling process. Knowing the latent heat of the liquid <inline-formula>\u0000<tex-math><?CDATA $L$?></tex-math>\u0000<mml:math overflow=\"scroll\"><mml:mrow><mml:mi>L</mml:mi></mml:mrow></mml:math>\u0000<inline-graphic xlink:href=\"pedad5eebieqn1.gif\" xlink:type=\"simple\"></inline-graphic>\u0000</inline-formula>, the evaporated mass <inline-formula>\u0000<tex-math><?CDATA $Delta m$?></tex-math>\u0000<mml:math overflow=\"scroll\"><mml:mrow><mml:mi mathvariant=\"normal\">Δ</mml:mi><mml:mi>m</mml:mi></mml:mrow></mml:math>\u0000<inline-graphic xlink:href=\"pedad5eebieqn2.gif\" xlink:type=\"simple\"></inline-graphic>\u0000</inline-formula> during a temperature variation <inline-formula>\u0000<tex-math><?CDATA $Delta T$?></tex-math>\u0000<mml:math overflow=\"scroll\"><mml:mrow><mml:mi mathvariant=\"normal\">Δ</mml:mi><mml:mi>T</mml:mi></mml:mrow></mml:math>\u0000<inline-graphic xlink:href=\"pedad5eebieqn3.gif\" xlink:type=\"simple\"></inline-graphic>\u0000</inline-formula>, the heat capacity is obtained by <inline-formula>\u0000<tex-math><?CDATA $Cp = L{text{ }}Delta m/Delta T$?></tex-math>\u0000<mml:math overflow=\"scroll\"><mml:mrow><mml:mi>C</mml:mi><mml:mi>p</mml:mi><mml:mo>=</mml:mo><mml:mi>L</mml:mi><mml:mrow><mml:mtext> </mml:mtext></mml:mrow><mml:mi mathvariant=\"normal\">Δ</mml:mi><mml:mi>m</mml:mi><mml:mrow><mml:mo>/</mml:mo></mml:mrow><mml:mi mathvariant=\"normal\">Δ</mml:mi><mml:mi>T</mml:mi></mml:mrow></mml:math>\u0000<inline-graphic xlink:href=\"pedad5eebieqn4.gif\" xlink:type=\"simple\"></inline-graphic>\u0000</inline-formula>. This method allowed to measure the specific heat in the 100–270 K temperature range in less than 3 min and the results are in quite good agreement with the literature data. On the other hand, the cooling rate, measured by temperature and liquid N2 change, clearly shows two regimes as expected by the Leidenfrost effect and the critical heat flux calculated is in good agreement with previous experiments. Such an experiment can be adapted to various student levels and present a didactical approach to important thermodynamical concepts in parallel with appealing phenomena.","PeriodicalId":39773,"journal":{"name":"Physics Education","volume":"47 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141869452","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Amanda de Barros Lima, Julia Sorroche, Armando Massao Tagiku and Jose Dutra de Oliveira Neto
{"title":"Digital pedagogy: experiential learning theory improves mathematics learners’ engagement and learning outcomes in optical physics course","authors":"Amanda de Barros Lima, Julia Sorroche, Armando Massao Tagiku and Jose Dutra de Oliveira Neto","doi":"10.1088/1361-6552/ad5f6d","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6552/ad5f6d","url":null,"abstract":"In response to the evolving educational landscape during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study explores the application of experiential learning theory (ELT) in an Optical Physics course for mathematics undergraduates. With a focus on improving engagement and academic performance, we address the critical need for effective pedagogical approaches in a virtual environment. The study involves 176 students, encompassing a wide demographic spectrum, during 2021, and utilises an extensive theoretical framework to support the ELT approach. The core of the study is an innovative learning model based on hands-on experiments, designed to enhance engagement, deepen understanding, and promote active learning. Students perform a series of experiments, reflect on their observations, connect theory to practice, and answer challenging questions that link theoretical concepts with real-world applications. Our results reveal a significant improvement in students’ academic outcomes, with higher average grades and reduced course abandonment compared to the previous year. The study also explores students’ perceptions, revealing their appreciation for this active learning approach, as it enhances motivation, concentration, enjoyment, and perceived learning. Collecting data through questionnaires, in-class feedback, andpost-class email reflections further validates the effectiveness of the Kolb-based ELT approach. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the power of implementing hands-on experiential learning in virtual education settings, fostering deeper engagement and improved academic outcomes, especially in a post-pandemic world where such pedagogical innovation is vital.","PeriodicalId":39773,"journal":{"name":"Physics Education","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141745650","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Demonstrating beat phenomenon and Lissajous figures with hard disk drive voice-coil motors","authors":"Lian Hu","doi":"10.1088/1361-6552/ad5eec","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6552/ad5eec","url":null,"abstract":"Voice coil motors (VCMs) in mechanical hard disk drives can be used as the adjustable-electric tuning fork driven by alternating signals due to their unique structure and movement. The VCM component is modified to pull the laser or mirror for phase-adjustable simple harmonic motion (SHM). Lissajous experiments using the traditional tuning fork for active vibration can be achieved by VCMs with the help of a laser and a scrollable phosphorescent screen. The demonstrations of beat and Lissajous figures with the double oscillating mirrors method are analysed. The VCM can not only drive the mirror but also drive the laser or another VCM component. Based on this carrying capacity, the demonstration method of a single oscillating mirror has been proposed. Furthermore, one VCM can support another with a laser, which will exhibit the composition of two rotary SHMs more intuitively. The new method is beneficial for students to understand and practice the composition of SHMs from a new perspective.","PeriodicalId":39773,"journal":{"name":"Physics Education","volume":"35 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141745645","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Unpacking the factors that influence secondary students’ attitudes towards physics in nine different countries - a cross-cultural analysis","authors":"Pongprapan Pongsophon","doi":"10.1088/1361-6552/ad5f6e","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6552/ad5f6e","url":null,"abstract":"It is crucial to comprehend the factors that affect attitudes towards physics to improve academic performance in the subject. This research aims to identify significant predictors of these attitudes by analysing the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study Advanced 2015 data from nine countries: the USA, Italy, Lebanon, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Slovenia, Sweden, and France. The study employs multiple regression analyses to examine the influence of predictive variables on students’ attitudes toward physics, taking into account weighting features a large-scale survey. The findings suggest that there are significant differences across cultures. In all the countries surveyed, female students appear to have a less favourable attitude toward physics than male students, making gender a significant factor. In most countries, students who spend more time on physics homework have a more positive attitude, highlighting the importance of outside-of-class engagement. The perception of engaging teaching and the value that students place on physics are solid and positive determinants of attitudes, emphasizing the role of instructional quality and relevance of the subject matter. These findings provide a better understanding of how different factors contribute to students’ attitudes toward physics and can help design targeted educational interventions.","PeriodicalId":39773,"journal":{"name":"Physics Education","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141746424","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Norma Sidik Risdianto, Anis Khofifaturrohmah, Rifqi Arif Kurniawan, Rischa Pancaningrum and Abu Khamid Mubarok
{"title":"Physics and common senses of sci-fi movies and anime as the source of informal learning","authors":"Norma Sidik Risdianto, Anis Khofifaturrohmah, Rifqi Arif Kurniawan, Rischa Pancaningrum and Abu Khamid Mubarok","doi":"10.1088/1361-6552/ad5d43","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6552/ad5d43","url":null,"abstract":"In this paper, we discuss the depiction of physical phenomena in movies and anime and how they might impact informal learning. We found that, to some extent, the physics shown in these media is accurate, though there are some deviations and exaggerations. Additionally, we observed that the physics presented in these movies and anime is often quite advanced. This discussion can inspire curious viewers to learn more about physics after watching them, highlighting the importance of informal sources for education nowadays.","PeriodicalId":39773,"journal":{"name":"Physics Education","volume":"53 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141721660","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
T K Indratno, Y D Prasetya, Y D Prabowo and M I Sukarelawan
{"title":"Atwood machine automation using Arduino and LabVIEW","authors":"T K Indratno, Y D Prasetya, Y D Prabowo and M I Sukarelawan","doi":"10.1088/1361-6552/ad5d44","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6552/ad5d44","url":null,"abstract":"The Atwood machine is an apparatus used in physics experiments to visualize the concept of Newton’s Second Law of Motion. However, the data collection on the Atwood machine, which is still done manually using a stopwatch, may cause errors and can be time-consuming. To improve the efficiency and accuracy of the experiment, this research developed Atwood machine automation using Arduino Uno microcontroller. The automation enables automatic release of weights and automatic data collection through a graphical user interface developed using LabVIEW. The experiment using the automated machine obtained satisfactory results in verifying the earth’s gravitational acceleration. Therefore, this machine can be used in physics learning, especially in physics experiment. The automation also enables remote utilization through internet connection, thus allowing easier and wider access for users.","PeriodicalId":39773,"journal":{"name":"Physics Education","volume":"3 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141721661","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"DIY of dye cleaning from water using plasma and smartphone colorimetry","authors":"Shivam Dubey, Abhay Singh Thakur, Rahul Vaish","doi":"10.1088/1361-6552/ad5a5e","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6552/ad5a5e","url":null,"abstract":"Plasma has been generated using high voltage DC transformer. This plasma was further utilized in dye aqueous solution. Smartphone-based colourimetry was utilized to quantify dye degradation. These handy experiments will be helpful to understand plasma, its generation and potential applications.","PeriodicalId":39773,"journal":{"name":"Physics Education","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141567708","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A low cost and simple webcam spectrometer for exploring the visible wavelengths of light","authors":"Gary Cahill","doi":"10.1088/1361-6552/ad5d45","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6552/ad5d45","url":null,"abstract":"This paper presents a method for constructing a simple, cost-effective, and versatile spectrometer using readily available materials such as a basic webcam, a DVD, tin foil, a cardboard tube, and a microphone boom arm. Building upon previous designs (Widiatmoko <italic toggle=\"yes\">et al</italic> 2011 <italic toggle=\"yes\">Phys. Educ.</italic>\u0000<bold>46</bold> 332, Lorenz 2014 <italic toggle=\"yes\">Am. J. Phys.</italic>\u0000<bold>82</bold> 169–73, Rodrigues <italic toggle=\"yes\">et al</italic> 2016 <italic toggle=\"yes\">Phys. Educ.</italic>\u0000<bold>51</bold> 014002, Likith <italic toggle=\"yes\">et al</italic> 2021 <italic toggle=\"yes\">J. Opt.</italic>\u0000<bold>50</bold> 489–94), this spectrometer is mounted on a microphone boom arm, enhancing flexibility in capturing spectra from various angles and distant light sources. The spectrometer, coupled with Theremino Spectrometer V3.1 software, achieves sufficient resolution to measure solar Fraunhofer lines and closely spaced Mercury double lines at 436 nm and 577 nm. The procedure for assembling the spectrometer is detailed, including calibration using a Mercury CFL lamp or phone screens. Results demonstrate the spectrometer’s capability to capture high-resolution spectra of the blue sky and light sources, identifying significant spectral lines. This DIY spectrometer offers an accessible tool for amateur scientists and educators to explore visible light spectra, facilitating both qualitative and quantitative analyses. Also, through measuring the light from phone screens work, perception of colour can be explored.","PeriodicalId":39773,"journal":{"name":"Physics Education","volume":"36 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141567711","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Thermodynamic analysis of a heat engine: experiments with the Stirling cycle","authors":"Colin Butler","doi":"10.1088/1361-6552/ad589b","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6552/ad589b","url":null,"abstract":"This paper presents a practical thermodynamic analysis of a desktop Stirling engine to demonstrate some of the fundamental principles involving the conversion of heat to work as part of an introductory undergraduate course. Experimental measurements of temperature, pressure and volume using an Arduino microcontroller allows for the construction of <italic toggle=\"yes\">P</italic>-<italic toggle=\"yes\">ν</italic> and <italic toggle=\"yes\">T</italic>-<italic toggle=\"yes\">s</italic> process diagrams from thermodynamic relationships. By comparing the quantitative data from actual and ideal cycles, the Stirling engine represents an effective teaching tool for reinforcing core content with students.","PeriodicalId":39773,"journal":{"name":"Physics Education","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141567709","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}