the Internet Public Library

Physics Reference

The science of matter and energy and their interactions.

Resources in this category are:

Albert Einstein Online

http://www.westegg.com/einstein/

An extensive collection of links about Einstein, inluding biographical information, "In His Own Words", quotes, pictures, and related pages from all over the world.

Author: Steven Morgan Friedman (morgan@english.upenn.edu)

Subjects:

Sciences & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Einstein; Biography

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 (The_American_Experience@pbs.org)

Subjects:

Sciences & Technology--Energy

Arts & Humanities--History--United States

Sciences & 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:

Sciences & Technology--Physics

Entertainment & Leisure--Outdoor Recreation

Keywords: Amusement Parks; 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 Sakharov's 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:

Sciences & Technology--Physics

Social Sciences--Social Issues & Services--Human Rights

Keywords: biography

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: American Institute of Physics (aipinfo@aip.org )

Subjects:

Sciences & 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

Subjects:

Sciences & Technology--Physics

Keywords: History; Scientific history; Scientific Developments; Scientists

Chernobyl and Its Consequences (Project "Polyn")

http://polyn.net.kiae.su/polyn/manifest.html

A hypertext database of information about the nuclear accident at Chernobyl in 1986. The content is just starting to get inputted, but it already has some good information. The text is in English, but often lapses into Russian type grammatical structure.

Author: Russian Research Center "Kurchatov Institute"

Subjects:

Sciences & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Nuclear; Accident; Chernobyl; Russia; History

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:

Sciences & 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:

Sciences & Technology--Engineering

Sciences & Technology--Chemical Sciences (Chemistry)

Sciences & Technology--Physics

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

Conventional Fusion FAQ

http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet/fusion-faq/top.html

"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:

Sciences & 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:

Sciences & 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:

Sciences & Technology--Physics

Reference--Biographies--Scientists & Inventors

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:

Sciences & Technology--Physics

Keywords: photos; photographs; physicists; astronomers; pictures

Engineering Electronic Library, Sweden (EELS)

http://eels.lub.lu.se/

EELS contains links to engineering and technical sciences resources on the Internet from around the world. The resources in EELS have been selected and evaluated by experienced librarians with advanced degrees in science or engineering. Sites have been chosen with an emphasis on quality, not quantity.

Author: Swedish Universities of Technology Libraries (EELS@munin.lub.lu.se)

Subjects:

Sciences & Technology--Engineering

Sciences & Technology--Mathematics

Sciences & Technology--Physics

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:

Sciences & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Gravity

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:

Sciences & Technology--Physics

Reference--Biographies--Scientists & Inventors

Keywords: quantum mechanics; nuclear

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 theWWW instead of the radio. If you ask how something works, using thebutton below, I'll try to provide an explanation. You'll find a morecomprehensive discussion of many common objects in my book: HowThings 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:

Sciences & Technology--Physics

Sciences & Technology--Engineering

Laws, Rules, Principles, Effects, Paradoxes, Limits, Constants, Experiments, and Thought-Experiments in Physics

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

An impressive glossary of physics-related terms and concepts.

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

Subjects:

Sciences & Technology--Physics

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

The Living Encyclopedia of Physics (TIPTOP/LEP)

http://physicsweb.org/TIPTOP/LEP/

A searchable, alphabetically, and topically indexed encyclopedia of information related to physics. Entries give basic to advanced information about a topic which includes descriptions and equations. Each entry has a separate section about the topic that gives such information as related key words, whether the particular entry is refereed, print references with full bibliographic citations (including ISBN or ISSN numbers), and when and by whom (with a corresponding link) the entry was included into the encyclopedia. In addition, this resource gives further information regarding other physics resources and major calendar events in physics.

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

Subjects:

Sciences & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Encyclopedia

Many Worlds FAQ

http://www.serve.com/nimrod/doc/manyw.html

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

Author: Michael Clive Price

Subjects:

Sciences & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Quantum Mechanics; Many Worlds; FAQ

Nobel Laureates in Physics 1901 - 1996

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:

Sciences & Technology--Physics

Reference--Biographies--Scientists & Inventors

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: (dpc@ipp-garching.mpg.de)

Subjects:

Sciences & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Plasma; Formulae; Constants

Nuclear Physics: Past, Present and Future

http://tqd.advanced.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:

Sciences & Technology--Physics

Sciences & Technology--Energy

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: (p2000@stripe.colorado.edu)

Subjects:

Sciences & 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: TIPTOP (tiptop-user@ioppublishing.com)

Subjects:

Sciences & 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 (rooster@uclink.berkeley.edu)

Subjects:

Sciences & Technology--Physics

Education--Higher Education

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:

Sciences & Technology--Physics

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

Physics News

http://www.het.brown.edu/news/index.html

Links to a variety of news and information sources concerning physics and accelerators, including Physics News Update and NASA Hot Topics.

Author: M. Karttunen & G. Nowotny, McGill University

Subjects:

Sciences & Technology--Physics

Sciences & Technology--News

PhysLINK

http://www.physlink.com/

Comprehensive guide to physics-realted Internet resources, covering reference, departments, societies, journals, history, images, news, grad school, jobs, software, new theories, quotations, and fun. Browse by type of resource or use the search function.

Author: (webmaster@physlink.com)

Subjects:

Sciences & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Resources

The PhysLink.com - Your Guide to Physics on the Web

http://www.physlink.com/index.cfm

"Billed as 'The Ultimate Physics Resource,' PhysLink.com comes pretty close. Although it's essentially a portal site with links to physics jobs, companies, theories, departments, etc., what sets the site apart is its ability to capture a colorful characterization of the physics profession. A good example of this multidisciplinary approach is the site's current cover story, "Science and Art", excerpted from Dr. Leonid I. Ponomarev's book The Quantum Dice. The essay uses clever analogies and examples to explore the intertwined nature of art and science, and considers how scientists can often be artists at heart - and vice versa."

Author: Anton Skorucak (info@physlink.com)

Subjects:

Sciences & Technology--Physics

Keywords: history of physics; schools; theories; physics quotations; jobs

The Soundry

http://library.advanced.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:

Sciences & 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:

Sciences & Technology--Astronomy--Astrophysics

Sciences & 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: (expo@ncsa.uiuc.edu)

Subjects:

Sciences & 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:

Sciences & Technology--Astronomy--Astrophysics

Sciences & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Cosmology

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:

Sciences & 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. and The American Institute of Physics

Subjects:

Sciences & Technology--Physics

Sciences & Technology--Engineering

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

Unit Converter

http://library.advanced.org/11771/english/hi/chemistry/convert.shtml

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:

Sciences & Technology--Physics

Reference--Calculation & Conversion Tools

Keywords: energy; pressure; volume; temperature; mass

Waterworks

http://www.omsi.edu/sln/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:

Sciences & Technology--Physics

Keywords: fountains; physics; science

WebElements

http://chemserv.bc.edu/web_elements/web-elements-home.html

WebElements is a periodic table database. This page contains links to data for the first 112 elements. Click on the abbreviation in the periodic table, and up pops all sorts of relevant data. Also has an Isotope Pattern Calculator and an Element Percentage Calculator.

Author: University of Sheffield (WebElements@Sheffield.ac.uk)

Subjects:

Sciences & Technology--Chemical Sciences (Chemistry)

Sciences & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Elements; Isotopes; Periodic Table

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:

Sciences & Technology--Mathematics

Sciences & Technology--Physics

Keywords: Algebra; Geometry; Physics; Graphing

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