Phryday!

Honors Physics spent some time discussing the idea of centripetal force. Remember, that term is really a job description. Different forces perform that role, depending on the the situation. The direction of the force matches the direction of centripetal acceleration - towards the center of the circle/axis of rotation. Time was then given for students to practice solving problems for rotational motion. We'll go over those on Monday before turning attention to gravity. We've looked at acceleration due to gravity and verified the value in lab. Now, how do we calculate how big is the force that produced that acceleration?

Physics B watched a Mythbusters segment that introduced the upcoming unit on circular motion and also reinforced concepts for force, momentum and pressure. We'll start up with circular motion on Monday and Tuesday's lab will allow you to observe the effects of mass and rotational radius on the magnitude of centripetal force. Physics F endured their work and energy exam, so not much to report on that front.

Physical Science concluded their MCAS review for force, laws of motion and momentum. We'll review these topics and upcoming ones as we go along through the year and take last year's full test as a status check before the real test in June.

Homework:

Honors Physics: 7E #1, 2; 7F #1, 3; 7G #1, 3, 5; 7H #1, 4; p. 271 #47
Physics B: Complete Mythbusters discussion questions:

1. List 5 things that move with circular motion. Explain how they are able to move in a circle - why don't they just move in a straight line (Hint: think about force).


2. Do you enjoy rides that move with circular motion. Why or why not?

Physics F: None
Physical Science: None