Counting Down

Honors Physics spent time discussing wave interactions, both with matter and with other waves. Constructive and destructive interference were contrasted and combined with the concept of wave reflection to describe the formation of standing waves. We observed standing wave formation in class on a wave machine and saw that the predicted formation pattern held – only whole multiples of 1/2 wavelength would form standing waves on a string. In other words, unless you can get complete antinodes to fit perfectly on the length of vibrating medium, the standing wave won’t form. So, you can have 1 antinode, 2 antinodes, 3 antinodes, etc. but no partial combinations. We’ll pick this up again in more detail with the sound chapter when we examine how musical instruments function.

Physical Science B went over their sound review homework and then launched into their open-book quizzes on sound. The remaining 2/3 of the chapter focuses on light and we will spend a good bit of time looking at the nature of light, features of light, behaviors and uses of light.

Physical Science E conducted their lab investigation on sound. The speed of sound in air was measured and the affect of temperature on speed of mechanical waves was discussed. Students then got the chance to look at their voices on the computer, compare that with the wave pattern of a tuning fork and investigate how touch-tone phones use sound to transmit information. Tomorrow, we’ll go over the lab and sound review homework and students will take their open-book quiz on sound.

Physics F and G discussed the formation of standing waves and got to examine standing waves formed on a wave machine. The last bit of homework on wave interactions was discussed to tidy up loose ends. Tomorrow, refresher work on the vibrations and waves chapter and a preview of sound.

Homework

Honors Physics A: Chapter Review #37-45
Physical Science B: None
Physical Science E: Complete lab write up
Physics F and G: None