Physical Science continued their discussion of sound to day by adding the concepts of harmonics, resonance and ear function to their mental libraries. A couple of video clips illustrating resonance in action highlighted the class period. Tomorrow's lab will center around the idea of wave intensity and the inverse-square relationship between intensity and distance from source. Although the experiment will be conducted with light waves, the same relationship describes how sound intensity varies with source proximity. We should finish our discussion of sound on Thursday and begin to examine light and the electromagnetic spectrum.
Physics conducted a standing wave experiment and saw for themselves how specific must be the conditions for standing waves to form. They also got to view a video clip demonstrating Chladni figures to visualize how standing waves can form on plane surfaces. Honors Physics also watched this video as part of the review for tomorrow's exam. We will revisit standing waves and resonance in the next chapter, which covers sound. The Honors Physics lab on Thursday will allow students to measure the speed of sound using echoes.
3/24/09
3/23/09
The Standing Wave
Physical Science began to revisit the concept of standing waves today during their discussion of sound. Friday's lab was a good exploration of how the speed of sound can be measured using a pipe closed on one end and how the identity of the medium affects the sound's speed. If you could actually see the sound in the pipe, you would see that it formed a standing wave, as one would find for a wind-based musical instrument. We'll delve into this deeper tomorrow when we discuss musical instruments and harmonics.
Physics and Honors Physics concluded their general survey of the properties of vibrations and waves. Honors Physics got to see first-hand how difficult it is to form standing waves and Physics will have this pleasure tomorrow. The requirement that a specific frequency be generated and maintained for standing wave formation is a hard one to satisfy with the human arm. We'll look at these in more detail when we cover sound in the next chapter. Gather up any and all questions for your exam review periods so that we can address any issues at that time for this week's test.
Not all standing waves form on strings. Air columns can vibrate and form standing waves and so can 2-dimensional planes, like the surface of a vibrating drum head. Ernst Chladni investigated this type of standing wave formation and found that lovely patterns were formed that could be seen by scattering small particles over the vibrating surface. For Chladni figures, the empty spaces represent areas of maximum displacement and the lines are areas where the displacement is cancelled out. For surfaces like a vibrating platform, antinodes are not necessarily loop-like in appearance and nodes appear as curves rather than points. Here's a video of Chladni figure formation. Note: playing this video with the sound on and a dog in the room will make for one weirded-out dog...
Physics and Honors Physics concluded their general survey of the properties of vibrations and waves. Honors Physics got to see first-hand how difficult it is to form standing waves and Physics will have this pleasure tomorrow. The requirement that a specific frequency be generated and maintained for standing wave formation is a hard one to satisfy with the human arm. We'll look at these in more detail when we cover sound in the next chapter. Gather up any and all questions for your exam review periods so that we can address any issues at that time for this week's test.
Not all standing waves form on strings. Air columns can vibrate and form standing waves and so can 2-dimensional planes, like the surface of a vibrating drum head. Ernst Chladni investigated this type of standing wave formation and found that lovely patterns were formed that could be seen by scattering small particles over the vibrating surface. For Chladni figures, the empty spaces represent areas of maximum displacement and the lines are areas where the displacement is cancelled out. For surfaces like a vibrating platform, antinodes are not necessarily loop-like in appearance and nodes appear as curves rather than points. Here's a video of Chladni figure formation. Note: playing this video with the sound on and a dog in the room will make for one weirded-out dog...
3/19/09
Onward with Waves
Physical Science took their introductory wave exam today and results were mixed. Some kickin' scores and some that will require further study on the part of the test-takers. Overall, the class average was good, so I'll give it a thumbs-up. Daily objective answers were better, on average, than past submissions, but some folks are still trying to do them all at once at the 11th hour. The purpose of the daily objectives is to give you some focused questions to use to review the day's lesson. They should be completed the day of the lesson or soon thereafter. They should not be put off until I am nice enough to give you warning that I will be collecting them. Tomorrow, you will get a chance to use the concept of resonance (introduced in the Mythbusters episode we watched in class) to assess the speed of sound in air and in carbon dioxide. Read over the lab sheet tonight to prepare for tomorrow's activity.
Honors Physics completed their pendulum lab and Physics completed their mass-spring lab. This has given each class the chance to explore the two classic SHM systems. We will debrief tomorrow and then continue on with our discussion about the basic properties of waves. Here's a nice video about SHM:
Honors Physics completed their pendulum lab and Physics completed their mass-spring lab. This has given each class the chance to explore the two classic SHM systems. We will debrief tomorrow and then continue on with our discussion about the basic properties of waves. Here's a nice video about SHM:
3/18/09
Still Wavin'
Physical Science completed their introduction to waves today with a general review and discussion of their standing wave lab. Tomorrow - exam. Have your worksheets, practice test and daily object answers (for wave chapter, only) ready to hand in before the test begins. On Friday, we begin exploring sound and light in detail and sound will lead the way. Friday's lab will allow students to measure the speed of sound in air and, if I remember to buy Alka Seltzer, carbon dioxide.
Physics reviewed their pendulum lab and began their discussion of wave properties. Tomorrow's lab will further investigate SHM by analyzing a mass-spring system. SHM can produce waves that have the properties of the vibrating source. The vocabulary and concepts that we develop with SHM will carry over when we begin to dig further into wave phenomena.
Honors Physics began their pendulum lab today. Data was collected and data analysis began. We'll finish up with the data analysis tomorrow and wrap up with a general discussion of this lab and the mass-spring lab. Keep in mind the wave ideas we've been been developing and see how they relate to objects oscillating with simple harmonic motion.
Physics reviewed their pendulum lab and began their discussion of wave properties. Tomorrow's lab will further investigate SHM by analyzing a mass-spring system. SHM can produce waves that have the properties of the vibrating source. The vocabulary and concepts that we develop with SHM will carry over when we begin to dig further into wave phenomena.
Honors Physics began their pendulum lab today. Data was collected and data analysis began. We'll finish up with the data analysis tomorrow and wrap up with a general discussion of this lab and the mass-spring lab. Keep in mind the wave ideas we've been been developing and see how they relate to objects oscillating with simple harmonic motion.
3/17/09
Non-Newtonian Fluids
Sound waves can produce some interesting effects in non-Newtonian fluids. Although we don't delve into this area of physics, no one can deny that oobleck videos are cool...
Vibrations and Waves
Well, Physics solved the mystery of the oscillating pendulum. The data clearly showed, as theory predicts, that length of the cord is the factor that affects pendulum period (provided location does not change). Mass and amplitude have little to no effect. Also, plotting T2 versus cord length gave very good values for acceleration due to gravity. Values varied from 9.77 m/s2 to 10.3 m/s2. Since the accepted value is 9.81 m/s2, a good job was done by all.
Honors Physics will conduct the pendulum experiment tomorrow and this will build on the wave introduction that we began in class today. It will be interesting to see how the data compares with the data collected yesterday. Read over the lab protocol tonight and be ready to get rolling when we get to class. Hopefully, we can get the data collected and analyzed during a single lab period. For those who like to think ahead, you will also conduct Extension #1 for the investigation - you might be puzzling out how you might perform that calculation with the data you will be collecting (Hint: the equations for pendulum period listed above the Extension will be a big help).
Physical Science found out that standing waves are not easy to form and maintain. The frequency has to be just such that a multiple of 0.5x wavelength will form perfectly in the medium. You were only able to get 0.5x, 1x and 1.5x wavelength to form on the rope. No other fraction/multiple would produce a standing wave. The inverse relationship between frequency and wavelength was evident and most groups were able to discern that using different ropes produced waves that traveled at different speeds. Since wave speed is dependent on the nature of the medium, this was the expected result. Complete your wave worksheets tonight so that we can go over them as part of the exam review tomorrow. Exam on Thursday and for Friday, your next lab block, you will conduct an experiment to determine the speed of sound in air.
Honors Physics will conduct the pendulum experiment tomorrow and this will build on the wave introduction that we began in class today. It will be interesting to see how the data compares with the data collected yesterday. Read over the lab protocol tonight and be ready to get rolling when we get to class. Hopefully, we can get the data collected and analyzed during a single lab period. For those who like to think ahead, you will also conduct Extension #1 for the investigation - you might be puzzling out how you might perform that calculation with the data you will be collecting (Hint: the equations for pendulum period listed above the Extension will be a big help).
Physical Science found out that standing waves are not easy to form and maintain. The frequency has to be just such that a multiple of 0.5x wavelength will form perfectly in the medium. You were only able to get 0.5x, 1x and 1.5x wavelength to form on the rope. No other fraction/multiple would produce a standing wave. The inverse relationship between frequency and wavelength was evident and most groups were able to discern that using different ropes produced waves that traveled at different speeds. Since wave speed is dependent on the nature of the medium, this was the expected result. Complete your wave worksheets tonight so that we can go over them as part of the exam review tomorrow. Exam on Thursday and for Friday, your next lab block, you will conduct an experiment to determine the speed of sound in air.
3/16/09
Swingin'
Physics engaged in a lab investigation centered around factors that affect the period of a simple pendulum. The three suspects: amplitude, cord length, mass. The jury is out until tomorrow when the data can be graphically analyzed and conclusions drawn. I'll keep you posted.
Physical Science - due to losing the period today for the Internet safety assembly, we are pushing the exam to Thursday. Tomorrow will find the class working with standing waves and investigating how standing waves are generated and why they don't form at the drop of a hat. You'll find that it will take a bit of work to get a proper standing wave to form on your rope and if you remember back to Friday's discussion, you'll have an idea of why this is the case. I've glanced through your original experiments to test the relationship between light and heat absorption and there are some real winners in there! Nice job!
Honors Physics - C Block was taken up by the Internet safety assembly, but G block got to discuss physical features and descriptors of simple harmonic motion. C block will have this discussion tomorrow, in addition to the planned lecture on types of waves. The concepts we have been building for SHM will allow us to understand and describe both mechanical and electromagnetic waves.
On The Stupid Side - it was announced that the SciFi Channel will be changing its name. Here's the official press release and a "charming" comment from one of the network founders:
New York, NY - March 16, 2009 - Building upon sixteen years of water cooler programming and soaring ratings growth following its most-watched year ever, SCI FI Channel is evolving into Syfy on air and on-line beginning July 7th, it was announced today by Dave Howe, President, SCI FI.
By changing the name to Syfy, which remains phonetically identical, the new brand broadens perceptions and embraces a wider and more diverse range of imagination-based entertainment including fantasy, paranormal, reality, mystery, action and adventure, as well as science fiction. It also positions the brand for future growth by creating an ownable trademark that can travel easily with consumers across new media and non-linear digital platforms, new international channels and extend into new business ventures.
Imagine Greater will become the new brand message and tagline, inviting both consumers and advertisers into a new era of unlimited imagination, exceptional experiences and greater entertainment. Syfy more clearly captures the mainstream appeal of the world's biggest entertainment category, and reflects the network's ongoing strategy to create programming that's more accessible and relatable to new audiences. Syfy will continue to celebrate the traditional roots of the genre, while opening the brand aperture to accommodate a broader range of imagination-based entertainment.
"While continuing to embrace our legacy and our core audience, we needed to cultivate a distinct point of view with a name that we could own that invites more people in and reflects our broader range of programming," said Mr. Howe in making the announcement. "Syfy allows us to build on our 16 year heritage of success with a new brand built on the power that fuels our genre: the Imagination. Syfy ushers in a new era of unlimited imagination, exceptional experiences and greater entertainment that paves the way for us to truly become a global lifestyle brand."
Syfy -- unlike the generic entertainment category "sci-fi" - firmly establishes a uniquely ownable trademark that is portable across all non-linear digital platforms and beyond, from Hulu to iTunes. Syfy also creates an umbrella brand name that can extend into new adjacent businesses under the Syfy Ventures banner, such as Syfy Games, Syfy Films and Syfy Kids.
Additionally, as the Channel's footprint expands rapidly around the globe, aiming to reach more than 50 international channels by the end of next year, Syfy meets the need of a globally relevant, trademarkable brand that stands for something unique to the brand in each territory.
The new brand evolution will launch on air and on-line July 7th, in tandem with the premiere of the new scripted drama, Warehouse 13, and the return of breakout summer series Eureka. An aggressive trade marketing campaign will kick off this spring. scifi.com will assume the URL syfy.com at that time.
SCI FI Channel is a television network that fuels the imagination of viewers with original series and events, blockbuster movies and classic science fiction and fantasy programming, as well as a dynamic Web site (www.scifi.com) and magazine. Launched in 1992, and currently in 95 million homes, SCI FI Channel is a network of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies.
and
“The name Sci Fi has been associated with geeks and dysfunctional, antisocial boys in their basements with video games and stuff like that, as opposed to the general public and the female audience in particular,” said TV historian Tim Brooks, who helped launch Sci Fi Channel when he worked at USA Network.
I won't go into how derogatory is that last statement, nor how condescending is the entire tone of the press release. Suffice it to say - EPIC FAIL!
Physical Science - due to losing the period today for the Internet safety assembly, we are pushing the exam to Thursday. Tomorrow will find the class working with standing waves and investigating how standing waves are generated and why they don't form at the drop of a hat. You'll find that it will take a bit of work to get a proper standing wave to form on your rope and if you remember back to Friday's discussion, you'll have an idea of why this is the case. I've glanced through your original experiments to test the relationship between light and heat absorption and there are some real winners in there! Nice job!
Honors Physics - C Block was taken up by the Internet safety assembly, but G block got to discuss physical features and descriptors of simple harmonic motion. C block will have this discussion tomorrow, in addition to the planned lecture on types of waves. The concepts we have been building for SHM will allow us to understand and describe both mechanical and electromagnetic waves.
On The Stupid Side - it was announced that the SciFi Channel will be changing its name. Here's the official press release and a "charming" comment from one of the network founders:
New York, NY - March 16, 2009 - Building upon sixteen years of water cooler programming and soaring ratings growth following its most-watched year ever, SCI FI Channel is evolving into Syfy on air and on-line beginning July 7th, it was announced today by Dave Howe, President, SCI FI.
By changing the name to Syfy, which remains phonetically identical, the new brand broadens perceptions and embraces a wider and more diverse range of imagination-based entertainment including fantasy, paranormal, reality, mystery, action and adventure, as well as science fiction. It also positions the brand for future growth by creating an ownable trademark that can travel easily with consumers across new media and non-linear digital platforms, new international channels and extend into new business ventures.
Imagine Greater will become the new brand message and tagline, inviting both consumers and advertisers into a new era of unlimited imagination, exceptional experiences and greater entertainment. Syfy more clearly captures the mainstream appeal of the world's biggest entertainment category, and reflects the network's ongoing strategy to create programming that's more accessible and relatable to new audiences. Syfy will continue to celebrate the traditional roots of the genre, while opening the brand aperture to accommodate a broader range of imagination-based entertainment.
"While continuing to embrace our legacy and our core audience, we needed to cultivate a distinct point of view with a name that we could own that invites more people in and reflects our broader range of programming," said Mr. Howe in making the announcement. "Syfy allows us to build on our 16 year heritage of success with a new brand built on the power that fuels our genre: the Imagination. Syfy ushers in a new era of unlimited imagination, exceptional experiences and greater entertainment that paves the way for us to truly become a global lifestyle brand."
Syfy -- unlike the generic entertainment category "sci-fi" - firmly establishes a uniquely ownable trademark that is portable across all non-linear digital platforms and beyond, from Hulu to iTunes. Syfy also creates an umbrella brand name that can extend into new adjacent businesses under the Syfy Ventures banner, such as Syfy Games, Syfy Films and Syfy Kids.
Additionally, as the Channel's footprint expands rapidly around the globe, aiming to reach more than 50 international channels by the end of next year, Syfy meets the need of a globally relevant, trademarkable brand that stands for something unique to the brand in each territory.
The new brand evolution will launch on air and on-line July 7th, in tandem with the premiere of the new scripted drama, Warehouse 13, and the return of breakout summer series Eureka. An aggressive trade marketing campaign will kick off this spring. scifi.com will assume the URL syfy.com at that time.
SCI FI Channel is a television network that fuels the imagination of viewers with original series and events, blockbuster movies and classic science fiction and fantasy programming, as well as a dynamic Web site (www.scifi.com) and magazine. Launched in 1992, and currently in 95 million homes, SCI FI Channel is a network of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies.
and
“The name Sci Fi has been associated with geeks and dysfunctional, antisocial boys in their basements with video games and stuff like that, as opposed to the general public and the female audience in particular,” said TV historian Tim Brooks, who helped launch Sci Fi Channel when he worked at USA Network.
I won't go into how derogatory is that last statement, nor how condescending is the entire tone of the press release. Suffice it to say - EPIC FAIL!
3/12/09
A Rainbow of Colors
Physical Science explored the wonderful world of color today with a lab activity investigating the reflective properties of different colors. Total reflectivity was quantitatively measured with the light sensor and reflection spectrum was qualitatively studied using spectroscopes. Pretty quickly it was evident that light colors (especially white) displayed a high albedo and dark colors (especially black) displayed low albedo. Further, the different colors reflected different wavelengths of light, which produced their characteristic hues. Between the lab introduction, lab activity and lab debriefing, the design-you-own-experiment for investigating correlation between heat and light reflection. By Monday, have your design written up according to the guidelines we discussed in class. Think about the last experiment you designed (range of a water projectile) and how you might make this one even better. Remember, the exam and daily objective answers have been postponed until Wednesday.
Honors Physics and Physics discussed the concept of simple harmonic motion. We analyzed oscillating masses on springs and simple pendulums to demonstrate the basic characteristics of SHM. Tomorrow, Physics will look at how we measure and calculate physical descriptors of SHM and Honors Physics will conduct a lab investigation that will examine a mass-spring system and mathematically analyze the oscillation pattern.
Honors Physics and Physics discussed the concept of simple harmonic motion. We analyzed oscillating masses on springs and simple pendulums to demonstrate the basic characteristics of SHM. Tomorrow, Physics will look at how we measure and calculate physical descriptors of SHM and Honors Physics will conduct a lab investigation that will examine a mass-spring system and mathematically analyze the oscillation pattern.
3/11/09
Into the Wood Chipper
Physics and Honors Physics endured their Thermodynamics exams today and, luckily, most made it out alive. A few folks need to go through the material more thoroughly so that they are prepared when it appears on the final exam. Tomorrow, these courses will start their discussion of simple harmonic motion and the energy conversions involved in simple harmonic motion. Once we add some descriptors to SHM, like frequency and period, we will begin to connect SHM to the concept of waves. The lab for Honors Physics on Friday will permit students to mathematically model simple harmonic motion for a mass oscillating on a spring. The Physics lab for SHM on Monday will concern the motion of pendulums.
Physical Science was introduced to wave interactions. We discussed reflection, refraction, diffraction and started in on wave interference. Make sure you can define, differentiate and discuss an example of each of these. Although we will go into these concepts in more detail in the sound and light chapters, you should have a solid grounding in the general ideas before moving on to those chapters. Test is currently scheduled for next Tuesday, and I'll also be collecting this chapter's daily objective answers.
Physical Science was introduced to wave interactions. We discussed reflection, refraction, diffraction and started in on wave interference. Make sure you can define, differentiate and discuss an example of each of these. Although we will go into these concepts in more detail in the sound and light chapters, you should have a solid grounding in the general ideas before moving on to those chapters. Test is currently scheduled for next Tuesday, and I'll also be collecting this chapter's daily objective answers.
3/10/09
Toosday
Physics and Honors Physics were both honored with a screening of Standard Deviants - Thermodynamics. The cinematic quality of this DVD is such that one wonders how the Oscar committee overlooked this gem. Regardless, the DVD was an effective vehicle to review the thermodynamics chapter, as it covered all relevant concepts and calculations. Honors Physics also got some additional review work to cement the math and theory. Here's a hint for those having trouble on the last page of the ranking exercises packet - consider the ideal gas law (PV = nRT) and how you might rewrite the equation to lose the volume variable (since it is not provided). Yes, there will be substitution...
Physical Science got to review the mathematics and concepts behind wave speed and brought this information along into the discussion of the Doppler Effect. Tomorrow, we begin to examine what happens when something steps into a wave's path of travel. The concepts of reflection, refraction, diffraction, wave interference and standing waves will be introduced and then explored in more detail in the coming sound and light chapters. For now, here's a video about the Doppler Effect:
Physical Science got to review the mathematics and concepts behind wave speed and brought this information along into the discussion of the Doppler Effect. Tomorrow, we begin to examine what happens when something steps into a wave's path of travel. The concepts of reflection, refraction, diffraction, wave interference and standing waves will be introduced and then explored in more detail in the coming sound and light chapters. For now, here's a video about the Doppler Effect:
3/9/09
What a Day...
Talk about a roller coaster ride! Winter storm and no power to start the day. Then, continued storm and student anxiety over the girl's basketball championship game. 12:45 pm: 85% of the high school population leaves for the game and the rest of us hang out until the bell rings. Then, everyone in Essex County had to grab a shovel and get down to serious shoveling. Whew!
As for academics, Physics had a discussion about the concept of entropy. We related this to our previous study of the 2nd law of thermodynamics and the pattern of heat transfer between objects. One block of Honors Physics had their own entropy lecture and the other block had a class population of 4 students. We will conduct that discussion tomorrow for that class during the planned exam review period. Physical Science conducted a lab on light polarization and the function of polarizing filters. They then viewed several video clips to further examine and illustrate the concept of polarization. Tomorrow, our discussion of electromagnetic waves will touch again on polarization (since EM waves are modeled as transverse waves) and we will also dip our toes in the Doppler Effect.
On a high note - my grant proposal was accepted for funding by the Georgetown Education Foundation. This funding will allow me to purchase 6 Vernier Dynamics systems for the physics program. These tracks are used like the old-fashioned linear air tracks: they provide a very low-friction environment for studies of motion, collisions and energy conservation. Experiments we did this year with a cart rolling on the lab table will be done in the future with this system to provide far more accurate results. This will be a big help for MCAS preparation and for mathematical modeling for upper-division students. A HUGE shout of thanks to the GEF, Superintendent Carol Jacobs and HS Principal Peter Lucia for their support of physics education at GMHS and for promoting the use of classroom technology district wide. The kids are definitely going to benefit from this infusion of equipment into the program.
As for academics, Physics had a discussion about the concept of entropy. We related this to our previous study of the 2nd law of thermodynamics and the pattern of heat transfer between objects. One block of Honors Physics had their own entropy lecture and the other block had a class population of 4 students. We will conduct that discussion tomorrow for that class during the planned exam review period. Physical Science conducted a lab on light polarization and the function of polarizing filters. They then viewed several video clips to further examine and illustrate the concept of polarization. Tomorrow, our discussion of electromagnetic waves will touch again on polarization (since EM waves are modeled as transverse waves) and we will also dip our toes in the Doppler Effect.
On a high note - my grant proposal was accepted for funding by the Georgetown Education Foundation. This funding will allow me to purchase 6 Vernier Dynamics systems for the physics program. These tracks are used like the old-fashioned linear air tracks: they provide a very low-friction environment for studies of motion, collisions and energy conservation. Experiments we did this year with a cart rolling on the lab table will be done in the future with this system to provide far more accurate results. This will be a big help for MCAS preparation and for mathematical modeling for upper-division students. A HUGE shout of thanks to the GEF, Superintendent Carol Jacobs and HS Principal Peter Lucia for their support of physics education at GMHS and for promoting the use of classroom technology district wide. The kids are definitely going to benefit from this infusion of equipment into the program.
3/6/09
Almost a Perfect Shot
The results are in from all Physics and Honors Physics groups and one group stood out for determining the value for absolute zero. Congratulations to Brandon B., Devin F. and Joe S. for achieving a value of -270.2° C. Only three degrees off of the accepted value of -273.15° C. Nicely done!
Physics completed their lab investigations and some groups for Honors Physics also had to complete their lab from yesterday. Honors Physics also discussed their heat engine efficiency homework. Entropy lecture on Monday, review on Tuesday and exam on Wednesday for all physics folk.
Physical Science used the previous two labs to serve as examples during our lecture on wave properties. By Monday, have the light polarization lab read and make sure that the section review, chapter review and wave speed worksheet material is completed and ready to go for discussion. Ciao for now...
Physics completed their lab investigations and some groups for Honors Physics also had to complete their lab from yesterday. Honors Physics also discussed their heat engine efficiency homework. Entropy lecture on Monday, review on Tuesday and exam on Wednesday for all physics folk.
Physical Science used the previous two labs to serve as examples during our lecture on wave properties. By Monday, have the light polarization lab read and make sure that the section review, chapter review and wave speed worksheet material is completed and ready to go for discussion. Ciao for now...
3/5/09
Ghost in the Lab
One of the lab stations was apparently haunted today as both groups who occupied that spot had the same problem with the experiment despite the equipment being switched out between classes! Changed the gas pressure sensor and even the LabPro and neither group could get the pressure in their pressure-temperature lab to change. Feel free to whistle the Twilight Zone theme right about now...
Honors Physics investigated pressure-temperature relationships in isovolumetric systems, modeling Gay-Lussac's law. The data was then extrapolated to predict the value for absolute zero. Data was pretty good, well within expectations. One drawback of this experiment is that the temperature probe is tracking the water bath temperature, not the temperature of the air in the Erlenmeyer flask. Not taking a reading until the system stabilizes helps, but it does introduce error into the experiment so I am not surprised that the absolute zero prediction varied from -293K to -317K. The pressure-temperature relationship graphs were nice and clearly illustrated an isovolumetric thermodynamic process - all internal energy changes were due to heat flow with a positive correlation between temperature and pressure.
Physics finished their discussion of heat the laws of thermodynamics and heat engines. You will complete the pressure-temperature lab tomorrow, so read over the lab sheet tonight. Monday, discussion of entropy and the basis of the 2nd law of thermodynamics. Tuesday - review; Wednesday - exam.
Physical Science had time to complete their wave lab and worked practice problems for wave speed, frequency and period. Make sure you beat the wave types, basic wave features, their units and formulas into your heads. They always show up on the MCAS exam. Tomorrow, we will discuss the lab in light of the reading in the text and review the wave speed worksheet. This introduction to waves is usually a difficult bit of material for many students, so don't be upset if you are having a hard time getting the hang of the ideas. We'll spend time on this and make sure everyone has lots of practice with the concepts and problems.
Honors Physics investigated pressure-temperature relationships in isovolumetric systems, modeling Gay-Lussac's law. The data was then extrapolated to predict the value for absolute zero. Data was pretty good, well within expectations. One drawback of this experiment is that the temperature probe is tracking the water bath temperature, not the temperature of the air in the Erlenmeyer flask. Not taking a reading until the system stabilizes helps, but it does introduce error into the experiment so I am not surprised that the absolute zero prediction varied from -293K to -317K. The pressure-temperature relationship graphs were nice and clearly illustrated an isovolumetric thermodynamic process - all internal energy changes were due to heat flow with a positive correlation between temperature and pressure.
Physics finished their discussion of heat the laws of thermodynamics and heat engines. You will complete the pressure-temperature lab tomorrow, so read over the lab sheet tonight. Monday, discussion of entropy and the basis of the 2nd law of thermodynamics. Tuesday - review; Wednesday - exam.
Physical Science had time to complete their wave lab and worked practice problems for wave speed, frequency and period. Make sure you beat the wave types, basic wave features, their units and formulas into your heads. They always show up on the MCAS exam. Tomorrow, we will discuss the lab in light of the reading in the text and review the wave speed worksheet. This introduction to waves is usually a difficult bit of material for many students, so don't be upset if you are having a hard time getting the hang of the ideas. We'll spend time on this and make sure everyone has lots of practice with the concepts and problems.
3/4/09
Modern Art
As a result of the Physical Science experiment that used Slinkys to examine wave properties, this beautiful piece of modern art was born:
In addition to this masterpiece, students got more hands-on experience with longitudinal/transverse waves and wave features. The concepts of refraction, reflection and wave interference were introduced. We will have a bit of time at the start of class for groups to complete their lab write-ups before we discuss the lab activity.
Physics and Honors Physics discussed the 1st and 2nd laws of thermodynamics and the theory behind heat engines. Tomorrow's lab for Honors Physics will have students explore pressure-temperature relationships for a closed system (isovolumetric process). We will have to make a few adjustments to manage the scarcity of resources, but we'll make do fine. There will be an extra eye on safety, however, as hot plates will be in use.
In addition to this masterpiece, students got more hands-on experience with longitudinal/transverse waves and wave features. The concepts of refraction, reflection and wave interference were introduced. We will have a bit of time at the start of class for groups to complete their lab write-ups before we discuss the lab activity.
Physics and Honors Physics discussed the 1st and 2nd laws of thermodynamics and the theory behind heat engines. Tomorrow's lab for Honors Physics will have students explore pressure-temperature relationships for a closed system (isovolumetric process). We will have to make a few adjustments to manage the scarcity of resources, but we'll make do fine. There will be an extra eye on safety, however, as hot plates will be in use.
3/2/09
Question
Why is it that when we get a day off because of snow, I wind up working more than if I had actually gone to work?
Shoveling made up the bulk of the day, although I did get a chance to finish off the new Larry Niven/Jerry Pournelle book - Escape from Hell.
Next on the list, P.W. Singer's Wired for War
Tomorrow - Physical Science will discuss Friday's lab. We will roll that into the next section of your textbook (which you read for homework on Thursday) that explored physical features and properties of waves. Physics will conduct a lab investigation on Joule heating (using electric work to increase the internal energy of an object) and Honors Physics will discuss the 1st Law of Thermodynamics. YeeHah!
Shoveling made up the bulk of the day, although I did get a chance to finish off the new Larry Niven/Jerry Pournelle book - Escape from Hell.
Next on the list, P.W. Singer's Wired for War
Tomorrow - Physical Science will discuss Friday's lab. We will roll that into the next section of your textbook (which you read for homework on Thursday) that explored physical features and properties of waves. Physics will conduct a lab investigation on Joule heating (using electric work to increase the internal energy of an object) and Honors Physics will discuss the 1st Law of Thermodynamics. YeeHah!
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