Basic Physical Concepts Research Articles

Some educational uses of EDXRF for technologists in health science

Abstract Physicists teach physics to students of various academic disciplines such as physics, chemistry, health sciences, biology, geology, environmental sciences, etc. Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDXRF) is a case of application of atomic physics in the real world. Students, through applications of EDXRF, may find out how the basic concepts of atomic physics can be used for elemental analysis of samples of their scientific interest and everyday life. This paper presents some educational implementations of EDXRF and highlights the importance of incorporating this spectroscopic method in undergraduate or postgraduate labs or lectures in the field of health sciences. Five experimental activities, a general one for understanding X-ray spectra and the others for the analysis of substances/materials related to chemistry/toxicology, dentistry, optics, and cosmetics, are presented and discussed.

Acehnese Ethnoscience as an Interdisciplinary Approach in Physics Education: Innovating in the Era of Merdeka Belajar

Various efforts have been made to improve students’ understanding of basic physics concepts, but their mindset in constructing knowledge remains problematic. The learning process has yet to engage long-term memory, preventing meaningful analysis-level understanding. This research aimed to activate students’ thinking patterns based on ethnoscience through learning tools such as modules, semester learning plans (RPS), and student worksheets (LKM) that are valid, practical, and efficient. The research used the R&D method with the ADDIE approach, involving 2 expert validators and all Physics Education students at FKIP USK enrolled in basic physics courses in 2022. The results indicated that the ethnoscience-based basic physics learning tools of the Acehnese community, which include modules, RPS, and LKM, effectively supported Merdeka Belajar and have been validated for their validity, practicality, and efficiency. Students were highly motivated and impressed by the concept of measurement in physics, which has long been practiced by the Acehnese community, such as in paying zakat fitrah during Ramadan. The scientifically understood volume-measuring tools used by students were not significantly different from the ethnoscience tools used by the Acehnese community. Ethnoscience facilitates meaningful learning by analyzing context, content, and literacy.

Використання засобів комп’ютерного моделювання з метою підвищення інтересу учнів до вивчення фізики

The article analyzes scientific research on the problem of the development of cognitive interest: the essence of the concept of "cognitive interest" is considered, the features of the formation of students' cognitive interest in physics classes are described. The directions of the introduction of information technologies into the educational process are characterized, which include the development and practical use of scientific and practical support, the high-quality and effective use of software, computer training and knowledge control systems, the systematic integration of these technologies into existing educational processes and organizational structures. It has been found that conducting experiments that are difficult or impossible to reproduce in a real experiment can be effectively implemented based on the use of multimedia models. Possibilities of using computer modeling during the study of physics are offered. It has been confirmed that the use of computer simulation elements is appropriate and justified during the study of educational material, for which conducting various kinds of educational physical experiments is limited. This is the study of the basic concepts of quantum physics. The peculiarities of the study of the "Quantum optics" section are described, in which special attention is paid to the study of the phenomenon of the photoeffect. Examples of interactive computer models are given, the use of which makes it possible to increase the interest of students in studying this material in physics, to stimulate the formation and development of cognitive activity and creative thinking, to form in students an idea of the phenomena of the microcosm, their regularities, and the modern physical picture of the world.

Pencil and paper electronics: an accessible approach to teaching basic physics concepts

This teaching article describes a simple and low-cost methodology for studying electrical transport and constructing basic sensor devices using everyday stationery items, including pencils, paper, and a handheld multimeter. The approach is designed for high school and undergraduate teachers and offers an easy-to-implement, hands-on method for teaching fundamental concepts in physical electronics. The materials and experiments outlined in this article are widely accessible and can be easily replicated in various teaching labs, even with limited budgets.

Ultrasound fundamentals and their clinical implications for interventional cytopathologists.

To describe the most important concepts in ultrasound physics that interventional cytopathologists need to understand in order to successfully perform ultrasound-guided needle biopsies. Review of the literature. A deep understanding of ultrasound physics and the mathematics supporting it are not necessary. The most important concepts are frequency, attenuation, overall gain, time-gain compensation, focus, spatial resolution, temporal resolution and Doppler. By understanding these eight basic concepts of ultrasound physics and their clinical implications, interventional cytopathologists can faithfully reproduce the imaging findings of the radiologist and locate the target to precisely guide a needle for biopsy.

Materialism as a worldview position. The second article is about the missing requirement for scientific theories and the ideological vulnerability of the basic ideas of non-classical physics.

The subject of this study is materialism, understood in the broadest sense of this concept: both as a philosophical doctrine and as a way of life corresponding to a certain worldview position. The aim is to clarify the objective role of this worldview position in various fields of human activity. At the center of the research is the question of the essence of materialistic ideas about the world hiding behind the sensually given reality to man. The study consists of two parts, published in separate articles. The first part is devoted to the origins of the materialistic worldview and the main question of philosophy, and in this, its second part, the question of the philosophical problems of non-classical physics is considered, the root of these problems is revealed, a comparative worldview analysis of the basic concepts of classical and non-classical physics is carried out and the overall result of the research is summarized. The methodology of this research is the principle of materialistic monism, according to which absolutely all phenomena of the human-cognizable world can be based only on something material, "influencing". The general conclusions of this study are as follows: the roots of the materialistic worldview go back to the origins of life, to such a condition of successful vital activity of living beings, which is inherently ideological; this condition, called by the author the Main Question of Life, is the historical forerunner of the Main Question of Philosophy; the worldview position, equivalent to the materialistic solution of the OVF, is inherent in the vital activity of absolutely all living beings; all people in their daily and practical activities are born materialists. In addition, this study clarifies the idea of the essence of materialistic teaching; shows the exclusivity of the materialistic worldview as the only true worldview; provides a refined definition of the concept of matter; proves the need to shift the "center of gravity" of modern materialistic teaching from dialectics to the principle of materialistic monism; formulates the missing requirement for scientific theories to ensure their ideological viability; shows the ideological inconsistency the main ideas of the new, non-classical physics.

Improving engineering students' understanding of classical physics through visuo-haptic simulations.

Introduction: The teaching process plays a crucial role in the training of professionals. Traditional classroom-based teaching methods, while foundational, often struggle to effectively motivate students. The integration of interactive learning experiences, such as visuo-haptic simulators, presents an opportunity to enhance both student engagement and comprehension. Methods: In this study, three simulators were developed to explore the impact of visuo-haptic simulations on engineering students' engagement and their perceptions of learning basic physics concepts. The study used an adapted end-user computing satisfaction questionnaire to assess students' experiences and perceptions of the simulators' usability and its utility in learning. Results: Feedback from participants suggests a positive reception towards the use of visuo-haptic simulators, highlighting their usefulness in improving the understanding of complex physics principles. Discussion: Results suggest that incorporating visuo-haptic simulations into educational contexts may offer significant benefits, particularly in STEM courses, where traditional methods may be limited. The positive responses from participants underscore the potential of computer simulations to innovate pedagogical strategies. Future research will focus on assessing the effectiveness of these simulators in enhancing students' learning and understanding of these concepts in higher-education physics courses.

On (not) setting the atmosphere on fire with nuclear weapons

The question of possibly igniting a fusion chain reaction in the atmosphere by detonating nuclear weapons is analysed with some basic concepts of nuclear physics and order-of-magnitude estimates. This scenario is shown to be impossible in any realistic situation.

Entropy in literature and philosophy

Quantum physics is uniquely equipped as a science to abridge the gap between the physical and the spiritual, the human and the animal. How this abridgment may come about will be shown in an examination of the basic concepts of quantum physics, highlighting entropy; of Søren Kierkegaard’s philosophy, notably the work Repetition; a selection of modern literary works; illustrations of quantum mechanics provided by links to impressionist and abstract painting; a sound track and video emulating thunder, and a discussion of music.

Perbandingan Pemahaman Konsep Fisika Dasar Berdasarkan Jalur Masuk Mahasiswa Departemen Pendidikan Fisika

Students' understanding of Basic Physics concepts regarding Kinematics has different levels of understanding according to the entry route. This research aims to determine the comparison of understanding of Basic Physics concepts regarding Kinematics based on student entry points at the Department of Physics Education. The type of research used is experimental research. The sample used was 34 undergraduate students majoring in Physics Education who were chosen randomly. The research instrument used was a questionnaire with four multiple choice questions. Data collection techniques use Google Forms which are shared in class groups. The data obtained were analyzed using CRI (Certainty of Response Index) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The research results show that there are differences in understanding of Basic Physics concepts based on entry route

Do students have sufficient knowledge of physics to take marine biology courses?

Physics and biology are two branches of science that have many connections. In marine biology courses, students must have a good basic concept of physics. The purpose of this study was to determine whether students’ physics knowledge is sufficient to follow marine biology lectures. This study is a quantitative descriptive study. The study was conducted in May 2024 in the Biology Education study program at Raja Ali Haji Maritime University involving 27 students in their third year of study. Data collection was carried out by testing and analyzing descriptively. The results of the study showed that students did not have sufficient knowledge of physics to be able to follow marine biology courses. This is indicated by the problems found by students in solving questions related to the Effect of the position of the earth, moon, and sun on sea tides, the relationship between salinity and density of seawater, the specific heat of seawater, and the impact of global warming on increasing temperature and rising sea levels. Therefore, action is needed to strengthen the basic concepts of physics of biology students so that when taking biology lectures related to physics, students will be able to understand them well.

Momentum work and the energetic foundations of physics. V. Interaction of quantum objects via processes

Momentum work involves a change in the basic energetic concepts of physics, which also concerns binding processes. We apply the findings from the preceding papers in this series and describe any kind of interaction between particles via processes instead of forces. We illustrate a new understanding of the interaction and the energies involved using a vibrating diatomic molecule. After a detailed critical review of the current force-based interpretation of potential energy profiles, such as the Morse or Lennard-Jones potentials, the energy profiles are reinterpreted within the framework of quantum-process thermodynamics and the forms of energy released during the spontaneous formation of a bond are specified. Interaction by processes implies the real wave character of any quantum object, provides a path toward the development of a unified interaction theory, and should initiate a paradigm shift in fundamental theoretical physics.

Training teachers on new topics and new tools in Physics education

We report the result of a collaboration among Universities, Schools, and Institutions to increase interest in new tools and learning environments. To address this issue, we provide scientific and didactic support to teachers through different kinds of training sessions to introduce innovative didactic methodologies for teaching and learning. The project involved a training course both in streaming and carried-out sessions with university staff as well as secondary school teachers. We selected current research such as climate change, space missions, and Einstein’s relativity since they are not commonly included in the Italian physics curriculum; we suggested an approach based on some new methodologies and technologies to introduce these topics. We used microcontroller development boards for measuring environmental parameters, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and data processing applied to Open Data from space missions or weather archives. We also suggested a new approach to teaching modern physics. For this purpose, we used a web-based platform to explore the basic concepts of relativistic physics by emphasizing its impact on Global Positioning Systems, which is of utmost importance in everyday life.

Computer models as a means of improving the effectiveness of teaching physics

Computer models and programs are one of the main tools in education, therefore, the development of a plan for their development and use in the field of education is one of the main problems. The use of computer models will help to explore a new topic, a demonstration experiment and phenomena without violating safety regulations. Many experts believe that the computer currently makes it possible to make a qualitative breakthrough in the education system. Models of physical phenomena and experiments actively shape students' knowledge. In teaching a number of sections of the physics course, such as atomic and nuclear physics, quantum mechanics, and elementary particle physics, essential questions about conducting experiments are obvious. These sections relate to important areas of physics that deal with the study of phenomena and processes in the microcosm. Therefore, due to some difficulties in equipping physics classrooms, the computer acts as an assistant. In quantum physics and atomic physics, computer models are considered that help explain the phenomena under study, the course of processes, as well as methods of working with computer programs that simulate laboratory installations in this section, since physical laboratory assistants are an integral part of training. The use of computer models and programs for educational purposes gives students a unique opportunity to plunge into the world of quantum and atomic physics. This study analyzes the effectiveness of such models in the educational process, their impact on students' understanding of the basic concepts of quantum and atomic physics, and also compiles questionnaires based on these problems. The survey covers about 40 physics teachers. The work is based on the analysis of existing pedagogical experiments and research in the field of application of computer models for teaching physics. The focus is on assessing the impact of these models on the quality of knowledge and their ability to make complex concepts accessible and understandable to students. The obtained results can serve as a basis for further improvement of methods of teaching quantum and atomic physics using computer programs. The introduction of computer programs can help the student create an effective learning environment for his work at his own pace and in collaboration with the class. It can be said that the use of models of physical processes in preparing students for effective learning opens up great opportunities for creating high-quality and new forms and methods, the use of computer models of physical phenomena plays an important role. Of particular importance in the development of students' abilities to observe, think, generalize based on observed facts, and predict the course of the observed process.

Analysis of the Functions of Cosmology Dust in Galaxy Formation

The physical laws related to star formation in galaxies are the key to understanding the formation and evolution of galaxies. The dust in the interstellar medium has a significant effect on both the star formation and the observational properties of the galaxy. Understanding the properties, effects, and evolution of cosmology dust in galaxies is an essential part of a complete picture of galaxy formation and evolution. In this study, the background of interstellar dust research in galaxy formation will be summarized. Some basic concepts and physical properties of galaxies are introduced. The definition, classification and evolution of galaxies will be discussed. It then states the properties of cosmology dust in galaxies, including the basic concepts of physics, properties, generation, and evolution of dust. It will then focus on the role of interstellar dust in galaxies, including its basic concepts and background. These results shed light on guiding better understanding of the functions of cosmology dust in galaxy formation.

The role of conceptual models in climate research

Climate variability occurs on a multitude of temporal and spatial scales and the associated phenomena are studied using observations and a hierarchy of climate models. The aim of this paper is to describe the role that relatively simple models, usually referred to as conceptual climate models, have in the understanding of climate variability phenomena. To illustrate the importance of these conceptual models, we focus here exclusively on the tipping of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) under a changing surface freshwater forcing. In this case, results from the full hierarchy of models are available. Conceptual climate models and their mathematical analysis have generated basic physical concepts of AMOC tipping. In addition, these results have served as an important interpretation framework for more detailed models up to state-of-the-art global climate models.

Factors and mechanisms of mastering physical knowledge by technical university students

Introduction. Physics is one of the general professional disciplines at a technical university; its mastering is extremely important for future engineers. The process of formation of physical knowledge is accompanied by multiple difficulties, which actualises the problem of identifying the factors of assimilation thereof in students of a technical university as well as the mechanisms to influence these factors. The aim of the study is to identify and justify the factors of physical knowledge assimilation in students of a technical university as well as the mechanisms of influencing these factors. Materials and methods. The study involved 95 students of the National research university “MPEI” (Moscow Power Engineering Institute) (Russian Federation) majoring in the profiles: “Electric Power Engineering”, “Electrical Engineering”, “Biotechnical Systems”, “Electronics”. In order to assess the level of formation of students’ physical knowledge, a test comprising 15 questions was offered to them with a view to evaluate the students’ knowledge of the basic concepts and laws in the sections: “Mechanics”, “Molecular Physics” and “Electrodynamics”. The statistical analysis of test results was carried out by means of Mann-Whitney U test. Results. A number of factors influencing the formation of physical knowledge in students have been formulated, that were found to be in line with the objectives of studying physics at a technical university. The correctness of the revealed factors is confirmed by the statistics (Uemp. = 12 < Ucr. = 16; p < 0,01), i.e. the students who had poor performance at school or who failed the Unified State Examination are not motivated for studying physics at a university and have poor academic results in general physics. The success in test performance shown by students from weak Bachelor degree groups does not differ from the results of the same test performed by Master degree students (Uemp. = 47.5 > Ucr. = 16). This result is explained by the influence of such factor as low relevance of physical knowledge for Master degree students at a given stage of study. A set of mechanisms directly aimed at students’ assimilation of basic physical concepts and laws was developed. They include: development of cognitive abilities due to the systemic nature of physical knowledge, students’ strengthened intrinsic motivation to study physics, discussion of mathematical and verbal formulation of physical concepts and laws, regular directed testing in physics at all stages of studying at the university. Conclusion. The practical significance of the study is determined by the possibility to use its results for improving the process of formation of physical knowledge in students of technical universities.

A state parameter of cement admixed clay with different stress paths

ABSTRACT This paper presents an appropriate physical parameter for cement admixed clay, termed as the state parameter that combines the influence of void ratio, stress level, and cement content reference to an ultimate (steady) state. Data from a triaxial testing program on Pasak Clay with different stress paths was presented and demonstrated to be dependent on the state parameter. The strength and pore water pressure at the failure of cement mixed clay were directly associated with mean stress and decreasing state parameters. The 3-D surface for deviatoric stress, mean stress, and state parameter at certain distortional strains was proposed based on a stress path triaxial test. The stiffness of cement-treated clay increased with a decreasing state parameter and increase in mean stress. The concept of state parameter is a basic physical concept and has broad application as an empirical normalising parameter and constitutive modelling of soil behaviour.

Assessment of kinematic concepts comprehension: A systematic review

<span lang="EN-US">A systematic study on the development of the assessment instrument of the concept of kinematics which is one of the basic concepts of physics has not yet been conducted. This systematic study reported the characteristics, quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of the instrument assessment regarding the concept of kinematics. This systematic review method has used a systematic approach based on the practical guidelines of systematic reviews by Petticrew and Roberts and has used PRISMA diagrams for the process of searching and selecting articles, who reviewed 12 articles published between 1985 and 2021. The research findings show that the instrument of concept mastery of kinematics using multiple-choice formats, while others combine the true-false and multiple-choice formats. Almost all instruments of mastery of the concept of widely used kinematics have reported validity assessment (content validity, construct validity) and internal consistency reliability. However, predictive validity, discriminatory validity, and temporal stability reliability have not been reported. Other results indicate that the development of further assessments must pay attention to five important aspects: the validity and reliability of instruments, the scopes and specificity of the concept of kinematics, the conformity with the intellectual level of students, the effectiveness and efficiency of instrument assessment, and the fulfillment of research gaps. This study can help educators and researchers choose and develop an appropriate instrument assessment to reveal students’ understanding of the concept of kinematics.</span>

Further Basic Physics Concepts for the Surgeon

Further Basic Physics Concepts for the Surgeon