A Rainbow of Colors

Physical Science explored the wonderful world of color today with a lab activity investigating the reflective properties of different colors. Total reflectivity was quantitatively measured with the light sensor and reflection spectrum was qualitatively studied using spectroscopes. Pretty quickly it was evident that light colors (especially white) displayed a high albedo and dark colors (especially black) displayed low albedo. Further, the different colors reflected different wavelengths of light, which produced their characteristic hues. Between the lab introduction, lab activity and lab debriefing, the design-you-own-experiment for investigating correlation between heat and light reflection. By Monday, have your design written up according to the guidelines we discussed in class. Think about the last experiment you designed (range of a water projectile) and how you might make this one even better. Remember, the exam and daily objective answers have been postponed until Wednesday.

Honors Physics and Physics discussed the concept of simple harmonic motion. We analyzed oscillating masses on springs and simple pendulums to demonstrate the basic characteristics of SHM. Tomorrow, Physics will look at how we measure and calculate physical descriptors of SHM and Honors Physics will conduct a lab investigation that will examine a mass-spring system and mathematically analyze the oscillation pattern.