Phryday!

And a welcome Phryday it is...

Physics A and B practiced using some math techniques to combine vector quantities. Yesterday's work with the graphical method of combining vectors went well, but it was pretty easy to pick out the downsides of that path - need for equipment and problems with accuracy. As long as the vectors being combined are perpendicular to each other, slapping together a quick right triangle and using the Pythagorean Theorem to get the magnitude of the resultant and the tangent function to find the directional angle, works much faster and far more accurately than the graphical method. We practiced vector combination in class and Monday will bring the idea of vector resolution - taking one vector and breaking it down into its x- and y-components.

Honors Physics moved from horizontally-launched projectiles to projectiles launched at an angle. The same formulas are in play, but the launch velocity now has both a horizontal and vertical component. Make sure to break that initial velocity apart and use only the y-component for vertical work and the x-component for horizontal work. Also, keep in mind the hints and tips I gave you in class and that you used for the classwork problem. If I get a chance, I'll put up a video on working with projectiles launched at an angle and you'll get more practice with this problem type on Monday.

Introductory Physics reviewed the basics of creating and interpreting graphs of motion, building off of yesterday's lab. You should be able to create a position/time or velocity/time graph of motion described in words and evaluate a position/time or velocity/time graph for the motion it is describing. Calculating the velocity from a position/time graph and acceleration from an velocity/time graph (including sign or direction) should also be a skill in your toolbox. We then talked about how the kinematics on the MCAS formula sheet can be used to make predictions about motion and started practicing making calculations using these formulas. You'll get a lot more practice with this on Monday.

Have a great weekend!