the Internet Public Library

Physics Resources

The science of matter and energy and their interactions.

Show Me Associations | Serials in this category.

Resources in this category are:

The American Experience: Meltdown at Three Mile Island

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/amex/three/

Contains information about the meltdown at Pennsylvania's Three Mile Island nuclear power plant, including a timeline and facts on key people and events, plus a teacher's guide. Also outlines the episode of the PBS series "The American Experience" relating to the Three Mile Island accident.

Author: PBS/WGBH (www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/amex/amexfeedback.html)

Subjects:

Arts & Humanities--History--North America--United States

Science & Technology--Energy

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Three Mile Island; Nuclear Power; Nuclear Energy

Amusement Park Physics: What are the Forces Behind the Fun?

http://www.learner.org/exhibits/parkphysics/

This exhibit describes the physics behind different amusement park rides in basic terms. It discusses roller coasters, carousels, bumper cars, free fall rides, and pendulum rides. Activities demostrating the concepts are included, such as designing your own roller coaster. It also includes extra sections about ride safety and motion sickness. Additional resources, both web sites and printed materials, are provided.

Author: Annenberg/CPB Project (exhibits@learner.org)

Subjects:

Entertainment & Leisure--Outdoor Recreation--Amusement Parks

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Theme Parks; Roller Coasters; Rides

Andrei Sakharov: Soviet Physics, Nuclear Weapons and Human Rights

http://www.aip.org/history/sakharov/

This site is devoted to the "father of the Soviet hydrogen bomb", the "Soviet physicist who became ... a spokesman for the conscience of mankind." "This exhibit tells about Sakharov¹s extraordinary life," including information about his history, his work in nuclear physics, his views on democracy and human rights, and links to other sites. The site includes photographs and audio clips of Sakharov speaking.

Author: Center for History of Physics of the American Institute of Physics (chp@aip.org)

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Physics

Social Sciences--Social Issues and Social Welfare--Human Rights

Keywords: biography

Antimatter: Mirror of the Universe

http://livefromcern.web.cern.ch/livefromcern/antimatter/

Discover what antimatter is and learn about its history. Also find out where it is made and how it is already part of our lives. The Kid's Corner offers an explanation of antimatter for younger readers.

Author: CERN (rosy.mondardini@cern.ch)

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Paul Dirac

Center for History of Physics

http://www.aip.org/history/

This site has "a mission to preserve and make known the history of modern physics and allied fields including astronomy, geophysics, optics, and the like." Features include a newsletter, information on physics-related publications, syllabi on the history of physics, as well as exhibits on Einstein, the discovery of the electron, and more.

Author:

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Physics

A Century of Physics

http://timeline.aps.org/APS/home_HighRes.html

"An interactive timeline of the last hundred years in physics. There's a wealth of information here in a variety of formats. Click through physics factoids, animations, and associated images from the world of art and design, or read about innovators and theorists to understand how their work influences the way we perceive ourselves and our world."

Author: American Physical Society (opa@aps.org)

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: History; Scientific history; Scientific Developments; Scientists

College Physics for Students of Biology and Chemistry

http://www.rwc.uc.edu/koehler/biophys/text.html

"This is a hypertextbook written for first-year undergraduate physics students. It assumes that you have a working knowledge of algebra, that you are currently taking or have taken a college level course in Biology and one in Chemistry, and that you are interested in biology, chemistry or one of the health-related fields." Problem sets are included. Includes a table of contents and an index.

Author: Kenneth R. Koehler (koehlekr@ucrwcu.rwc.uc.edu)

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Chemical Sciences (Chemistry)

Science & Technology--Life Sciences

Science & Technology--Physics

Compressed Air Glossary of Terms

http://www.impactrm.com/glossary/

A glossary of terms related to compressed air and its uses.

Author: Impact RM (dictionary@impactrm.com)

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Chemical Sciences (Chemistry)

Science & Technology--Engineering

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Mechanical; Compression; Machinery; Pneumatic; Gases; Compressors

Conventional Fusion FAQ

http://www.faqs.org/faqs/fusion-faq

"A comprehensive, relatively nontechnical set of answers to many of the frequently asked questions about fusion science, fusion energy, and fusion research. Additionally, there is a Glossary of Frequently Used Terms In Plasma Physics and Fusion Energy Research, which explains much of the jargon of the field."

Author: Robert F. Heeter (rfheeter@pppl.gov)

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Nuclear; Fusion; FAQ; Glossary

The Discovery of the Electron

http://www.aip.org/history/electron/

"'The Discovery of the Electron' was produced to commemorate the 100th anniversary of J.J. Thomson's groundbreaking experiments." This site includes sections such as "J.J. Thomson," "Mysterious Rays," and "1897 Experiments." It includes explanations, pictures, and links to related sites.

Author: Center for History of Physics of the American Institute of Physics (chp@aip.org)

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: J.J. Thompson; atom; cathode rays; electron

Einstein-Image and Impact

http://www.aip.org/history/einstein/

An exhibit that allows you to "tour Einstein's life." It includes historical information about Albert Einstein, photographs, audio clips of Einstein explaining his theories, and links to other sites.

Author: Center for History of Physics of the American Institute of Physics (chp@aip.org)

Subjects:

Reference--Biographies--Scientists & Inventors

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Albert Einstein; relativity

Emilio Segrè Visual Archives

http://www.aip.org/history/esva/

Selected images from "a collection of some 25,000 historical photographs, slides, lithographs, engravings, and other visual materials" which "focuses on American physicists and astronomers of the twentieth century, but includes many scientists in Europe and elsewhere, in other fields related to physics, and in earlier times." It attempts "to convey a vivid impression of the real character and life of scientists" through "favorite photos, along with stories and quotes."

Author: Center for History of Physics of the American Institute of Physics (chp@aip.org)

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: photos; photographs; physicists; astronomers; pictures

Exploring Gravity

http://www.curtin.edu.au/curtin/dept/phys-sci/gravity/

"Exploring Gravity is about physics learning via the internet, which is of importance to distance students who cannot make it on campus for example." This site is an interactive physics teaching site about the phenomenon of gravity.

Author: Mariusz Kovler

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Gravity

Fundamental Physical Constants

http://www.chemie.fu-berlin.de/chemistry/general/constants.html

Values for fundamental physical constants, in HTML format.

Author: Burkhard Kirste

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Chemical Sciences (Chemistry)

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Constants

Heisenberg / Uncertainty Principle - Werner Heisenberg and the Uncertainty Principle

http://www.aip.org/history/heisenberg/

"This exhibit is based on the book by David Cassidy, Uncertainty: The Life and Science of Werner Heisenberg." It covers topics such as, Heisenberg's Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Uncertainty principle," Political Life, and Personal Life and Career. It includes pictures and audio clips of Heisenberg speaking about the Uncertainty Principle.

Author: Center for History of Physics of the American Institute of Physics (chp@aip.org)

Subjects:

Reference--Biographies--Scientists & Inventors

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: quantum mechanics; nuclear

How Does a Long Distance Receiver Work?

http://www.4p8.com/eric.brasseur/receiv.html

A basic description and explanation with examples on the physics of transmitting information over long distances using a transmitter and receiver.

Author: Eric Brasseur (eric.brasseur@euronet.be)

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Communications

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Receiver; Electronics

How Things Work

http://Landau1.phys.Virginia.EDU/Education/Teaching/HowThingsWork/

"Think of this site as a radio call-in program that's being held on the WWW instead of the radio. If you ask how something works, using the button below, I'll try to provide an explanation. You'll find a more comprehensive discussion of many common objects in my book: How Things Work: the Physics of Everyday Life." The main page lists questions and answers chronologically, but there's also a subject index, and you can search the questions.

Author: Louis A. Bloomfield (lab3e@virginia.edu)

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Electronics

Science & Technology--Engineering

Science & Technology--Physics

The Laws List

http://www.alcyone.com/max/physics/laws/

An impressive glossary of physics-related terms and concepts.

Author: Erik Max Francis (max@alcyone.com)

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Astronomy

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Glossary; Laws; Rules; Principles; Effects; Paradoxes; Limits; Constants; Experiments; Thought-Experiments

Lighting Design Glossary

http://www.schorsch.com/kbase/glossary/

"This glossary combines terms that are used in architectural lighting design and lighting simulation. The interdisciplinary nature of the work of the lighting designer is reflected in terms originating in architecture, radiometry, photometry, colorimetry, metereology, physiology, psychology, mathematics, geometry and computer graphics."

Author: Georg Mischler

Subjects:

Arts & Humanities--Fine Arts--Architecture

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Engineering

Many Worlds FAQ

http://www.anthropic-principle.com/preprints/manyworlds.html

"This FAQ shows how quantum paradoxes are resolved by the 'many-worlds' interpretation or metatheory of quantum mechanics."

Author: Michael Clive Price

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Quantum Mechanics; Many Worlds; FAQ

The 1986 CODATA Recommended Values of the Fundamental Physical Constants

http://physics.nist.gov/cuu/Constants/index.html?/codata86.html

This document gives the values of the basic constants and conversion factors of physics and chemistry resulting from the 1986 least-squares adjustment of the fundamental physical constants as published by the CODATA Task Group on Fundamental Constants and as recommended for international use by CODATA. Just click on the name of the constant, and up pops a page with the values. Unfortunately, the values are presented as very large scanned images of the pages, so you'll need a graphical browser to get the data.

Author:

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Chemical Sciences (Chemistry)

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Constants

The NIST Reference on Constants, Units, and Uncertainty

http://physics.nist.gov/cuu/index.html

A physics reference maintained by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Includes a guide to physical constants, a searchable bibliography on physical constants, a guide to the International (SI) System of Measurements, and a guide to expressing uncertainty in scientific results.

Author: Barry N. Taylor and Peter J. Mohr (www@physics.nist.gov)

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Physical constants; Measurement; Units; International System of Units; SI; Uncertainty

Nobel Laureates in Physics

http://www.slac.stanford.edu/library/nobel.html

A listing of the Nobel Prize in Pysics winners for each year. Gives name(s) of the winners, their nationality, and words from the commendation for the award. Many have links to biographical sketches, photos, bibliographic citations, and text of speeches.

Author: Patricia A. Kreitz (pkreitz@SLAC.Stanford.EDU)

Subjects:

Reference--Biographies--Scientists & Inventors

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Nobel Prize

NRL Plasma Formulary

http://www.rzg.mpg.de/~dpc/nrl/

Large collection of equations and constants, mostly relating to plasma physics but information from other branches of science and engineering are included.

Author:

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Plasma; Formulae; Constants

Nuclear Physics: Past, Present and Future

http://library.thinkquest.org/3471/

"Understanding the atom was exclusively a pursuit of scientists for a long time. There was a time when the workings of these tiny particles were of no consequence to ordinary people. That time ended over fifty years ago, when scientists irrefutably demonstrated the power of the atom to the world, yet there are many who still fail to comprehend the physics behind this awesome technology. Addressing a general audience, we explain the physics behind this technology, connecting it to popular history, current issues and prospects for the future. Additionally, we provide a forum for users to discuss material presented on this site and express their thoughts regarding various issues. Enjoy reading the interactive material, taking the self-tests, and debating political issues with others."

Author: John Clyde, Johann Schleier-Smith, Greg Tseng (tq-nuke@tjhsst.edu)

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Energy

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Nuclear Physics; Nuclear Power; Atomic Power; Nuclear Weapons

Physics 2000

http://www.Colorado.EDU/physics/2000/

Uses different characters to explain physics concepts at various levels. (There is are teen-aged characters, for example.) There is a section that includes articles that discuss the connections between science and public policy. Note: You need to have a browser that can read Jawa applets to take advantage of this site, but they provide links to software you can download.

Author:

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Physics

Physics Around the World (PAW)

http://physicsweb.org/TIPTOP/paw/

A database and listing of physics related Web servers. Recommended mainly because it is searchable.

Author: PhysicsWeb

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Resources

Physics Demonstrations Online

http://www.mip.berkeley.edu/physics/index.html

"This physics WWW site is an effort to make available an on-line source of information and pictures used for preparing and performing undergraduate lecture demonstrations at the University of California Physics Department at Berkeley. This site deals with demonstrations for the subjects of:Mechanics, Waves, The Properties of Heat and Matter, Electricity and Magnetism, Optics, Modern and Contemporary Physics and Astronomy and Perception"

Author: Physics Department, University of California, Berkeley

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Experiments

Physics FAQ

http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-bng/sci.physics.html

FAQ from the USENET group sci.physics, dealing with mechanics, electromagnetism, general and special relativity, quantum mechnics, optics, and cosmology, among other things.

Author: Scott I. Chase

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: General; Mechnics; Relativity; Electromagnetism; Quantum Mechnics; Cosmology; Optics; FAQ

PhysLINK: Physics & Astronomy

http://www.physlink.com/

Comprehensive education and reference guide to physics-related Internet resources covering: reference, departments and grad school, societies, journals, history, images, news, jobs, software, new theories, quotations, and fun. Browse by type of resource or use the search function. See the Ask the Experts area for answers to common questions.

Author: Anton Skorucak (info@physlink.com)

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Astronomy

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: History of physics; Constants

SETI Institute

http://www.seti-inst.edu/

"Home for scientific and educational projects relevant to the nature, distribution, and prevalence of life in the universe. Conducts/encourages research and related activities in a large number of fields." This extensive site details the SETI Institute's activities, the concepts and practices behind Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence efforts, and comments about the depiction of SETI in recent Hollywood films (Contact and Independence Day). Includes a bibliography and a FAQ.

Author:

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Astronomy

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: SETI; Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence; Bibliography; FAQ

The Soundry

http://library.thinkquest.org/19537/Main.html

"The Soundry is an exciting, interactive, and educational web site about sound. Covering everything from the most basic concepts of what sound actually is to the specifics of how humans perceive it, The Soundry aims to promote enthusiasm and knowledge of sound. We hope you have fun exploring our site and come away with new understanding and insights about sound." The site was created by high school students as a ThinkQuest contest entry.

Author: Alex Kulesza, David Green, and Granite Christopher

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Sound; Human Ear; Hearing

Space Physics Text Book

http://www.oulu.fi/~spaceweb/textbook/

Comprehensive hypertext-book of space physics, a multidisplinary field which blends theoretical plasma physics and space research. Phenomena studied in the field (about which comprehensive information is provided) include solar winds, solar storms, and auroras such as the northern lights. Links to encyclopedia-type information about the sun, earth, and solar system, with images, are also provided.

Author: Space Physics Group of Oulu (Finland) (SpaceWeb@SkyNet.oulu.fi)

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Astronomy--Astrophysics

Science & Technology--Physics

Spacetime Wrinkles

http://www.ncsa.uiuc.edu/Cyberia/NumRel/NumRelHome.html

Information about Einstein's General and Special theories of relativity and how they relate to space-time. Includes an extensive glossary.

Author:

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Astrophysics; Relativity; Einstein

Stephen Hawking's Universe

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/hawking/html/home.html

This Web site, based on the PBS television series, presents the concepts behind the area of science where astronomy, relativity, and quantum mechanics merge in a way that's accessable to the layperson. Topics covered include Antimatter, the Big Bang, Black Holes, Cosmic Rays, Dark Matter, Imaginary Time, Quarks, Quasars, Radioactivity, Schrödinger's Cat, Singularitiers, Superstrings, and Wormholes. Site also includes a historical look at various models of the Universe, a bibliography, an annotated Webliography, a teacher's guide, and the opportunity to ask questions of prominent cosmologists.

Author: Educational Broadcasting Corporation

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Astronomy--Astrophysics

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Cosmology

Table of Fundamental Physical Constants

http://wulff.mit.edu/constants.html

Values for physical constants, including confidence intervals.

Author:

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Constants

TIPTOP: Physics Conferences, Workshops and Summer Schools

http://physicsweb.org/TIPTOP/FORUM/CONF/

Automated, searchable directory of conference, workshops and other educational opportunities for physicists. It is also the official conference upload facility for the European Physical Society.

Author: The Internet Pilot To Physics (tiptop-user@ioppublishing.com)

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Conferences; Workshops; Education

Transistorized!

http://www.pbs.org/transistor/

A site convering the history of the transistor, starting from the events that led to its invention to its modern uses. The site includes a timeline, a glossary, a detailed history (with biographies of key people), and an explanation of the science behind transistors. In-depth information about one of the 20th century's most important inventions.

Author: ScienCentral, Inc.

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Electronics

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: radio; transmission; electronics; telephone; integrated circuits

Unit Converter

http://library.thinkquest.org/11771/english/hi/chemistry/convert.shtml?tqskip=1

This converter works for units of energy, pressure, volume, temperature, and mass. You put in a number and select a base unit. The coverter calculates the equivalent value for the other possible units. For instance, if you put in a Celsius temperature, you'll get back the equivalent temperature in Fahrenheit and Kelvin.

Author: Team 11771 (ThinkQuest '97) (tq1997-11771@advanced.org)

Subjects:

Reference--Calculation & Conversion Tools

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: energy; pressure; volume; temperature; mass

Waterworks

http://www.omsi.edu/explore/physics/ww/

"Fountains are fascinating, spilling water in soothing falls or incredible patterns, refreshing for the eyes and nerves. But what's hidden behind all this beauty? WaterWorks, a site devoted to fountains, explains their scientific side. You'll learn everything about the physics and engineering behind fountains, and perform experiments to deepen your knowledge of hydraulics. Having exercised your mind, your can soothe your soul by contemplating several famous fountains. And when body and mind are ready, you may wade in by creating your own fountain. It probably won't match the grace of Rome's Fontana di Trevi, but at least you'll have made one wish come true."

Author: Marion Rice, Jennifer Carson, and Robert Vincent

Subjects:

Arts & Humanities--Fine Arts--Architecture

Science & Technology--Engineering

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: fountains; physics; science

WebElements

http://www.webelements.com/

"WebElements aims to be a high quality source of information on the WWW relating to the periodic table. Coverage is such that professional scientists and students at school will all find something useful. You will find thousands of graphics showing elements structures and periodic properties here. Currently, most information is about the elementsthemselves but the scope of WebElements will include simple compounds as well in the future." Click on an element's symbol in the periodic table and get detailed information about the element, along with graphics and images. There are also several chemistry-related calculators. A Scholar Edition for students is also in the works.

Author: Mark Winter (WebElements@Sheffield.ac.uk)

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Chemical Sciences (Chemistry)

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Elements; Isotopes; Periodic Table

Yahoo! News Full Coverage: High-Energy and Particle Physics

http://dailynews.yahoo.com/fc/Science/High_Energy_and_Particle_Physics/

Features current news stories related to high energy physics and astrophysics. Also links to news sources, opinions & editorials, magazine articles, video sources, and related Web sites.

Author: Yahoo! News (full_coverage@yahoo-inc.com)

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Astronomy--Astrophysics

Science & Technology--Physics

Zona Land

http://id.mind.net/~zona/

In Edward Zobel's Zona Land, "you will find educational and entertaining items pertaining to physics, to the mathematical sciences, and to mathematics in general." The site uses Java programming, Ray Tracing and VRML (a virtual reality language) to provide tools and lessons that help students for students grasp major concepts in algebra, geometry, and physics.

Author: Edward A. Zobel (zona@mind.net)

Subjects:

Science & Technology--Mathematics

Science & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Algebra; Geometry; Physics; Graphing

Search the IPL Ready Reference Collection

Return to: Science & Technology | Ready Reference Collection | IPL Reference Center | IPL Lobby