Back to the Salt Mine

Nice long weekend, but it had to end sometime...

Honors Physics used Thursday's lab activity to illustrate facets of Newton's 3^rd Law of Motion. Forces are generated at the moment of contact, both forces arise simultaneously, the magnitudes are equal, but the directions are opposite, etc. Remember that N-3 only refers to magnitude and size of forces, not the responses of the objects in the interaction. We have to go back to N-2 to figure that out. Also, the action-reaction forces are not responsible for equilibrium - they act on different objects. Our next step on the Force trail will be an examination of specific forces such as weight, the normal force and friction. Tomorrow's lab will focus on static and kinetic friction and the determination of the coefficient of friction between two surfaces.

Physics B discussed their N-2 and N-3 labs, then got another opportunity to investigate forces in the lab. Today's work on air resistance demonstrated that terminal velocity for heavier objects is greater than for lighter objects and that increased air resistance promotes greater air resistance. We'll talk about the lab tomorrow before tidying up final ideas for Newton's 3^rd Law of Motion and beginning to review for the exam on Friday.

Physics E discussed their N-2 and N-3 lab and completed their discussion of Newton's 3^rd Law of Motion. We'll go over the classwork/homework items at the start of class tomorrow, then begin reviewing for Friday's exam.

Physical Science went over their Motion exams and then embarked on a discussion of Newton's 1^st Law of Motion. We will continue with this discussion and add in Newton's ^nd Law in preparation for Thursday's laboratory investigation for N-2.

Homework

Honors Physics: Read lab material
Physics B: Complete Air Resistance lab write up
Physics F: Complete #19, 24, 25, 28, 29, 32, 36 and 37 on pages 84-85 of ancillary packet
Physical Science: None