Closing in on Midterms

Honors Physics went over their Chapter 9 exams and followed that act with the homework problems from last night. This pretty much took the entire period, so we’ll pick up with latent heat tomorrow.

Physical Science B discussed wave properties in more detail and added in wave speed. Important to remember – wave speed in a single medium is constant, all EM waves travel at the same speed in a vacuum, mechanical waves tend to speed up in more dense media and EM waves slow down in more dense media. Questions on these concepts always turn up on the MCAS, as well as using the wave speed equation to solve problems. Also, make sure you have a good idea as to the players, positions and uses of the members of the electromagnetic spectrum. Tomorrow, you’ll get some practice with the math aspects of the chapter, so make sure to have your calculators ready. The last agenda item was preparation for the midterm exam. Students got a copy of last year’s exam plus the answer key. Use that, along with note packs, old tests and practice problem sheets to begin your studying and get help from me when you run across difficulties.

Physical Science E reviewed their transverse wave lab and the properties of waves worksheet that went along with the lab. The lab was nice in that it allowed you to tie together simple harmonic motion with wave formation and made you work with all the features and calculations associated with waves in this section. We then took time to discuss the upcoming midterm exam and strategies for success on that test. Remember – planning ahead is your best friend!

Physics F and G spent time working on test corrections. This batch was a bit on the low side, but you also had a pretty interrupted chapter to work with. So, work hard on making the corrections and get them to me ASAP. You will want your corrected papers to use for studying for the midterm exam. Speaking of midterm exams, students were given a copy of last year’s midterm exam and also the solutions key for the test. Use that to guide you in preparing for next week’s activities.

Homework

Honors Physics A: Practice 10D #1,5,6 and the 10.3 Section Review
Physical Science B and E: None
Physics F and G: Complete test corrections