Intro Physics conducted a lab investigation on conservation of energy. We looked at a ball tossed into the air and tracked gravitational potential and kinetic energy through the ball's path. It was very clear that as one form of energy rose, the other fell and vice versa, keeping the total energy of the system constant. This activity showed that mechanical energy was conserved quite well for the ball, however, when a balloon was tossed or a ball was bounced, the situation was quite different. Mechanical energy was not conserved in those situations. Remember that total energy is always conserved, but mechanical energy is only conserved for certain conditions, such as negligible friction, sound production, vibration, etc. On Monday, we'll discuss this lab and work some practice problems for conservation of energy.
Physics D and F looked at measurable features of SHM today and tied those topics into their lab work. We discussed amplitude (the maximum displacement from equilibrium), period (the time for a single oscillation) and frequency (number of oscillations per time) and described the inverse relationship between period and frequency, as well as the relationship between work/energy and amplitude. The formulas to calculate period for a pendulum or a mass-spring system was examined and folks have a few problems to work on for homework to practice this. On Monday, we take on properties of waves.
Honors Physics discussed properties of waves such as amplitude, frequency and period and related them to the oscillation that produced the wave. We also added a feature to the list - wavelength - which measures the distance the energy travels during one period. We contrasted mechanical and electromagnetic waves and discussed how the speed of these waves is impacted by the medium through which they travel. We'll finish up properties of waves on Monday with a discussion of amplitude and energy and then move to wave behaviors, such as interference and reflection, which will be examined in more detail in later chapters. Tuesday is review day and Wednesday is our exam. On Thursday, we move to sound.
1/31/14
1/30/14
Simple Harmonic Motion
Physics D, F and Honors Physics worked with simple harmonic motion, building on the lab investigations we have been conducting for the fast few days. Physics F and Honors Physics completed their labs yesterday and today, F Block began to define SHM and describe why both pendulums and mass-spring systems demonstrate this type of motion. Honors Physics moved forward to describing SHM in terms of period, frequency and amplitude. These descriptors will be used to describe waves, also, so we'll make sure all vocabulary in this chapter is nailed down tightly before we move on to sound and light. We also looked at the formulas for calculating the period of a simple pendulum (which we explored in lab) and for a mass-spring system. Make sure you can use those formulas and explain why other variables don't impact the period of the motion. Physics D completed their lab unit and will take on describing SHM tomorrow in class.
Intro Physics reviewed their work with gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy today and then took a look at conservation of energy. We discussed the Law of Conservation of Energy and why, though it is always valid, conservation of mechanical energy is not, in the presence of friction. We discussed the nature of energy conversions and used the example of a ball tossed in the air to demonstrate the conversions between kinetic and gravitational potential energy. We'll look at that relationship in more detail in lab tomorrow.
Intro Physics reviewed their work with gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy today and then took a look at conservation of energy. We discussed the Law of Conservation of Energy and why, though it is always valid, conservation of mechanical energy is not, in the presence of friction. We discussed the nature of energy conversions and used the example of a ball tossed in the air to demonstrate the conversions between kinetic and gravitational potential energy. We'll look at that relationship in more detail in lab tomorrow.
1/28/14
Lots o' Labs
Physics D and E, along with Honors Physics worked on simple harmonic motion with pendulum and mass-spring systems. Different classes are in different places, but everyone is getting a feel for the nature of SHM and factors that affect objects that demonstrate that type of motion. We'll continue with our lab work tomorrow before having Physics D and Honors Physics moving on to properties of SHM (frequency, amplitude, period, wave speed, wavelength) and Physics F starting with an overview of SHM and the features that define it.
Intro Physics reviewed the concept of gravitational potential energy, then took on kinetic energy, afterwards. We defined kinetic energy, looked at the kinetic energy formula and then linked work with an object's kinetic energy change. We worked practice problems for the work-kinetic energy theorem, and then took on more challenging options for both gravitational potential energy and the work-kinetic energy theorem. We'll devote the class period tomorrow to working on those problems, but if you want to work ahead on a few at home tonight, that's fine. What you don't finish in class tomorrow will be tomorrow night's homework.
Intro Physics reviewed the concept of gravitational potential energy, then took on kinetic energy, afterwards. We defined kinetic energy, looked at the kinetic energy formula and then linked work with an object's kinetic energy change. We worked practice problems for the work-kinetic energy theorem, and then took on more challenging options for both gravitational potential energy and the work-kinetic energy theorem. We'll devote the class period tomorrow to working on those problems, but if you want to work ahead on a few at home tonight, that's fine. What you don't finish in class tomorrow will be tomorrow night's homework.
1/27/14
Back to Work
After a week of exams and studying for exams, we're back to normal. Physics D and Honors Physics discussed the concept of simple harmonic motion, using mass-spring systems and simple pendulums as examples. We defined periodic motion and contrasted it with simple harmonic motion, then turned attention to Hooke's Law and how the spring force defined by Hooke plays into SHM. We then looked at how pendulum systems and they met the SHM criteria. Tomorrow, Honors Physics will work on two lab investigations centering on mass-spring systems and pendulums and properties of their motion.
Physics F conducted their pendulum and mass-spring system lab investigations. We completed the pendulum portion today and will attack the springs tomorrow. For the pendulum, folks investigated three factors that might affect the period of the oscillation (mass, amplitude and length) and found that length was the only factor that had an impact on the period of the swing. It wasn't a surprise that the formula for the period of a pendulum only included length and acceleration due to gravity as variables. Tomorrow, you'll look at the sine curve describing an oscillating spring and test features of its motion, also.
Intro Physics reviewed their midterm exams then turned attention to energy. We defined energy as the ability to do work and talked about why the 'ability' was as important as the doing of the work. We contrasted mechanical and nonmechanical energy and began to look at one form of mechanical energy - gravitational potential energy. The importance of defining the zero point was discussed and how the choice impacted both the magnitude and the sign of the PEg. Tomorrow, we take on kinetic energy, before turning attention to conservation of energy. The lab for this unitl will deal with energy conservation so that you can see how transformations of energy do not change the total value of energy in the system.
Physics F conducted their pendulum and mass-spring system lab investigations. We completed the pendulum portion today and will attack the springs tomorrow. For the pendulum, folks investigated three factors that might affect the period of the oscillation (mass, amplitude and length) and found that length was the only factor that had an impact on the period of the swing. It wasn't a surprise that the formula for the period of a pendulum only included length and acceleration due to gravity as variables. Tomorrow, you'll look at the sine curve describing an oscillating spring and test features of its motion, also.
Intro Physics reviewed their midterm exams then turned attention to energy. We defined energy as the ability to do work and talked about why the 'ability' was as important as the doing of the work. We contrasted mechanical and nonmechanical energy and began to look at one form of mechanical energy - gravitational potential energy. The importance of defining the zero point was discussed and how the choice impacted both the magnitude and the sign of the PEg. Tomorrow, we take on kinetic energy, before turning attention to conservation of energy. The lab for this unitl will deal with energy conservation so that you can see how transformations of energy do not change the total value of energy in the system.
1/24/14
Midterm Exams Days 3 - 4
Well, just more tests for these past two days, but Monday starts Honors Physics, Physics D and E on Waves and Simple Harmonic Motion. We'll define SHM, look at examples of it in action, contrast wave types, describe properties of waves and do lab work both on pendulum motion and SHM for oscillating springs. Introductory Physics picks up with energy. We'll look at kinetic energy, gravitational potential energy and elastic potential energy, compare mechanical and non-mechanical energy and delve into the Law of Conservation of Energy.
1/22/14
Midterm Exams - Day 2
Intro Physics and Physics F took their midterms exams today, Honors Physics didn't meet and Physics D had their final day of review for tomorrow's test. Since we didn't have the predicted apocalyptic blizzard, we are still on the regular exam schedule and will pick up with actual coursework on Monday...
1/21/14
Midterm Exams - Day 1
Honors Physics had their midterm exam today, and Intro Physics/Physics F have it tomorrow. Intro Physics and Physics F reviewed for their midterm exams, by going over items from their midterm practice exam and discussing concepts in a general fashion. Physics D did not meet, due to the modified exam schedule, but will meet tomorrow and get their last review session, even if we experience a delayed opening due to the impending storm. If we have a school closure, the entire exam schedule will be pushed forward one day, with the half-day falling on Monday, instead of Friday.
1/17/14
Facing Midterms
Physics D, F and Honors Physics worked on heat and heat transfer this week. Students discussed the nature of heat energy, it's relationship to temperature, methods of heat transfer, specific heat, latent heat and phase change. In lab, we examined heat transfer between substances and the solid-liquid phase change in one set of investigations and in a second investigation we looked at the insulating properties of different dry fabrics and the same fabrics when wet. As a final activity, we began to review for next weeks' midterm exam. Remember that the exam is cumulative and the questions will be of equal difficulty to those on previous tests. Your practice midterm and answer key are posted on Edline, so look at that to check your work and email me with any questions you might have. For Physics D and F, we will take time to review those practice tests next week.
Intro Physics completed their unit on work, power and machines. We looked at the six simple machines and worked lab investigations with inclined planes and pulleys (simple and pulley systems). We practiced calculating mechanical advantage (both IMA and AMA), as well as efficiency. We also took time to work on our midterm practice exam. Remember that your exam is 10% of your year's grade and is cumulative. Email me over the weekend for any questions about your practice test or the midterm material.
Intro Physics completed their unit on work, power and machines. We looked at the six simple machines and worked lab investigations with inclined planes and pulleys (simple and pulley systems). We practiced calculating mechanical advantage (both IMA and AMA), as well as efficiency. We also took time to work on our midterm practice exam. Remember that your exam is 10% of your year's grade and is cumulative. Email me over the weekend for any questions about your practice test or the midterm material.
1/7/14
We're Back!
The lovely holiday break is over and now it's back to work
Speaking of work, that's what Intro Physics jumped into today, building on the introductory lab work we did before break. Today, we defined work, described situations where a force is and is not doing work on an object, examined the concept of net work and why work can be positive or negative, defined power and emphasized the fact that power is a rate function. Tomorrow, we'll look at the math for work and power and begin to discuss machines, using our lever lab to highlight the conversation.
Physics D took on the nature of temperature today. We defined temperature as the average kinetic energy of particles in a substance and and how that idea differed from internal energy. We discussed temperature change and thermal expansion, then examined the three main temperature scales. We'll pick up there Thursday before launching into heat energy and heat transfer. Tomorrow, two labs on heat transfer and latent heat.
Physics F and Honors Physics conducted lab work for heat transfer and latent heat. Warm and cold water were mixed together and their heating/cooling curves were examined. We calculated the heat lost by the warm water and the heat gained by the cold water and determined that it was the same, as it should be in a closed system. Honors Physics then designed new calorimeters to try and minimize heat loss to the environment and met with varying levels of success. The second lab investigated the latent heat of water (the heat necessary for a phase change). Honors Physics tested both an ice cube at it's melting point and one taken directly from the freezer. We'll discuss this lab tomorrow as me begin our unit on heat and temperature.
Speaking of work, that's what Intro Physics jumped into today, building on the introductory lab work we did before break. Today, we defined work, described situations where a force is and is not doing work on an object, examined the concept of net work and why work can be positive or negative, defined power and emphasized the fact that power is a rate function. Tomorrow, we'll look at the math for work and power and begin to discuss machines, using our lever lab to highlight the conversation.
Physics D took on the nature of temperature today. We defined temperature as the average kinetic energy of particles in a substance and and how that idea differed from internal energy. We discussed temperature change and thermal expansion, then examined the three main temperature scales. We'll pick up there Thursday before launching into heat energy and heat transfer. Tomorrow, two labs on heat transfer and latent heat.
Physics F and Honors Physics conducted lab work for heat transfer and latent heat. Warm and cold water were mixed together and their heating/cooling curves were examined. We calculated the heat lost by the warm water and the heat gained by the cold water and determined that it was the same, as it should be in a closed system. Honors Physics then designed new calorimeters to try and minimize heat loss to the environment and met with varying levels of success. The second lab investigated the latent heat of water (the heat necessary for a phase change). Honors Physics tested both an ice cube at it's melting point and one taken directly from the freezer. We'll discuss this lab tomorrow as me begin our unit on heat and temperature.
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