Honors Physics discussed capacitors and their function in class and saw a demo of a capacitor in action. Tomorrow, you will see another demonstration of capacitors that will also highlight the concept of potential difference. We briefly turned attention to circuits and will go further with that concept in class tomorrow. Note, for #4 of the 18.3 Section Review, I’d take a look at page 671 for a helpful formula.
Physical Science B completed (mostly) their series and parallel circuit construction. Students had opportunities to see how series and parallel wiring affects not only resistors, but also batteries. Other circuit components can be part of series and parallel arrangements and you will look at some of these in coming projects. Tomorrow, we’ll go over this section of the lab unit and then move onto more specialized circuits.
Physical Science E conducted their series and parallel circuit lab investigation, which let them work with both the conceptual and mathematical aspects of circuit analysis. We will discuss this lab and the associated questions tomorrow and then move onto more complex circuits and specialized circuit components.
Physics F went over their Ohm’s Law lab investigation and then worked on test corrections for the light, reflection and refraction exam. Physics G started in directly on their test corrections. We’ll jump back into electricity tomorrow with a review of Ohm’s Law and the addition of another electricity-related property of materials: capacitance.
Homework
Honors Physics A: Practice 18C and 18.3 Section Review
Physical Science B and E: Complete lab questions
Physics F and G: Complete test corrections
3/30/10
3/29/10
Scheduling Update
Note for E Block: Stopped in by guidance after school and Mrs. Lane and I looked at my course recommendation forms. I had filled them out and she had checked them off, indicating she put them into the computer. Why this class didn't show up - Dunno. Likely, the file for this class didn't save properly, but it is no big deal. Mrs. Lane will fix the forms and all will be well in schedule land. She is going to put a copy of my list in my mailbox tomorrow, so I can write in your course number on your form.
Playing with Circuits
Honors Physics reviewed their light exams, Friday’s homework and then moved further into resistance. We discussed how certain factors such as temperature, cross-sectional area, length and material identity influence the resistance charges experience and related these factors to practical home applications. We started on capacitors next, with a definition of capacitance and a look at examples of capacitors. We’ll discuss capacitors tomorrow and demo how they function to store electric potential energy.
Physical Science B worked with the Snap Circuits kits to examine series and parallel circuits. Students built basic circuits with lamps, and more complex ones with motors and audio components. We’ll continue with this piece tomorrow and discuss the results before taking on more complex circuits and new components such as capacitors and diodes.
Physical Science E reviewed series and parallel circuits and took time to go over the math worksheet for this chapter. Attention then turned to the Snap Circuits kits and we previewed the type of work we will be doing over the next several days. Tomorrow, students begin constructing and evaluating series and parallel circuits.
Physics F conducted their Ohm’s Law investigation. Students tested a 50-ohm and 100-ohm resistor and found that the proportional relationship between voltage and current, when graphed, produced straight lines whose slope matched the tested resistor. The light bulb, however, was non-ohmic: the resistance at low voltages was lower than at higher voltages. The mystery resistor was definitely ohmic and folks found out pretty easily that it had a value of 68-ohms. That was verified by the banding pattern on the resistor that students interpreted using a chart and an iPhone app. Tomorrow, we’ll go into this lab in more detail and continue on discussing voltage, current and resistance.
Physics G reviewed Friday’s lab investigation and then moved into a general review of electric potential energy and potential difference. The function of a power source as a promoter of potential difference was described, as was the role of the power source to move charges from a low potential energy area to a high potential energy area. We’ll review this tomorrow, before tackling current and resistance. We’ll discuss these three specters for the remainder of the unit and they will also carry over to our work with magnetism.
Homework
Honors Physics A: None
Physical Science B: None
Physical Science E: Read Snap Circuits information packet
Physics F: Complete lab write up
Physics G: None
Physical Science B worked with the Snap Circuits kits to examine series and parallel circuits. Students built basic circuits with lamps, and more complex ones with motors and audio components. We’ll continue with this piece tomorrow and discuss the results before taking on more complex circuits and new components such as capacitors and diodes.
Physical Science E reviewed series and parallel circuits and took time to go over the math worksheet for this chapter. Attention then turned to the Snap Circuits kits and we previewed the type of work we will be doing over the next several days. Tomorrow, students begin constructing and evaluating series and parallel circuits.
Physics F conducted their Ohm’s Law investigation. Students tested a 50-ohm and 100-ohm resistor and found that the proportional relationship between voltage and current, when graphed, produced straight lines whose slope matched the tested resistor. The light bulb, however, was non-ohmic: the resistance at low voltages was lower than at higher voltages. The mystery resistor was definitely ohmic and folks found out pretty easily that it had a value of 68-ohms. That was verified by the banding pattern on the resistor that students interpreted using a chart and an iPhone app. Tomorrow, we’ll go into this lab in more detail and continue on discussing voltage, current and resistance.
Physics G reviewed Friday’s lab investigation and then moved into a general review of electric potential energy and potential difference. The function of a power source as a promoter of potential difference was described, as was the role of the power source to move charges from a low potential energy area to a high potential energy area. We’ll review this tomorrow, before tackling current and resistance. We’ll discuss these three specters for the remainder of the unit and they will also carry over to our work with magnetism.
Homework
Honors Physics A: None
Physical Science B: None
Physical Science E: Read Snap Circuits information packet
Physics F: Complete lab write up
Physics G: None
3/26/10
The Day of Fry
Honors Physics spent time discussion the results of the Ohm’s Lab and then moved into a review of potential difference. From this we added current and resistance to the mix and ended up at Ohm’s Law. The structure and function of batteries was also discussed and related to charge motion and DC current. On Monday, we will continue on with our examination of electricity with a discussion of factors affecting electrical resistance and properties of capacitors.
Physical Science B went over their electricity worksheet, which nicely covered the mathematical elements of the chapter. Then, we took time to preview our unit on circuit building by looking over the Snap Circuits kit, discussing proper use of the kit and safety and highlighting the types of components the kits contain. Students will start by examining series and parallel circuits and then move toward an examination of other circuit configurations/functions and the nature of special circuit components.
Physical Science E spent time working on their math worksheet for electricity. Make sure to carefully read each question/problem and have relevant resources at hand, such as your sheet that summed up properties of series and parallel circuits. We’ll go over this sheet on Monday and then preview our work with building circuits.
Physics F was introduced to the concept of electric potential energy and potential difference today and looked ahead to the other major players in the electricity game – current and resistance. On Monday, the investigation will target Ohm’s Law, which shows the relationship between current, voltage and resistance for many materials. Physics G conducted this lab today, with very good results. The linear relationship between voltage and current for the resistors was very clean and the slopes of the lines closely matched the stated values for the tested resistors. The light bulb did not demonstrate a linear relationship for the entire range of voltages – this is characteristic of non-ohmic substances. The LED lit only when the input and output wires were correctly connected. Diodes are often used to help direct current flow in circuits and do not allow the current to flow “backwards” through the circuit. We’ll talk more about diodes and other circuit components a little later on.
Homework
Honors Physics A: Complete 19B and the 19.2 Section Review
Physical Science B: None
Physical Science E: Complete electricity math worksheet
Physics F: Read lab protocol sheet
Physics G: Complete lab write up
Physical Science B went over their electricity worksheet, which nicely covered the mathematical elements of the chapter. Then, we took time to preview our unit on circuit building by looking over the Snap Circuits kit, discussing proper use of the kit and safety and highlighting the types of components the kits contain. Students will start by examining series and parallel circuits and then move toward an examination of other circuit configurations/functions and the nature of special circuit components.
Physical Science E spent time working on their math worksheet for electricity. Make sure to carefully read each question/problem and have relevant resources at hand, such as your sheet that summed up properties of series and parallel circuits. We’ll go over this sheet on Monday and then preview our work with building circuits.
Physics F was introduced to the concept of electric potential energy and potential difference today and looked ahead to the other major players in the electricity game – current and resistance. On Monday, the investigation will target Ohm’s Law, which shows the relationship between current, voltage and resistance for many materials. Physics G conducted this lab today, with very good results. The linear relationship between voltage and current for the resistors was very clean and the slopes of the lines closely matched the stated values for the tested resistors. The light bulb did not demonstrate a linear relationship for the entire range of voltages – this is characteristic of non-ohmic substances. The LED lit only when the input and output wires were correctly connected. Diodes are often used to help direct current flow in circuits and do not allow the current to flow “backwards” through the circuit. We’ll talk more about diodes and other circuit components a little later on.
Homework
Honors Physics A: Complete 19B and the 19.2 Section Review
Physical Science B: None
Physical Science E: Complete electricity math worksheet
Physics F: Read lab protocol sheet
Physics G: Complete lab write up
3/25/10
Electricity for All
Honors Physics spent time working with Ohm’s Law in the laboratory. The rate of charge motion depends on the degree of potential difference to which it is exposed and the amount of opposition it faces moving through materials (resistance). For some materials, there is a constant, proportional relationship between voltage and current and these substances are said to be “ohmic.” Your resistors are constructed of ohmic materials and you produced clearly linear relationships for the entire range of tested voltages. The slopes of the lines were close matches to the stated resistances. For the light bulb, however, the ratio of voltage to current changed over the range of tested voltages. Light bulb filaments are “non-ohmic,” although they do follow Ohm’s Law quite well at higher voltages. Your LED’s are examples of diodes, which only allow current to flow in one direction. So, the LED lit when inserted one way in the circuit and didn’t when the polarity was reversed. Your motors allowed charge to move through regardless of how it was inserted into the circuit, but the direction the shaft turned changed when the motor was reversed. Tomorrow, we’ll talk more about the lab (including taking care of lab equipment/supplies) and continue on discussing potential difference and electric potential energy.
Physical Science B went over their Ohm’s Law lab and found that their resistors definitely followed Ohm’s Law. Very nice, straight lines were produced when voltage versus current was plotted by the computer, and the slopes of these lines were quite close to the values of the resistors you tested. The light bulb did not have so clear a linear relationship. The first few points on the graph had a markedly different slope than later points. Your bulb filament was non-ohmic., but Ohm’s Law could be used to predict the electrical properties at higher voltages. Then, students had the opportunity to practice the calculations associated with this chapter. We’ll go over the worksheet tomorrow and then turn attention to constructing and analyzing electrical circuits.
Physical Science E discussed electric power and electric safety. Electric power is not conceptually different than mechanical power – it is the rate at which the charges’ energy is used to do work. The unit for electric power is still the watt (W) and a device with more electrical power than another still doesn’t do more work than another; it simply does the work in a shorter amount of time. We then discussed the use of fuses, circuit breakers and ground-fault interrupters for electric safety. Tomorrow, math practice with circuits, Ohm’s law and electric power.
Physics F and G discussed the ability of charges to generate electric fields and forces. The use of Coulomb’s law to calculate the magnitude of electric force between two charges was examined and the use of field lines to represent electric fields was described. Tomorrow, G Block will conduct an investigation that will propel you towards our study of electric circuits by laying out one of the top gun relationships in electricity – Ohm’s Law.
Homework
Honors Physics – Complete lab write up
Physical Science B: Complete electricity worksheet
Physical Science E: None
Physics F: Complete Chapter 17 Chapter Review items #11-17, 19
Physics G: Read lab protocol sheet and complete Chapter Review #11-17, 19 for Monday
Physical Science B went over their Ohm’s Law lab and found that their resistors definitely followed Ohm’s Law. Very nice, straight lines were produced when voltage versus current was plotted by the computer, and the slopes of these lines were quite close to the values of the resistors you tested. The light bulb did not have so clear a linear relationship. The first few points on the graph had a markedly different slope than later points. Your bulb filament was non-ohmic., but Ohm’s Law could be used to predict the electrical properties at higher voltages. Then, students had the opportunity to practice the calculations associated with this chapter. We’ll go over the worksheet tomorrow and then turn attention to constructing and analyzing electrical circuits.
Physical Science E discussed electric power and electric safety. Electric power is not conceptually different than mechanical power – it is the rate at which the charges’ energy is used to do work. The unit for electric power is still the watt (W) and a device with more electrical power than another still doesn’t do more work than another; it simply does the work in a shorter amount of time. We then discussed the use of fuses, circuit breakers and ground-fault interrupters for electric safety. Tomorrow, math practice with circuits, Ohm’s law and electric power.
Physics F and G discussed the ability of charges to generate electric fields and forces. The use of Coulomb’s law to calculate the magnitude of electric force between two charges was examined and the use of field lines to represent electric fields was described. Tomorrow, G Block will conduct an investigation that will propel you towards our study of electric circuits by laying out one of the top gun relationships in electricity – Ohm’s Law.
Homework
Honors Physics – Complete lab write up
Physical Science B: Complete electricity worksheet
Physical Science E: None
Physics F: Complete Chapter 17 Chapter Review items #11-17, 19
Physics G: Read lab protocol sheet and complete Chapter Review #11-17, 19 for Monday
3/24/10
Its All About Charge
Honors Physics took a ride through electric fields and electric potential energy today. As I said, the journey through electricity will be a strange one, as we are going to omit a fair amount of material from the unit and may do things out of order. We found ourselves already in Chapter 18 today, after leaping over 90% of the math in and 40% of the information in Chapter 17. In Chapter 18, we are, again, going to leap over most of the math and only concentrate on the topics that will further a general understanding of static charge and electric current. The bulk of our time in this unit will focus on the more practical aspects of electricity and tomorrow’s lab on Ohm’s Law will let you see how the three main players in electric current, voltage, current and resistance, interact in ohmic and non-ohmic materials. This material in the book is farther ahead than we are currently, but our discussion of voltage today and the bit of reading to which I directed you will be sufficient to understand the theory behind your results. We’ll discuss the lab on Friday and continue on talking about batteries and charge motion.
Physical Science B did their own lab with Ohm’s law and saw clearly that certain materials maintain a very constant relationship between voltage and current throughout a wide range of voltages. For some materials, like the light bulb, the relationship is not the same at low voltages as for high voltages. The slopes of your lines for the resistors fell quite close to the stated values on your resistors, definitely within the resistor tolerances. We’ll discuss the lab in more detail tomorrow and the get some practice working on the mathematics of series and parallel circuits.
Physical Science E reviewed Ohm’s Law and series circuits today and then moved to parallel circuits. Parallel circuits provide multiple paths for charge flow and therefore, we would not expect the current to be the same through each path if the values of the resistance on the paths vary. However, we would expect the voltage across the resistors to be the same, and it would be the same as the potential difference of the power source. We took time to practice the math for parallel circuits and we will review this first thing tomorrow. Then, we’ll add in electrical energy, power and safety.
Physics F and G began their discussion of electricity with an overview of charge and the methods of charging materials. We spend a bit discussing static charge and then turn out attention to electric current. Like Honors Physics, we’ll be picking and choosing from the upcoming chapters, so make sure to pay close attention to your notes package – that will guide you as to the material for which you will be responsible on the assessment.
Homework
Honors Physics A: Read lab protocol sheet
Physical Science B: Complete lab write up
Physical Science E: Read 16.3 in your book and complete the 16.3 Section Review and the Practice on p. 551
Physics F and G: None
Physical Science B did their own lab with Ohm’s law and saw clearly that certain materials maintain a very constant relationship between voltage and current throughout a wide range of voltages. For some materials, like the light bulb, the relationship is not the same at low voltages as for high voltages. The slopes of your lines for the resistors fell quite close to the stated values on your resistors, definitely within the resistor tolerances. We’ll discuss the lab in more detail tomorrow and the get some practice working on the mathematics of series and parallel circuits.
Physical Science E reviewed Ohm’s Law and series circuits today and then moved to parallel circuits. Parallel circuits provide multiple paths for charge flow and therefore, we would not expect the current to be the same through each path if the values of the resistance on the paths vary. However, we would expect the voltage across the resistors to be the same, and it would be the same as the potential difference of the power source. We took time to practice the math for parallel circuits and we will review this first thing tomorrow. Then, we’ll add in electrical energy, power and safety.
Physics F and G began their discussion of electricity with an overview of charge and the methods of charging materials. We spend a bit discussing static charge and then turn out attention to electric current. Like Honors Physics, we’ll be picking and choosing from the upcoming chapters, so make sure to pay close attention to your notes package – that will guide you as to the material for which you will be responsible on the assessment.
Homework
Honors Physics A: Read lab protocol sheet
Physical Science B: Complete lab write up
Physical Science E: Read 16.3 in your book and complete the 16.3 Section Review and the Practice on p. 551
Physics F and G: None
3/23/10
Ark II
For those who live in this area, the title of this post seems appropriate since it is, again, pouring rain. For those aged and infirm like myself, you might remember the Ark II tv show from the 1970's. Bad hair and cheesy tv...I loved the 70's!
Honors Physics began their examination of electricity today with a discussion on the nature of electric charge, the methods of generating charge and the forces that charged systems can produce. We contrasted friction, conduction and induction and examined how to use Coulomb’s Law to evaluate the strength of electric forces. We’ll look at electric fields tomorrow and relate those to the forces generated.
Physical Science B took a look at electric energy and electric power and related these topics to household concerns. We also took a good bit of time to discuss electric safety devices – fuses, circuit breakers and ground-fault interrupters – and how they are used in everyday life. Tomorrow, students will work on a lab that will allow them to examine how materials demonstrate adherence to Ohm’s Law. On Thursday, students will review their lab activity and then begin to work on the math associated with circuits and also start constructing circuits and investigating circuit components.
Physical Science E spent time reviewing series circuits and worked out how to calculate voltage, current and resistance for loads arranged in series. We’ll go over the two practice sheets that you were given in class at the start of the period tomorrow, address any issues and then move on to examine parallel circuits.
Physics F and G underwent their assessment experience for light, reflection and refraction. Tomorrow – Electricity!
Homework
Honors Physics A: Practice 17A
Physical Science B: Read lab protocol sheet
Physical Science E: Complete Ohm’s Law and series circuits worksheets
Physics F and G: Read section 17.1 in the textbook and complete Chapter Review items #1-10
Honors Physics began their examination of electricity today with a discussion on the nature of electric charge, the methods of generating charge and the forces that charged systems can produce. We contrasted friction, conduction and induction and examined how to use Coulomb’s Law to evaluate the strength of electric forces. We’ll look at electric fields tomorrow and relate those to the forces generated.
Physical Science B took a look at electric energy and electric power and related these topics to household concerns. We also took a good bit of time to discuss electric safety devices – fuses, circuit breakers and ground-fault interrupters – and how they are used in everyday life. Tomorrow, students will work on a lab that will allow them to examine how materials demonstrate adherence to Ohm’s Law. On Thursday, students will review their lab activity and then begin to work on the math associated with circuits and also start constructing circuits and investigating circuit components.
Physical Science E spent time reviewing series circuits and worked out how to calculate voltage, current and resistance for loads arranged in series. We’ll go over the two practice sheets that you were given in class at the start of the period tomorrow, address any issues and then move on to examine parallel circuits.
Physics F and G underwent their assessment experience for light, reflection and refraction. Tomorrow – Electricity!
Homework
Honors Physics A: Practice 17A
Physical Science B: Read lab protocol sheet
Physical Science E: Complete Ohm’s Law and series circuits worksheets
Physics F and G: Read section 17.1 in the textbook and complete Chapter Review items #1-10
3/22/10
Brand New Week
Honors Physics exercised their brains with their light (not lite) exam. Tomorrow, we’ll begin discussing electric charge and the forces that charged particles can generate.
Physical Science B reviewed the concept and math behind series circuits and then turned attention to parallel circuits. Series circuits offer only one option for charged particle travel; parallel circuits offer multiple possible paths that form complete circuits. For parallel circuits, the failure of one pathway does not stop charges from using the other paths to travel to and from the power supply. However, by adding more options, this actually lowers the resistance of the circuit. More devices hooked in parallel to a single power source means more current flowing through the circuit. More current, more resistance heating. This is how overloading a circuit in your home can lead to a fire. We worked practice problems quantifying resistance, voltage and current for parallel circuits and will discussing electric power and safety tomorrow.
Physical Science E reviewed their Ohm’s Law lab and folks’ data looked good. It was pretty clear that comparing the voltage provided and current produced through a single circuit gave the same value, and that corresponds with Ohm’s Law: R = V/I. Graphing voltage versus current gave very linear patterns with the slope of the resulting line falling within the tolerance limit for the given resistor. For the non-ohmic light bulb, current increased at a more rapid rate at the low voltages, but slowed its increase at higher voltages. This is why light bulbs burn out when you turn them on. The current coming through is high and the friction does a number on the aged filament. We didn’t have time for any more, since the assembly ran long. Tomorrow, we’ll delve more deeply into series circuits and then turn attention towards parallel arrangements.
Physics F and G Blocks reviewed for their exam on light, reflection and refraction. We walked through the chapter highlighting relevant material and making note of sections that we didn’t cover in much depth. You’ve seen the formula sheet many times, but may not have noticed that sign conventions are not presented. You need to have those fixed in your heads in order to successfully work the optics problems.
Homework
Honors Physics A: Read 17.1 and complete Chapter Review items #1-10
Physical Science B: Read 16.3 and complete the 16.3 Section Review and the Practice on pg. 551
Physical Science E: None
Physics F and G: Study for exam
Physical Science B reviewed the concept and math behind series circuits and then turned attention to parallel circuits. Series circuits offer only one option for charged particle travel; parallel circuits offer multiple possible paths that form complete circuits. For parallel circuits, the failure of one pathway does not stop charges from using the other paths to travel to and from the power supply. However, by adding more options, this actually lowers the resistance of the circuit. More devices hooked in parallel to a single power source means more current flowing through the circuit. More current, more resistance heating. This is how overloading a circuit in your home can lead to a fire. We worked practice problems quantifying resistance, voltage and current for parallel circuits and will discussing electric power and safety tomorrow.
Physical Science E reviewed their Ohm’s Law lab and folks’ data looked good. It was pretty clear that comparing the voltage provided and current produced through a single circuit gave the same value, and that corresponds with Ohm’s Law: R = V/I. Graphing voltage versus current gave very linear patterns with the slope of the resulting line falling within the tolerance limit for the given resistor. For the non-ohmic light bulb, current increased at a more rapid rate at the low voltages, but slowed its increase at higher voltages. This is why light bulbs burn out when you turn them on. The current coming through is high and the friction does a number on the aged filament. We didn’t have time for any more, since the assembly ran long. Tomorrow, we’ll delve more deeply into series circuits and then turn attention towards parallel arrangements.
Physics F and G Blocks reviewed for their exam on light, reflection and refraction. We walked through the chapter highlighting relevant material and making note of sections that we didn’t cover in much depth. You’ve seen the formula sheet many times, but may not have noticed that sign conventions are not presented. You need to have those fixed in your heads in order to successfully work the optics problems.
Homework
Honors Physics A: Read 17.1 and complete Chapter Review items #1-10
Physical Science B: Read 16.3 and complete the 16.3 Section Review and the Practice on pg. 551
Physical Science E: None
Physics F and G: Study for exam
3/19/10
Week Over, Man...Week Over
Honors Physics walked through the chapters covering light, reflection and refraction in preparation for Monday’s exam. Certain sections aren’t relevant for the exam and those were highlighted and areas known to give students trouble were identified. After Monday’s exam, we jump into electricity!
Physical Science B discussed series circuits in terms of function and mathematical analysis. Series circuits are easy to wire, but you do have do worry that if one item in the circuit ceases to function, the others will also since the electrons have to pass through every device in order to return to the power source. We then spent a good bit of time practicing how to calculate the equivalent resistance, current, total voltage and voltage drop across each device in a circuit. Remember that for a series circuit, the current through each device is identical, but the voltage drop depends upon the device’s individual resistance. We’ll review this on Monday and then turn attention to parallel circuits.
Physical Science E conducted a lab investigation on Ohm’s law. Students built simple series circuits with resistors or bulbs and switches to see how ohmic (the resistors) and non-ohmic (the light bulb) demonstrated Ohm’s Law. For the resistors, the graph of voltage versus current was a very nice straight line, for which the slope of the line was the resistance stamped on the resistor. For the light bulb, the graph was curved, indicating that the relationship between voltage and current was not linear and did not follow the predictions of Ohm’s Law. Monday, we’ll discuss the lab in more detail and delve further into series and parallel circuits.
Physics F and G began preparing for their exam, which we decided to reschedule to next Tuesday. F Block began by going over yesterday’s lab and highlighting the patterns of image formation by the converging and diverging lenses. Then, in both sections, students worked on a review sheet that targeted the math of this unit, specifically, the thin-lens/mirror equation, magnification formula and Snell’s Law. On Monday, we’ll go over the review worksheet you were given today and address any last-minute questions/problems. On Wednesday – electricity!
Homework
Honors Physics A: Study for exam
Physical Science B: None
Physical Science E: Complete lab write up
Physics F and G: Complete review worksheet
Physical Science B discussed series circuits in terms of function and mathematical analysis. Series circuits are easy to wire, but you do have do worry that if one item in the circuit ceases to function, the others will also since the electrons have to pass through every device in order to return to the power source. We then spent a good bit of time practicing how to calculate the equivalent resistance, current, total voltage and voltage drop across each device in a circuit. Remember that for a series circuit, the current through each device is identical, but the voltage drop depends upon the device’s individual resistance. We’ll review this on Monday and then turn attention to parallel circuits.
Physical Science E conducted a lab investigation on Ohm’s law. Students built simple series circuits with resistors or bulbs and switches to see how ohmic (the resistors) and non-ohmic (the light bulb) demonstrated Ohm’s Law. For the resistors, the graph of voltage versus current was a very nice straight line, for which the slope of the line was the resistance stamped on the resistor. For the light bulb, the graph was curved, indicating that the relationship between voltage and current was not linear and did not follow the predictions of Ohm’s Law. Monday, we’ll discuss the lab in more detail and delve further into series and parallel circuits.
Physics F and G began preparing for their exam, which we decided to reschedule to next Tuesday. F Block began by going over yesterday’s lab and highlighting the patterns of image formation by the converging and diverging lenses. Then, in both sections, students worked on a review sheet that targeted the math of this unit, specifically, the thin-lens/mirror equation, magnification formula and Snell’s Law. On Monday, we’ll go over the review worksheet you were given today and address any last-minute questions/problems. On Wednesday – electricity!
Homework
Honors Physics A: Study for exam
Physical Science B: None
Physical Science E: Complete lab write up
Physics F and G: Complete review worksheet
3/18/10
Closing in on The Weekend
Honors Physics took time to review the worksheet from yesterday, that targeted topics about basic refraction, Snell’s Law and image formation by both converging and diverging lenses. Attention was then turned towards two refraction-dependent phenomena: total internal reflection and dispersion. The requisite conditions for light to demonstrate total internal reflection were described and applications of this phenomenon were discussed and demonstrated. Rainbow formation by prisms had previously been touched on, so additional time was spent discussing rainbow formation by water droplets in the atmosphere. The mechanisms behind rainbow formation were explained and variations of rainbows – the lunar rainbow or moonbow and double rainbows were illustrated. Tomorrow, bring all questions to class for the review to prepare for Monday’s exam.
Physical Science B and E began a discussion of circuits. Circuits allow us to direct charges to do the work that we need done by a device. We described the basic properties of an electrical circuit, contrasted open and closed circuits, described the function of a switch, explained the construction and importance of a schematic diagram and began to pull together ideas about series circuits. E Block will conduct a lab investigation tomorrow that will let students build a simple circuit in order to demonstrate the ability of different substances to obey Ohm’s Law. Later, students will have opportunities to build more complex circuits.
Physics F conducted their lab on converging and diverging lenses. The focal length for each lens was experimentally determined and the types and properties of images formed by each type of lens was investigated. Students used their experimental data to verify the thin-lens equation and the basic trends in image formation that we discussed in class. Tomorrow, we’ll discuss the lab in more detail and review for Monday’s exam.
Physics G discussed yesterday’s lab investigation on lenses and then began to study two refraction-dependent phenomena: total internal reflection and dispersion. Applications of total internal reflection such as diamond cutting and fiber optics were discussed and demonstrated and the formation of rainbows in the atmosphere was described. Tomorrow, bring along questions for review in preparation for Monday’s exam.
Homework:
Honors Physics A: None
Physical Science B: None
Physical Science E: Read lab protocol sheet
Physics F: Complete lab write up
Physics G: None
Physical Science B and E began a discussion of circuits. Circuits allow us to direct charges to do the work that we need done by a device. We described the basic properties of an electrical circuit, contrasted open and closed circuits, described the function of a switch, explained the construction and importance of a schematic diagram and began to pull together ideas about series circuits. E Block will conduct a lab investigation tomorrow that will let students build a simple circuit in order to demonstrate the ability of different substances to obey Ohm’s Law. Later, students will have opportunities to build more complex circuits.
Physics F conducted their lab on converging and diverging lenses. The focal length for each lens was experimentally determined and the types and properties of images formed by each type of lens was investigated. Students used their experimental data to verify the thin-lens equation and the basic trends in image formation that we discussed in class. Tomorrow, we’ll discuss the lab in more detail and review for Monday’s exam.
Physics G discussed yesterday’s lab investigation on lenses and then began to study two refraction-dependent phenomena: total internal reflection and dispersion. Applications of total internal reflection such as diamond cutting and fiber optics were discussed and demonstrated and the formation of rainbows in the atmosphere was described. Tomorrow, bring along questions for review in preparation for Monday’s exam.
Homework:
Honors Physics A: None
Physical Science B: None
Physical Science E: Read lab protocol sheet
Physics F: Complete lab write up
Physics G: None
3/17/10
Glorious Wednesday
Honors Physics A took time to review refraction and lenses and discussed yesterday’s lab investigation. Since half of the class was absent due to a band function yesterday, time was allotted for students to share information and discuss the results of the lab with those who had conducted the lab activity. A review worksheet for lenses and refraction was distributed for students to work that will serve as part of the overall review for Monday’s exam on light, reflection and refraction. Make sure I have your lab write ups by Friday!
Physical Science B continued on with their discussion of electric current by adding the concept of resistance to the bag of knowledge. Resistance is a property of the material through which the charges move that is based on the material’s identity, temperature, length and cross-sectional area. We practiced using Ohm’s Law to solve problems about voltage, resistance and current and went over those at the end of the period. Tomorrow, we’ll take time to review the basic properties of electric current and start to talk about the structure and function of electric circuits.
Physical Science E picked up with the idea of the rate of charge flow – current. Current used in this sense refers purely to the amount of charge in coulombs flowing through a material per second and the unit of the ampere (A), can also be written as Joule/second. We then turned attention to electrical resistance and factors that affect resistance in materials. Ohm’s Law was introduced and used to evaluate relationships between voltage, current and resistance. We’ll use Ohm’s Law again when we tackle circuits, and your lab investigation on Friday will focus on ohmic and non-ohmic materials.
Physics F reviewed the concept of lenses, both converging and diverging and then turned attention to the phenomena of total internal reflection and dispersion. Demonstrations were presented for these topics so that students could better understand the general concepts. Tomorrow, you’ll get to practice working with lenses in your lab activity. Friday – review. Monday – exam.
Physics G conducted a lab investigation focused on the image forming abilities of converging and diverging lenses. Students determined the focal length of a converging and diverging lens and verified the patterns of image formation discussed in class and the use of the thin-lens and magnification formulas in problems solving. We’ll discuss the lab in class tomorrow and then explore the phenomena of total internal reflection and dispersion. Friday – review, Monday – exam.
Homework
Honors Physics A: Refraction and lenses review worksheet. Lab write ups by Friday
Physical Science B: 16.2 Section Review on page 545
Physical Science E: None
Physics F: Read lab protocol sheet and complete the 15.3 Section Review # 1, 3, 4
Physics G: Complete lab write up
Physical Science B continued on with their discussion of electric current by adding the concept of resistance to the bag of knowledge. Resistance is a property of the material through which the charges move that is based on the material’s identity, temperature, length and cross-sectional area. We practiced using Ohm’s Law to solve problems about voltage, resistance and current and went over those at the end of the period. Tomorrow, we’ll take time to review the basic properties of electric current and start to talk about the structure and function of electric circuits.
Physical Science E picked up with the idea of the rate of charge flow – current. Current used in this sense refers purely to the amount of charge in coulombs flowing through a material per second and the unit of the ampere (A), can also be written as Joule/second. We then turned attention to electrical resistance and factors that affect resistance in materials. Ohm’s Law was introduced and used to evaluate relationships between voltage, current and resistance. We’ll use Ohm’s Law again when we tackle circuits, and your lab investigation on Friday will focus on ohmic and non-ohmic materials.
Physics F reviewed the concept of lenses, both converging and diverging and then turned attention to the phenomena of total internal reflection and dispersion. Demonstrations were presented for these topics so that students could better understand the general concepts. Tomorrow, you’ll get to practice working with lenses in your lab activity. Friday – review. Monday – exam.
Physics G conducted a lab investigation focused on the image forming abilities of converging and diverging lenses. Students determined the focal length of a converging and diverging lens and verified the patterns of image formation discussed in class and the use of the thin-lens and magnification formulas in problems solving. We’ll discuss the lab in class tomorrow and then explore the phenomena of total internal reflection and dispersion. Friday – review, Monday – exam.
Homework
Honors Physics A: Refraction and lenses review worksheet. Lab write ups by Friday
Physical Science B: 16.2 Section Review on page 545
Physical Science E: None
Physics F: Read lab protocol sheet and complete the 15.3 Section Review # 1, 3, 4
Physics G: Complete lab write up
3/16/10
That Big Orb in the Sky is the Sun
...in case you've forgotten...
Honors Physics worked with lenses in today’s lab investigation. Both converging and diverging lenses were examined and the images formed with objects at different distances from the focal length were investigated. The thin lens equation was pretty well verified and folks were able to experimentally determine the focal length of a diverging lens, so everyone went home happy. Tomorrow, we’ll go over the lab in more detail and spend time tidying up loose ends with lenses.
Physical Science B discussed yesterday’s lab investigation and effort was taken to make sure that everyone was able to thoroughly explain the results for each of the mini-activities. Attention was then turned to electric current. We contrasted static electricity and electric current and emphasized the role of electrical potential energy difference (voltage) in the generation of electric current. The structure and function of batteries was explained and dry and wet cells were contrasted. Tomorrow, we’ll review these ideas and push further into current with a more thorough discussion of amperage and resistance.
Physical Science E started the period by going over the Coulomb’s Law worksheet. Make sure that you can work these problems forwards and backwards. The skills you practice will also reinforce your ability to solve problems for gravitational forces. We then picked up the thread of electric current. The motion of charges due to a difference in electric potential energy between two locations is electric current and we examined how this potential difference (voltage) could be generated by batteries. Tomorrow, we’ll add more pieces to the current puzzle with amperage and electrical resistance.
Physics F and G reviewed over basic notions about refraction and then marched into lenses. Converging and diverging lenses were contrasted and the types of images formed by each was explored. The lab for this unit (on which G block will work tomorrow) centers around image formation by these lenses, so keep the book-learning in mind as you work through the experiments.
Homework
Honors Physics A: Complete lab write up
Physical Science B and E: None
Physics F: Complete Chapter Review items #15-19, 20, 23, 25, 26
Physics G: Read lab protocol sheet and complete Chapter Review items #15-19, 20, 23, 25, 26 for Thursday
Honors Physics worked with lenses in today’s lab investigation. Both converging and diverging lenses were examined and the images formed with objects at different distances from the focal length were investigated. The thin lens equation was pretty well verified and folks were able to experimentally determine the focal length of a diverging lens, so everyone went home happy. Tomorrow, we’ll go over the lab in more detail and spend time tidying up loose ends with lenses.
Physical Science B discussed yesterday’s lab investigation and effort was taken to make sure that everyone was able to thoroughly explain the results for each of the mini-activities. Attention was then turned to electric current. We contrasted static electricity and electric current and emphasized the role of electrical potential energy difference (voltage) in the generation of electric current. The structure and function of batteries was explained and dry and wet cells were contrasted. Tomorrow, we’ll review these ideas and push further into current with a more thorough discussion of amperage and resistance.
Physical Science E started the period by going over the Coulomb’s Law worksheet. Make sure that you can work these problems forwards and backwards. The skills you practice will also reinforce your ability to solve problems for gravitational forces. We then picked up the thread of electric current. The motion of charges due to a difference in electric potential energy between two locations is electric current and we examined how this potential difference (voltage) could be generated by batteries. Tomorrow, we’ll add more pieces to the current puzzle with amperage and electrical resistance.
Physics F and G reviewed over basic notions about refraction and then marched into lenses. Converging and diverging lenses were contrasted and the types of images formed by each was explored. The lab for this unit (on which G block will work tomorrow) centers around image formation by these lenses, so keep the book-learning in mind as you work through the experiments.
Homework
Honors Physics A: Complete lab write up
Physical Science B and E: None
Physics F: Complete Chapter Review items #15-19, 20, 23, 25, 26
Physics G: Read lab protocol sheet and complete Chapter Review items #15-19, 20, 23, 25, 26 for Thursday
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