Its Getting Hot in Here

Honors Physics A conducted their pressure-temperature lab to good result. One would expect that if the volume of a system was constant, an increase in temperature would produce an increase in pressure. Higher temperature means particles have more momentum. This would make collisions more forceful, thereby increasing pressure. Tomorrow, we’ll start discussing the various thermodynamic processes and how to evaluate work for each (hint: work was not done for the process modeled in lab today).

Physical Science B had an in-depth review of basic wave properties. Students refreshed their brains on the physical features of waves, the definition and calculations of frequency, period and wavelength, the differences between wave types and the influence of type of medium on wave travel. The last part of class was spent discussing the Doppler Effect and describing examples of the Doppler Effect in action.

Physical Science E concluded their review of basic wave properties and then moved into their own discussion of the Doppler Effect. We then took time to preview the next section of material, which concentrates on wave interactions – reflection, refraction, diffraction, interference and the formation of standing waves. We will work with these concepts in depth in the next chapter when we focus on sound and light.

Physics F and G reviewed the concept of latent heat and we discussed the homework problems that dealt with latent heat. The calculations that require you to calculate heat energy transfer when a substance crosses over several phase changes is tedious, but if you can do this easily, you mastered both specific heat calculations and latent heat calculations. Tomorrow, G Block will conduct a series of lab investigations that will concentrate on using calorimetry to determine the energy content of a fuel source and to study the liquid-solid phase change for water.

Homework

Honors Physics A: Complete lab write up
Physical Science B and F: None
Physics F: None
Physics G: Read lab protocol sheet