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We formulate geodesics on a manifold in terms of a parallel transfer of a particle state vector transformed by local Lorentz and Yang-Mills symmetry groups. This formulation leads to an introduction of a canonical one-form the eigenvalues…
In this paper, which is of programmatic rather than quantitative nature, we aim to further delineate and sharpen the future potential of the LISA mission in the area of fundamental physics. Given the very broad range of topics that might be…
Since Galileo and (more recently) D'Arcy Thompson, it has been understood that physical processes and constraints influence biological structures and their resulting functions. However these cross-discpline connections -- and their…
Understanding the principles of geophysical phenomena is an essential and challenging task. "Model-driven" approaches have supported the development of geophysics for a long time; however, such methods suffer from the curse of…
The objective of this work is to revisit fundamental aspects of relativistic hydrodynamics, aiming at the construction of a first course in relativistic hydrodynamics and its applications to astrophysics at the level of end of undergraduate…
We derive the gravitational and electrostatic self-energies of a particle at rest in the background of a cosmic dispiration (topological defect), finding that the particle may experience potential steps, well potentials or potential…
The present paper introduces the notion of chiral gravitational elastic waves and explores their connections to equatorial and planetary waves. The analysis of the gravity-induced waveforms in gyroscopic systems composed of gyropendulums…
This paper outlines a deceptively complex problem in classical mechanics which the paper names the "Falling Astronaut Problem," and it explores a method for teachers to implement this problem in an undergraduate classroom. The paper…
Numerical simulations of the geodynamo (and other planetary dynamos) have made significant progress in recent years. As computing power has advanced, some new models claim to be ever more appropriate for understanding Earth's core dynamics.…
We discuss a case study of the influence of epistemology on learning for a student in an introductory college physics course. An analysis of videotaped class work, written work, and interviews indicates that many of the student's…
We consider an elastic-plastic medium whose motion equations are isomorphic to Maxwell's equations. Electrical charges are modeled by pressure centers of the medium. The electric interaction is shown to be concerned with the conservation…
Many students meet quite early this dipole-dipole potential energy when they are taught electrostatics or magnetostatics, and it is also a very popular formula, featured in the encyclopedias. We show that by a simple rewriting of the…
We give a simple rigourous treatment of the classical results of the abelian sandpile model. Although we treat results which are well-known in the physics literature, in many cases we did not find complete proofs in the literature. The…
The purpose of this sophomore-level textbook is twofold: to introduce the student to classical electrodynamics and, at the same time, explain in simple terms the quantum theory of conducting substances (in particular, the solid ones). The…
This is an overview of higher structural constructions in physics. The main motivations of our current attempt are as follows: (i) to provide a brief introduction to derived algebraic geometry, (ii) to understand how derived objects…
An important step in learning to use math in science is learning to see physics equations as not just calculational tools, but as ways of expressing fundamental relationships among physical quantities, of coding conceptual information, and…
The modeling theory of instruction is widely applied and highly successful in high-school instruction, and seldom in university physics. One reason is lack of familiarity with models in the physics classroom. Ongoing curriculum development…
This paper describes the development of a new university physics course designed to integrate physics, education, research, and community partnerships. The coordinated system of activities links the new course to local community efforts in…
We developed a two-day physics class that uses a nearby forest as a teaching location. Using low-cost material, students design and carry out physics projects outside of the usual controlled environment that is a classroom. In this way they…
Experiment plays a decisive role in physics. It is the single source of our understanding of nature. But, during the last century the main accent in theoretical physics has moved toward metaphysics. Some mathematicians/theoreticians try to…