Back to the Salt Mine

Today was certainly not a leisurely day - no rest for the wicked! Physics began examining rotational dynamics with a study of torque. When working problems, it no angle is given, assume the applied force acts at a 90 degree angle to the lever arm. Tomorrow's lab will allow you to examine how torque is related to balance and introduce the second condition of equilibrium. Honors Physics slogged their way through Newton's 2nd law for rotation, angular momentum and rotational kinetic energy. The assigned problems do take a bit of careful reading, so be prepared to spend a little time on them. Kudos to the brave souls who used the rotating platforms to experience conservation of angular momentum! Physical Science entered the world of energy with a discussion of gravitational potential and kinetic energies. The solutions for the homework problems are on the class website. Tomorrow, we will go over these and begin a discussion of energy conversions and conservation.