Blog Archives

Physics Tracker

5/16/2018

We will use PhysicsTracker to analyze the Hot Wheels data. You should read through the HowTo and watch the below video to learn how to use it. PhysicsTracker will automatically incorporate Java, so you don't need to download it. After you have downloaded the tracker software, open up a new file and drag your video into the video box. From there, you will calibrate and mark your Hot Wheel as it moves down the track.

You're going to have to watch this several times (I did) to get the hang of it.

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May 15 - 31, 2018

5/14/2018

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Housekeeping: We are now investigating forces and Newton's Laws. Your last test over this material is May 23.

Content Review: Physics Classroom Physics Hypertextbook
Uniform & Accelerated Motion Velocity-Time Graphs

Readings: Physics Hypertextbook, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, & 2.6 Glencoe: Forces

Student Missions:
Mission 1: It's All Newton's Fault
Mission Objectives: You should be able to...
1. Define "force" and differentiate between contact forces and long-range forces.
2. Recognize the significance of Newton's 2nd and use it to solve motion problems.
3. Explain the meanings of Newton's 1st and 3rd and provide examples.
4. Draw and explain free-body diagrams.

A force is a push or pull on a stationary object. There are two types: contact and long-range. Contact forces act on an object by touching it. Example: you touching your laptop. A long-range force is exerted without contact. Example: magnets and the force of gravity.

How to draw a free-body diagram.

How to calculate the net force using free-body diagrams.

Newton's Laws of Motion.

1st: An object at rest will remain at rest unless acted upon by a force, or an object that is in motion will continue to move in a straight line unless acted upon by a force. Example:
A soccer ball sitting on the pitch will not move unless it is kicked. A car in motion will remain in motion until it is acted upon by a force. This law is commonly called the law of inertia. Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist change. If the net force on an object is zero, then the object is in equilibrium. Below is a table showing the different kinds of forces.

2nd: Force = mass X acceleration. The larger the force, the greater the acceleration. As mass increases, the greater the force required to move the object.

1st image: bitlanders.com 2nd image: zonaleducation.com

3rd. An interaction pair is two forces that are in opposite directions and have equal magnitude. All forces come in pairs, act on different objects and are equal in magnitude and opposite direction. See the image below. The action of stepping off the boat is equal to the reaction of the boat moving backwards.

Image from wired.com

Let's practice!!!

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EC2 Lesson Prep

5/10/2018

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EC2 will be joining us at 11:40 today to learn more about inclined planes and forces. Basically, you should explain how your race track works and have them identify which portions of the track are inclined planes (you're supposed to have at least one). If you know nothing about inclined planes, go here.

They are also learning about forces. Basically, they're learning about F = ma, which is Newton's second law. Force = mass of object times acceleration. You guys apply a force to start your Hot Wheel on the track, and hopefully the force is enough for the Hot Wheel to complete the track. Some of you are using your hands and others are using the launcher. If you are able to do both, show the students both ways and have them predict which yields the greater acceleration. Run this lesson with each of your cars and explain why you get different results for each car.

Of course, let them play with your tracks, ask them questions about what they've learned, and encourage them to explain back to you what is going on with the track. Ask them about Newton's 2nd and how to apply forces. Basically, you're having them summarize the lesson.

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