Physics Challenges (by Tom Browder, University of Hawaii)

Challenging Questions for Physics 100 Students and Others

• Challenge I: What is Quantum Mechanics ? Follow this link to a non-mathematical introduction to physics, including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, special relativity, quantum mechanics, and general relativity
  
  
• Challenge II: What is a Quark ? The fundamental constituents of matter are quarks. These are the components of the nucleus inside atoms. Click here to begin the Particle Adventure.
  
  
• Challenge III: How do Scientists Study Quarks ? If you have completed the Particle Adventure (Challenge II), then click here to try the guided tour of the Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory.
  
  
• Challenge IV: Discover a particle interactively If you have completed the Particle Adventure (Challenge II), then click here to try interactive analysis of High Energy Physics Data.
  
  
• Challenge V: Why is a diamond hard and a pencil soft ? This is not a stupid question. To understand the difference you have to know about the atomic structure of materials. Click here to explore the Microworld of Materials.
  
  
• Challenge VI: What is a Liquid Crystal ? You are probably familiar with three states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. There are other states of matter which are intermediate between solid and liquid for example, liquid crystals. These are of great practical importance and are used in wristwatches and computer displays, for instance. Follow this link to a tutorial that has details. (WARNING: This link works with NETSCAPE but not XMOSAIC)
  
  
• Challenge VII: How do Patterns Form in Nature ? This is not a stupid question either. The interplay of physics and chance leads to the formation of patterns in metals, bacteria, lighting, snowflakes and in many other realms of nature. Click here to explore the world of patterns.
  
  
• Challenge VII: How do Patterns Form in Nature ? This is not a stupid question either. The interplay of physics and chance leads to the formation of patterns in metals, bacteria, lighting, snowflakes and in many other realms of nature. Click here to explore the world of patterns.
  
  
• Challenge VIII: What is Condensed Matter Physics ? Did Challenges V and VI get the wheels turning and the juices flowing ? If so, click and try this more advanced foray into the world of condensed matter physics.
  
  
• Challenge IX: What is Chaos ? A messy desk ? Or the secret of Nature ?
  
  
• Challenge X: Is time travel possible with black holes ? Are black holes real ? What is a pulsar ..... ? This is a superb introduction to Astronomy and Astrophysics.
  
  
• Challenge XI: Ask Dr. Neutrino, Wide ranging questions and answers about physics ?
  
  
• AP Physics Students: Are you studying mechanics ? If so, here are some very well thought physics problems in an interactive framework from the physics education experts in Berkeley, CA.
  University of Hawaii/ teb@uhhepi.phys.hawaii.edu