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!