Finishing Up Chapters

Honors Physics spent time discussing the truly depressing topic of entropy. Entropy naturally increases for all processes and, even if you increase order in one area, another area will see a decrease in order in another part of the system (and that increase will be larger than the decrease you worked to achieve). Remember the mantra of thermodynamics – you can’t get ahead and you can’t break even. Tomorrow, we’ll review for Thursday’s exam and then it’s on to waves!

Physical Science B went over their practice tests and then we took time to go through the chapter highlighting and reviewing exam material. The packet of MCAS questions you were given should be completed for homework, and spend time tomorrow going over them as part of the exam review process. Also, bring along any specific questions you have about the chapter material so we can address them before Thursday’s exam.

Physical Science E went over their practice tests and then conducted a lab investigation on the formation and properties of standing waves. As we said in class, there are only certain permissible wavelengths for standing waves in a particular medium, so forming them on your ropes was not a quick and simple process. But, groups did manage to form standing waves with one, two and three antinodes eventually, calculate the wavelength and wave speed. We’ll discuss the lab further tomorrow and also go over your MCAS wave review packet as part of the review process for Thursday’s exam.

Physics F and G spent time reviewing for tomorrow’s exam on heat. We went through the chapter highlighting relevant exam material and F block used their lab investigation from yesterday as an example for many of the concepts we discussed. Starting Thursday – waves!

Homework

Honors Physics A: Practice 11C and Chapter Review items #32, 35-37
Physical Science B: Complete MCAS waves review packet
Physical Science E: Complete lab write up and MCAS waves review packet
Physics F and G: Study for heat exam