Momentum

Physics D and F were introduced to the idea of momentum today, along with the impulse-momentum theorem. We looked at how mass and velocity were involved in momentum and how momentum could be impacted by impulse, the product of force and time. We discussed examples of the impulse-momentum theorem in real life, such as safety nets and follow-through in sports and practiced solving problems using this concept. Tomorrow, Physics F doesn't meet because of the half-day, but Physics D will begin on the idea of conservation of momentum.

Honors Physics reviewed the concepts of momentum and impulse and reviewed their impulse-momentum theorem homework. Attention then turned to conservation of momentum. In a closed system, the total momentum of all objects in the system is conserved. As they interact, some gain momentum, some lose, but the gains will always balance the losses. We discussed some examples of conservation of momentum and practiced solving problems using this concept. We'll go over these problems tomorrow and get a few more of a slightly more complex variety to pump up our skills.

Intro Physics conducted an investigation on Archimedes Principle and buoyancy. Three objects were evaluated for the buoyant forces acting on them and we compared that to the weight of the fluid displaced by the objects. Then, the experiment was repeated using saltwater instead of tap water and it was seen that the objects showed an apparent weight loss greater in the saltwater than the fresh. Tomorrow, we'll go over the results and spend time working on the buoyancy practice problems that were assigned yesterday.