Riding the Waves

Intro Physics moved into the area of vibrations and waves today, with an overview of the nature of waves, the difference between mechanical and electromagnetic waves and how waves relate to vibrations. We dipped our toes into a specific type of vibration, that which is described by simple harmonic motion and Monday's lab will allow folks to examine a system exhibiting simple harmonic motion (an oscillating spring), measure the spring force (which is the restoring force of the system) and how energy is conserved in the motion.

Physics D completed their lab work with curved mirrors and will discuss that lab on Monday. Honors Physics discussed their lab today and continued to discuss properties of image formation by curved mirrors. Physics F did the same and had time to work a couple of practice problems for mirrors. On Monday, time will be given for people to practice using the mirror equation and magnification equations for both concave and convex mirrors, as well as draw ray diagrams. The test that is currently scheduled for Wednesday will likely get moved to Thursday, but we'll decide for certain on Monday.