Published in European Journal of Physics
Current university physics curricula and pedagogical research lack the study of molecular spectrum and its isotopic effects. In light of this, and considering the simplistic architecture of CN molecules alongside the significance of carbon isotopes in atmospheric cycles and various other disciplines, we have developed an advanced molecular spectros...
Published in European Journal of Physics
A simple experiment taking into account media with natural optical activity and their characterization by means of Mueller polarimetry is proposed for undergraduate Optics and Photonics laboratories. The objectives are, first, to review how to characterize dielectric and homogeneous media with natural optical activity by means of a Mueller matrix, ...
Published in European Journal of Physics
This paper employs Mathematica for visualizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) in circular waveguides, effectively addressing pedagogical challenges related to theoretical abstraction and computational complexity. We first derive the exact solutions for guided modes, then summarize the steps for visualizing EMF using Mathematica, propose educational s...
Published in European Journal of Physics
This investigation advances the experimental exploration of optical discs’ diffraction phenomena, meticulously constructing optical pathways to ascertain the track pitch within the disc employing both transmission and reflection grating paradigms. Furthermore, this study devises a novel apparatus and methodology for the precise measurement of optic...
Published in European Journal of Physics
The natural units of measure lauded by Max Planck more than 100 years ago are underutilized today. Many physical constants, including the Planck constant, the gravitational constant, the speed of light, vacuum permittivity, and vacuum permeability consist of natural units in their unit dimensions. The natural units are present in all formulas conta...
Published in European Journal of Physics
This paper presents a new laboratory activity aimed at developing knowledge and expertise in microwave applications at cryogenic temperatures. The experience focuses on the detection of infrared photons through microwave kinetic inductance detectors. The experimental setup, theoretical concepts, and activities involved are detailed, highlighting th...
Published in European Journal of Physics
This study delves into the historical development of the core principles of dynamics, namely the interplay between forces and motion. We explore the intricate and nonlinear transition from the Aristotelian framework, which held sway for eighteen centuries, to the Newtonian paradigm. We posit that the complexity of this transition largely stems from...
Published in European Journal of Physics
The Euler equation provides a convenient framework for studying the rotational dynamics of rigid bodies in solid mechanics. While this equation is written from the point of view of an inertial observer, it is implemented in a non-inertial ancillary coordinate system attached to the rigid body and the equations of the rotation are consequently expre...
Published in European Journal of Physics
In this paper, we present the simplest possible method for the precise determination of solar noon in mean solar time, based only on the value of the equation of time corresponding to a predetermined time for the observer, constant throughout the year. This represents a revolutionary simplification of the appendix of the universally known SPA (Sola...
Published in European Journal of Physics
Tests of models for new physics appearing in neutrino experiments often involve global fits to a quantum mechanical effect called neutrino oscillations. This paper introduces students to methods commonly used in these global fits starting from an understanding of more conventional fitting methods using log-likelihood and χ 2 minimization. Specifica...
