Contemporary physicists and science experts include Eratosthenes’ measurement of the Earthʼs circumference as one of the most beautiful experiments ever performed in physics. Upon revisiting this famous event in the history of science, we find that some interesting generalizations are possible. On the basis of a rather simple model of the Earthʼs insolation, we have managed, using some advanced mathematics, to derive a new formula for determining the length of the year, generalized in such a way that it can be used for all planets with sufficiently small eccentricity of the orbit and for all locations with daily sunrises and sunsets. The practical technique that our formula offers is simple to perform, entirely Eratosthenian in spirit, and only requires the angle of the noonday sun to be found on successive days around an equinox. Our results show that this kind of approach to the problem of the Earthʼs insolation deserves to be included in university courses, especially those which cover astronomy and environmental physics.
The study of statistical physics requires introductory preparation regarding probability theory. Understanding its fundamental concepts (randomness, distributions, fluctuations), and some experience in application of the basic concepts of statistics can be obtained in several ways. We found that the basic training in probability and statistics needed for physics and engineering study can be achieved by focusing on Buffon's needle problem. We believe this approach could help university specialists make study more efficient when probability and statistics play an important role. Buffon's experiment, with its convincing simplicity and flexibility, as well as its attractiveness, is in our opinion a useful tool in physics education at university level.
A few simple experiments in the magnetic field of a permanent U-shaped magnet are described. Among them, pin oscillations inside the magnet are particularly interesting. These easy to perform and amusing measurements can help pupils understand magnetic phenomena and mutually connect knowledge of various physics branches.
Considering that the documentary letter of credit is the most frequently used instrument of free foreign currency payments, as well as that the correspondent bank is an almost indispensable participant in the international letter of credit transaction, this paper is dedicated to analysing its position. The correspondent bank may take on the role of advising a letter of credit to a beneficiary, honour presented documents, or add its confirmation to a letter of credit. Depending on whether it appears as an advising, nominated or confirming bank, its rights, obligations, and responsibilities will be determined. This paper discusses the legal position of the correspondent bank depending on the role it plays, but also the liability of the issuing bank for the damage that the correspondent bank causes to the beneficiary by its actions.
The history of science remembers more than just formal facts about scientific discoveries. These side stories are often inspiring. One of them, the story of an unfulfilled death wish of Jacob Bernoulli regarding spirals, inspired us to look around ourselves. And we saw natural spirals around us, which led to the creation of a Hooke’s pendulum, an artificial creator of Bernoulli’s spira mirabilis. Mathematics helped us to investigate that strange curve and to control this little sandy route to making our predecessor’s wish come true.
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