ABST

Visiting maritime museum as part of
study tour of MSc (Final) Students:
Astronomy Group (Class of 2007)

Abstracts of Journal Papers (1980-1989)

Abstracts of Journal Papers (1990-1999) (2000-2005)

1989 1988 1987 1986 1982 1981 1980

1989

J10: Behavior of Massive Particles Near the Velocity of Light
Work done at: UNIVERSITY OF KARACHI, University Road, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
Kamal SA, Husain SA, Karachi University Journal of Science
17(1&2), 1989, 111-120
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Behavior of massive particles near the velocity of light was
discussed. It was shown that an accurate determination of
velocity makes the Lorentz factor and the energy indeterminate.
The relativistic relation of mass was modified so that mass was non-infinite at v = c in the light of uncertainty principle. An experiment was proposed to test the theory. Paper PDF

1988

J07: A Dimensionless-Reciprocal Lattice
Work done at: UNIVERSITY OF KARACHI, University Road, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
Kamal SA, Husain SA, Karachi University Journal of Science 16(1&2), 1988, 23-27
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The reciprocal-lattice vectors widely used in solid-state physics have dimensions of inverse of length and, hence, are going to be different if systems of units are changed. A modified lattice, cross lattice, was defined in such a way that the cross-lattice vectors were independent of the coordinate system chosen. Angular-momentum eigenfunctions for cross lattice were, also, obtained. Paper PDF

1987

J06: The Direction of Qibla (Makka)
Work done at: UNIVERSITY OF KARACHI, University Road, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
Kamal SA, Science and Technology in the Muslim World 5(3), 1987, 131-134
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A mathematical derivation of the direction of qibla (the holy structure in Makka Mukarramah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, whose center is taken as reference direction toward which all Muslims face while saying their prayers) as based on the geodesic was given for any point on the surface pf earth. This should help to resolve the controversy regarding the qibla direction in North America. Paper PDF

1986

J05: Relationship of Anthropometric Measurements Taken on Clothing to Those Taken on Body
Work done at: THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY, Homewood Campus, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
Kamal SA, Karachi University Journal of Science 14(1&2), 1986, 35-39
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Anthropometric measurements are of fundamental importance in school health care. Sometimes, it is not practical to take the measurements on body. In these circumstances, the measurements are taken on clothing. This paper introduced relations to convert girths (circumferences) taken on clothing to those taken on body. Paper PDF

1982

J04: Measurement of Angle of Spinal Curvature by Moiré Topographs
Work done at: UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, USA
Kamal SA, Journal of Islamic Medical Association (USA) 14(4), 1982, 145-149
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A method for the measurement of angle of spinal curvature from moiré topographs for scoliosis and kyphosis was described. The angles measured in this way were compared with the angles measured from X rays by Cobb’s method. Paper PDF

1981

J03: Determinant of a General Tensor
Work done at: INDIANA UNIVERSITY, Bloomington, Indiana 4705, USA
Kamal SA, Matrix and Tensor Quarterly (UK) 31(3), 1981, 64-66; abstract published in Mathematical Reviews 82j, October 1982, 15025 (15: Linear and Multilinear Algebra: Matrix Theory), published by the American Mathematical Society
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A generalized definition of a determinant of m^th rank was proposed. Two theorems were given with proofs, viz., the determinant of an inner product is equal to the determinant of an outer product, and, the determinants of a general tensor form an abelian group under the operation of multiplication. Paper PDF

J02: Extended Symmetries in Special Theory of Relativity
Work done at: INDIANA UNIVERSITY, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA
Kamal SA, Chinese Journal of Physics 19(4), 1981, 87-91
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The behavior of particles with velocities greater than the velocity of light was re-examined and a theory presented, which was based on the symmetry principles of nature. Paper PDF

1980

J01: Physical Significance and Properties of Relativistic-Effective-Mass Operator
Work done at: UNIVERSITY OF KARACHI, University Road, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
Kamal SA, Journal of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (Lahore) 20(1), 1980, 15-22; abstract published in Mathematical Reviews 81h, August 1981, 81210 (81M: Relativistic Theory), published by the American Mathematical Society
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Physical significance and properties of the relativistic-effective-mass operator (REMO) were discussed. REMO for tachyons (faster-than-light particles) was defined and its properties were compared with REMO for bradyons (slower-than-light particles). Paper PDF

The Students’ Gazette (April-May 1987) interviewed Syed Arif Kamal about his views regarding Department of Physics, University of Karachi. The interview was conducted by Nadia Mufti, BSc (Hons), First Year, Department of Physics.

What condition was this department in, when you joined? And how has it changed ever since?

Things have improved since the earlier times. We have more facilities and opportunities now.

Do you think the lab equipment provided to the students is enough?

We have tried to accommodate every student with individual apparatus. However, still, due to a large number of students there are, sometimes, more people on one apparatus.

Do you face any problems or difficulties with your students?

As such, there are no difficulties, but the classes are too overloaded due to which personal attention cannot be given to each student in class.

This science requires so much time and study. Is it all worth it when the time comes to find a job?

There is no shortage of jobs as people think, especially in the field of Physics. What is required is commitment. A degree doesn’t assure employment, initiative is needed as well.

Is there any future for Physics in Pakistan?

As I said before, scope is a man-made thing. If we show interest and commitment, we can brighten the future. There is no lack of talent in this country, only a clear concept is needed.

Abstracts of Journal Papers (1990-1999) (2000-2005)

Updated: November 1, 2008 (0000h GMT)

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