For Real, This Time

Yesterday was housekeeping, today was real work. B, C and E Blocks reviewed the scientific method and the basics of the metric system and checked the homework problems for metric conversions. As I said in class, the method you choose to perform unit conversions is up to you, as long as you do it correctly. You will find yourself often having to convert units (metric mostly, but some non-SI units, as well), so hammer that skill down now. Time was also taken to discuss the importance of models in physics and why their use is critical for analyzing complex systems. We will often make assumptions about a system that reduce it to a model and, surprisingly, still get respectable predictions of real-world events. Tomorrow (Tuesday for E Block), we tackle accuracy and precision, the use of scientific notation and significant figures and the value of checking answers for dimensional consistency.

F Block conducted an introductory lab investigation to get them used to working with the Vernier probeware system. Equal increments of pennies were weighed and graphed to explore how Vernier presents real-time data and how the program performs mathematical data analysis. We modified the experiment a little by having groups test both pre-1982 pennies and post-1982 pennies and comparing the weights. Remember to follow the instructions for writing a lab synopsis and answer all questions/perform all calculations required in the lab handout. E Block will perform this lab tomorrow and F Block will take up today's lecture material in class.