Back in the Saddle Again

Honors Physics was, and will continue to be, depleted in number today due to AP exams, but that won’t stop us from soldiering on. After reviewing the final bit of magnetism homework, students started their march through modern physics with an overview of certain problems that classical physics could not adequately explain – blackbody radiation and the photoelectric effect. The work of Planck, Einstein, Wien and others were highlighted as we took a historical look at the beginnings of quantum theory. Tomorrow, we’ll review the history of the structure of the atom and emphasize how the new quantum ideas shaped our appreciation of atomic structure. Exam is still next Monday, so we’ll set aside some time of Friday for review.

Physical Science B and E started with electromagnetic induction today. The concept of magnetic flux was explained, as was its role in generating charge motion. Induction was then applied to the function of a generator and students were able to see how changing such variables as rotation speed affected the current output of a hand-held generator. With generators came a discussion of AC current and the idea that even magnitude of the current varied with time. We’ll continue on with our discussion of induction tomorrow and bring transformers into the picture. Exam still on the books for Thursday, with Wednesday being E-Block’s lab period.

Physics F discussed mutual inductance and self-inductance in systems and spent additional time working with the theory of transformers. You’ll get practice with problems dealing with transformers tonight and tomorrow’s film will wrap up ideas about magnetism and detail properties of Earth’s magnetic field.

Physics G watched the NOVA presentation Magnetic Storm, which highlights features and processes of Earth’s magnetic field and does a good job of reinforcing basic concepts about magnetism. Students were given a set of discussion questions to attack that we will go over tomorrow before returning to the idea of electromagnetic induction.

Homework

Honors Physics A: Practice 23A #1, 3; Practice 23B #1, 2, 4 and the 23.1 Section Review
Physical Science B and E: None
Physics F: Practice 22D
Physics G: Complete Magnetic Storm discussion questions