Table of contents

A brief account is given of the application of physical methods in archaeology. The applications are grouped under three main headings: the location, analysis and dating of finds. Under location the resistivity, magnetic and electromagnetic survey methods are included and, for use in locating cavities in walls, the sonic survey and neutron back-scattering survey are described. The analytic techniques include x-ray fluorescence, neutron activation and β-ray back scattering. Finally, under dating, the radiocarbon, thermo-remanent magnetism and thermoluminescent techniques are described.

This experimental approach to electrical oscillations starts with slow oscillations which can be followed by eye and considers the importance of capacitance and inductance in an oscillatory circuit. At very high frequencies the oscillations produce waves and this leads to a simple picture of the propagation of an electromagnetic wave. Comparison with slow mechanical oscillations and waves are used to help in clarifying the picture.

Different kinds of writing have different missions. In scientific writing the principal objective is to convey information. This paper examines several of the essential characteristics of effective scientific expositions, identifies and discusses certain steps the author should take before actually beginning to write, and considers the separate sections of a typical scientific paper or report from three viewpoints - nature of content, sequence of preparation, and pattern of presentation.

The semiconductor detector of ionizing radiations is rapidly becoming standard equipment in nuclear physics research experiments. The devices have many advantages the most important of which is that they can be made into spectrometers. The elementary physics of their operation is outlined here together with the techniques of their use. Details are also given of some student laboratory experiments that have been performed with silicon detectors in order to demonstrate certain aspects of nuclear and solid-state physics.

The benefits that can be gained by students using modern scientific papers in O.N.C. and A-level physics courses are discussed and examples of suitable papers given.

The propagation of sound in rooms is discussed. Sabine's formula for reverberation time is derived as an approximation to Eyring's formula. The relation between optimum reverberation time and use of a room is considered. Finally, the investigation and treatment of an acoustically poor room are described, illustrating the improvement obtained by the use of sound-absorbing materials.

Whilst it is recognized that the system of education and conditions under which many school teachers operate are not conducive to undertaking extra-curricular work, there are many research projects which could be tackled without incurring heavy expenditure on equipment: projects in which pupils can participate and which directly and indirectly improve the standard of education. This article is to bring to the notice of school science teachers a scheme whereby advice and help may be given to enable research projects to be undertaken in schools.