A Day of Labwork

Physics D, F and Honors Physics all worked on their static and kinetic friction labs. Physics D and Honors Physics completed the lab and Physics D began their data collection/analysis and will complete it tomorrow. For Physics D and Honors Physics, we'll discuss the lab tomorrow and use it to help illustrate our in-depth discussion of friction (Physics D) and weight and the normal force (Honors Physics).

Intro Physics reviewed their work with Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation, then turned attention to weight and free-fall. We defined free-fall, discussed examples of motion that were and were not free-fall in nature, explained why all objects fall to earth with the same acceleration due to gravity and also the difference between mass and weight. Tomorrow, we'll get more into the arena of air resistance and dip our toes into 2-dimensional motion.

Short Wednesday

Today, only B and E Blocks met due to the early release. Intro Physics took the period to continue working on their universal gravitation problems. A lot of the issue I'm seeing with people's work centers around errors in transcription of data and calculator-use errors. Make sure you know how to use your calculator very well! You should have no difficulty working with scientific notation, order of operations or basic functions of any type. If you are still having problems, make sure you see me for help. Tomorrow, we'll go over these problems and take a deeper look at gravity and the concept of weight and free fall.

Honors Physics began a lab investigation for static and kinetic friction. We discussed these two types of friction before beginning and students started to collect data, which will continue during tomorrow's class. We will compare static friction (maximum) with kinetic friction and discuss why F_s,max is always greater than F_k and the meaning of the coefficient of friction during our lab discussion on Friday.

Back with Forces

Folks worked on their own yesterday since I was out, but we were back on track today with our work with forces and motion. Intro Physics reviewed their work with Newton's 2nd Law of Motion and then turned attention to gravity. We described gravity as a field force of attraction between matter and the two factors (mass and distance) that affected its magnitude. We then took a look at Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation and began working problems focused on this law, which we'll keep on practicing tomorrow.

Physics D and Honors Physics reviewed Newton's 2nd Law of Motion, then turned attention to Newton's 3rd Law. We discussed the full suite of implications associated with this law and what it meant and didn't mean for objects. Physics D then spent time looking at weight and the normal force and practiced calculating the normal force for objects in a variety of situations. Physics E will get to that on Friday because they are going to be involved lab work for static and kinetic friction for the next two days.

Physics F worked with static and kinetic friction in lab today. We first defined friction and it's two varieties, then conducted experiments to measure maximum static friction and kinetic friction acting on a block. Some groups still need to finish data collection and others need to work through data analysis, so we'll continue with our lab when we next meet, which will be Thursday due to tomorrow's half-day.

Forces and Motion

Intro Physics worked on two lab investigations that let folks observe the effects of air resistance on the motion of falling objects and how the object's mass impacted the terminal velocity it experienced. We saw that our picket fence fell with an acceleration very close to the accepted value for g (-9.81 m/s²), but the coffee filters didn't even come close. The acrylic picket fence was smooth, presented a small profile to the air as it fell and was heavy for its size. The coffee filters were lightweight, rough and presented a large profile to the air, so they were far more impacted by air resistance. However, it could be seen that as we nestled more filters together, the terminal velocity increased. We'll discuss our investigations in class tomorrow, and have more time to work on our Newton's 2^nd Law of Motion problems.

Physics D, E and F finished up their work with net force and free-body diagrams and then moved to Newton's 1^st Law of Motion and the concept of inertia. We linked net force to inertia and discussed the motion of an object experiencing a zero and non-zero net force. For D and E, we spent time with the concept of equilibrium, where an object experiences zero net force, but F block didn't quite get there and will hit it tomorrow. For all, Newton's 2^nd Law of Motion is on tomorrow's calendar and problems solving situations involving net force and acceleration. Expect to dredge up your kinematics skills!

Net Force

Intro Physics worked on a series of problems concerning force, net force, acceleration and kinematics. These problems were a step above the standard one-step F = ma offerings in the book and folks worked cooperatively to come up with strategies to attack the problems and find the solution. We'll work on these more tomorrow, so if there were items that gave you trouble, you'll have more time to work in class.

Physics D, F and E spent more time on free-body diagrams and net force. We move through progressively harder situations, seeking to calculate the net force acting on an object and most folks are at the point of working with objects on inclines. We'll tie up a few loose ends tomorrow and then begin to see how that net force impacts an object's motion, as we take on Newton's first and second laws of motion.

Forces

Everyone is fully on forces today with Introductory Physics moving on from the nature of forces to Newton's Laws of Motion. We looked at Newton-1 and Newton-2 in class today, so we got a conceptual and quantitative look at how forces impact matter and tomorrow we'll spend time working on problems that focus on Newton-2 and bring in our work with kinematics, as well.

Physics D worked on their Atwood's Machine lab and, tomorrow, will discuss that lab as part of our work with net force. Make sure you have your labs with you so you can take notes that might be useful for when go begin to script a conclusion for your lab write-up. Physics F and Honors Physics had that discussion today and we used their lab results from the previous day to illustrate the concepts associated with net force and acceleration. For all groups, we'll get more work with free-body diagrams and net force tomorrow in class before moving on formally to Newton's 1^st Law of Motion.

A Case of the Mondays

Friday was a test day for Physics D, E and F, with Intro Physics reviewing for their exam which occurred today. So, it was on the upperclassmen to carry on with new content and Physics D began with an overview of the nature of forces and the use of free-body diagrams to assess and represent forces acting on an object. We contrasted contact and field forces, related forces to acceleration, practiced drawing free-body diagrams for various situations, then used those diagrams to calculate the net force acting on an object. Don't lose sight of those vector skills from last chapter because, as you saw today, they're going to come in handy. Tomorrow is a lab investigation on forces and acceleration, and our work with free-body diagrams the the net force is going to come in handy.

That lab was on the plate for Physics F and Honors Physics today, with Honors Physics conducting it during their long block and Physics F finishing it during a short block, since the test Friday ate into the designated lab block. For all, Atwood's machine was constructed, with two main tests being run - (1)what happens when the total mass remains constant and mass difference between sides changes and (2)what happens when mass difference remains constant but the total mass of the system changes. We'll go over this lab tomorrow and talk about concepts relevant to analyzing the data and working on that final question - the single formula for acceleration in this system.

Pre-Test Jitters

Physics D, F and E all worked on exam review in class today. We quickly went over yesterday's material for relative motion, then walked page by page through the book, highlighting relevant information for tomorrow's exam before opening the floor for specific questions. On Monday, we start forces, which will tie in closely to the work with motion we've been navigating the past two chapters. Where are some videos for vectors and projectile motion that you might find helpful for your exam review (note: for the first video - textbook pages are for the older edition of the book,but I think you can figure things out pretty easily)...




Intro Physics reviewed their lab on static and kinetic friction before discussion the topic more fully in lecture. We defined each type of friction, discussed why F_s,max was always greater than F_k when the same surfaces are involved, factors affecting the amount of friction an object experiences, the sub-classes of kinetic friction (sliding, rolling, fluid) and why friction is both a helpful and problematic force. Tomorrow, full review for Monday's exam and then it's on to Newton's Laws of Motion on Tuesday.

LOOOOONG Weekend

After a 4-day weekend for students, we are back on track with motion. Physics D, F and E all reviewed projectile motion and began a study of relative motion in class today. Remember that for relative motion, we are taking a particular viewpoint (frame of reference) and describing motion in respect to it. Often, we use vector techniques to look at relative velocities or displacements, such as with the problems we worked in class. Tomorrow is review day for Friday's exam, so make sure to bring questions about vector operations (including non-perpendicular vectors), projectile motion (projectiles launched at an angle and horizontally-launched projectiles) and relative motion. On Monday, we start to look at forces!

Intro Physics completed their lab for static and kinetic friction. Folks still have some calculations and question-answering to do but the lab isn't due until next Wednesday, so you have time to get that done, along with the write up. We'll discuss static and kinetic friction tomorrow in class, using the lab data to illustrate our points and Friday is review day for the Chapter 10 test.

Those Pesky Projectiles

Physics D, F and Honors Physics worked with projectiles launched at an angle today and will continue on with that tomorrow. If you're not getting it to come together for you quite yet, just keep working at it and remember to ask me or a neighbor for help in class. There are lots of little places where you can go wrong and it doesn't take a large mistake to make a big difference in your final answer. For everyone, we're looking towards next Friday as your exam for this chapter, so let's make sure to hammer these skills down to prepare for that assessment.

Intro Physics lost over half the class due to Peer Mentoring. We had time to go over the homework and discuss tomorrow's lab, but not really dive into the new topic of friction. Therefore, on Wednesday, we'll use tomorrow's lab investigation on static and kinetic friction as a model for our conversation on the topic of friction, which is the last bit of new material in this chapter. Exam looks like it's going to be next Friday, so be prepared!

Projectiles Are Flying!

Physics D conducted an investigation about the motion of horizontally-launched projectiles. First, they had to predict an impact point and hit a target placed at that point, then they were given an impact distance and had to calculate and calibrate the launch velocity needed to hit that target. Folks did a great job and we'll review horizontal projectiles tomorrow before continuing to practice with projectiles launched at an angle. This was were F Block was today - working independently or in pairs/groups to work on problems involving projectiles launched at an angle. We'll pick up right where we left off tomorrow, but one thing I noticed is that people are having a hard time recognizing information given to them and information they calculate. Make sure to think carefully about what information the problem provide (use units to give you clues) and when you solve for a piece of information, label it appropriately with unit and variable so you don't forget what it is and how to use it.

Honors Physics reviewed their lab with horizontally-launched projectile and used that as a model for working problems with these types of projectiles. We reviewed the nature of projectiles and projectile motion and then took time to work problems in class involving this type of motion. Tomorrow, we add projectiles launched at an angle.

Intro Physics completed their discussion of circular motion, then turned to the nature of forces and their interaction with matter. We defined 'net' force and discussed the vector nature of forces, which allows us to calculate net force acting on an object. Tomorrow, we begin to look at a specific force - friction - and that will form the basis of our lab investigation for this particular unit of work.

Vectors Everywhere!

Physics D and F worked with projectiles launched at an angle today, with D doing some concntraed problem solving and F Block getting an overview of that type of projectile. For D, we built off yesterday's overview work and just focused on practice; for F, we built off of yesterdays lab with horizontal projectiles and added the twist that the initial velocity has two components. Tomorrow, everyone gets more practice with these before we take a look at relative motion.

Honors Physics worked on their horizontal projectile lab, predicting the impact point of a ball bearing after being launched off of a table. With basic data and calculations, students predicted that point and did a great job of hitting their target. Then the impact point was set and students had to calculate and implement the necessary launch velocity. Tomorrow, we'll review our work with non-perpendicular vectors and take on horizontal projectiles, using the lab as an example.

Introductory Physics reviewed their work with kinematics and graphing for motion and began to look at circular motion. We'll go into this more tomorrow, but today we defined circular motion and began with centripetal acceleration. We'll add centripetal force in tomorrow and look at examples of circular motion.

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Vectors and Motion

On Friday, Physics D and F discussed the properties of projectile motion and focused on horizontally-launched projectiles to start. With these, all of the initial is in the x-direction and that velocity remains constant, so long as we assume air resistance is negligible. There is, however, acceleration in the y-direction and that is acceleration due to gravity. We worked practice problems in class and a few were assigned for homework, they being where Physics D began their class today. We reviewed these problems, then took a look at projectiles launched at an angle. For those examples, the initial velocity has both an x- and a y-component and they must be determined before we go further. We will work practice with these tomorrow in class. Physics F conducted a lab investigation that centered on horizontally-launched projectiles. Students had to take data on launch velocity and vertical displacement to determine the impact point of a ball bearing launched off the table and had only one shot to hit the target. Then, a specific target distance was set and students had to determine and establish the necessary velocity for launch. We'll go over this lab tomorrow, along with our homework problems before moving on to projectiles launched at an angle. Here's a video for 2-dimensional motion and vectors that sums up working with non-perpendicular vectors, horizontally-launched projectiles and projectiles launched at an angle:


Honors Physics reviewed vector resolution and vector combination before turning attention to non-perpendicular vectors. For these, there are more steps towards the resultant, but the steps are basically vector resolution and vector combination, so it's an implementation of skills we've already worked on. We worked on practice problems in class and will review them on Wednesday. Tomorrow, a lab that uses the vector nature of 2-dimensional motion as we investigation the motion of a horizontally-launched projectile. The first section of the above video has a refresher on vector operations, so check it out if you need help with the homework problems.

Intro Physics took time to complete their kinematics practice problems and students received individual assistance with areas of trouble. Tomorrow, we move on with motion, with a look at circular motion and then we'll take on motion in free-fall.

Vectors!

Honors Physics completed their work with angular kinematics and, after a short quiz, had their first taste of vectors. We'll make sure that everyone has the vector operations skills up to snuff early on, because we'll need them for a lot of the work we'll do this year. Physics D and F have been working through that over the past few days and, today, finalized that with a review and extra measure of practice with non-perpendicular vectors. Tomorrow, these folks will move on to 2-dimensional motion and will look at working with projectile motion in their upcoming long blocks. Honors Physics is on that track, too, though we have to hack through the vector weeds beforehand...

Introductory Physics reviewed yesterday's lab investigation then moved to reviewing their acceleration homework problems. We looked at some common trouble spots, then took time to introduce the kinematics formulas, which are found on the MCAS formula sheet. Tomorrow, we'll get some practice working with these before turning attention, briefly, to circular motion.

Lots of Manic Motion

Intro Physics moved form their work on acceleration yesterday to a lab that focused on position-time and velocity-time graphs of accelerated and unaccelerated motion. Yesterday, we looked at graphs of accelerated motion and compared them to graphs we had studied of motion with constant velocity. Today's lab had students interpreting graphs and having to mimic the motion presented by the graphs by walking back and forth in front of a motion detector. We'll go over this lab tomorrow before reviewing our homework problems for acceleration. Then, it's a long hard look at the kinematics formulas!

Honors Physics concluded their small unit on angular kinematics with a discussion of tangential and centripetal acceleration. Remember that tangential acceleration is associated with a change of speed and centripetal acceleration is associated with the continuously-changing direction of circular motion. We looked at how these values can be convereted mathematically from one to the other and will go over the homework problems for this before taking a quiz on this material. Friday - it's vectors!

Physics D and F reviewed their work with vector resolution then moved on to working with non-perpendicular vectors. We practiced finding the resultant of non-perpendicular vectors in class and here's a video to remind you of the techniques as you work with the homework problem we started at the end of class...

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