Physics A completed the data collection and analysis for their energy conservation labs. Some conclusion ideas for the lab, which is due on Friday:
- What does each form of energy entail - what goes into measuring each type (height, speed, etc.)
- What patterns of change did you see and why did those patterns occur (did speed increase, stretch decrease, etc.)
- How did one pattern of change in one energy form relate to the pattern of change in the other.
- What is conservation of energy and how does it play into the observed patterns of change for the energies?
- Did friction play a role? Why or why not?
- Sources of error? What were they and how might they have impacted the results?
Physics B reviewed their energy conservation labs and their discussion on work before moving on to kinetic energy and the work-kinetic energy theorem. We defined energy as the ability to do work and related positive and negative work to an object's energy bank. The formula for kinetic energy was examined, with a note on the greater importance of velocity on an object's kinetic energy, then turned attention to linking quantitatively an object's energy change and work. We'll review this tomorrow, before adding more energy types to our list of suspects.
Introductory Physics reviewed their problems for the impulse-momentum theorem before taking on conservation of momentum. The momentum of a system stays the same, as long as outside influences are not acting (like friction). We looked at examples of conservation of momentum before staring to work on the problem-solving aspect with a few samples. More practice tomorrow in preparation for a quick quiz on Friday before our lab on momentum.
Honors Physics conducted an investigation on the impulse-momentum theorem. A force sensor measured force applied to a moving cart and a motion detector tracked the cart's velocity change. With this information, along with time, comparisons between impulse and the cart's momentum change can be compared. We'll talk about the lab in class tomorrow, but the write-up isn't due until Friday. Tomorrow's discussion will dissect types of collisions and relate them to conservation of mechanical energy and momentum. Friday - review. Monday - Exam. Tuesday - Circular motion and gravitation.
