Final!

Your final is today! I will have them graded and put in the computer before I go home. I will also send a text out on Remind when they are done.

All late work, lab corrections, extra credit, etc. need to be in my hands or in my email inbox by 8 AM Friday. If you want to retake a test, you can come in after school today or tomorrow or at 8 AM Friday.

Have a good break, and get some sleep.

Momentum (and Final) Practice Test

We don't have enough time for a unit test on momentum, so instead your final will consist of multiple choice problems from the whole semester and free response problems only from the momentum unit.

Here is the practice test for the free response section of the final. The best way to study for the multiple choice section is to review the multiple choice problems from previous tests and practice tests.

Here are the video solutions for the free response practice problems:

#1
#2
#3
#4

Please please please email (or show) me your Finding g With Centripetal Force Labs if you have not yet done so. Use miss.volkening@gmail.com. I will email you feedback, and you can make corrections.

Everything - late work, extra credit, lab corrections, whatever - must be in my hands or in my email inbox by 8 AM Friday, 12/23.

Impulse Due To a Variable Force

What is the change of momentum due to a force that is not constant? This was the question we attempted to answer today.

Notes!

Homework: Chapter 6 (p.191) #8 & 15 + CONCEPTUAL #11 (p.190)

Impulse

So far we've only talked about situations where momentum is conserved - that is, there are no outside forces. Today we talked about what happens when there are outside forces - the momentum changes! This change in momentum is called impulse.

Notes on Impulse

Video we watched

Homework is Chapter 6 (p.191 ) Problems #9, 11, 13 + CONCEPTUAL Problem #12 (p.190)

Ballistic Pendulum Lab

What you need to do today:



Your pre-lab will be graded like a homework and you will get participation points for doing the lab.

Here is a running list of things people discovered about the lab apparatus (I'll update as needed):

• The mass of the pendulum bob is 86.2 g; don't try to measure that yourself
• Pull on the circular knob at the back to cock the launcher, not the stick-like knob near the front
• Flick the stick-like knob near the front of the launcher to launch the ball, not the circular knob at the back
• Don't use the third notch
• Cock the launcher and THEN load the ball
• If your table is uneven the launcher is less likely to work. Use the counters around the outside of the room
• The angle indicator is off on some of the launchers; check yours and compensate as needed

Homework is p.193 #36, 37, 40

Collisions

Today we talked about collisions, which are really just another kind of momentum conservation problem.

Notes: Collisions

The PhET collision simulator is here.

Homework tonight is Ch. 6 (p. 192) #29, 31, 34

You may also want to start your Ballistic Pendulum Pre-Lab.

Conservation of Momentum

Today we had very few notes:

Notes: Conservation of Momentum

The rest of the period was yours to start your homework since it's a bit longer than yesterday's.

Homework: Ch. 6 (p. 192) #25, 26, 27

Momentum Intro

We squeezed in the intro to the next unit today:

Momentum Intro

Your homework is Chapter 6 (p.190) #1, 3, 6, 7

Rotational Motion Practice Test

Rotational Motion Test Practice

Answers

Solutions videos:
#1
#2
#3
#4
#6
#7
#8
#9

Remember that any of these numerical problems could be a symbolic problem (no numbers) on the test.

Orbits

Today we combined universal gravitation and uniform circular motion to find the mass of the earth given the radius and period of the orbit of the moon.

There is no homework, but you probably picked up your practice test today. We also have a small vector quiz tomorrow.

Universal Gravitation

Today we used some fake data to derive the Law of Universal Gravitation. It ended up on the board:



Here is the fake data activity: Universal Gravitation Pseudo Lab

Homework was printed out on little strips. Here is an electronic copy: Homework 11/30. Don't forget to do the back.

Lab: Finding g with Centripetal Force

Today you worked on the lab Finding g With Centripetal Force.

Homework is to finish the lab.

Science For Seniors

Today some presenters came in to talk to you about options for science classes your senior year. Ms. Tautz talked about AP Physics C (Mechanics and Electricity&Magnetism) and Research Methods. Ms. Hamilton talked to you about AP Biology and AP Environmental Science. We also told you about the KEYS internship program, for which the application deadline is fast approaching.

Here are some of the presentations from today:

AP Physics C
Research Methods
KEYS

Your homework for the long weekend is FRQ 2009Bb1 (email miss.volkening@gmail.com for a copy), which you will correct yourself on Monday/Tuesday. This FRQ describes a lab that you will actually be doing on Monday/Tuesday, so it's really a sort of pre-lab. You may want to look at the lab sheet over the weekend too: Finding g With Centripetal Force.

Banked Curves

Today we talked about  banked curves:

Notes: Banked Curves

Later we worked on Ch. 7 (p. 231) #52 which became homework if not finished in class.

Practicing Centripetal Acceleration Problems

These are the toughest problems of this whole unit, so we're still working on them.

Chapter 7 (p. 228) #18, 20, 32 (Homework if not finished in class).

Centrifugal Force

Today we talked about centrifugal force, which isn't a real force but rather a result of a rotating reference frame. This topic won't be tested, but it's pretty fun to think about and demonstrate.

Any leftover time was spent working on tonight's homework: Chapter 7 (p. 228) #26 & 30

Centripetal Force and Acceleration

Today we introduced centripetal acceleration and centripetal force. We'll be doing a lot more with these next week.

Notes: Centripetal Acceleration and Force

Homework is Chapter 7 (p. 228) #17 & 22

Below is the work for an example problem in the notes.

Rotational Kinematics Practice

I want to make sure you all are solid with using angular variables and rotational kinematics problems before we move forward, so today we simply practiced some tougher story problems. Whatever you didn't finish in class is homework:

p.227 #8, 9, 11, 69

Rotational Motion Introduction

Today we began our rotational motion unit with an introduction of angular quantities and how they relate to linear quantities.

Notes: Rotational Motion

Homework: Chapter 7 (p.227) #1, 2, 5, 10, 14 and Rotational Motion TIPERs #1 (email miss.volkening@gmail.com if you need a copy).

Energy Test

Today was your energy test! You have no homework, so please enjoy your three day weekend.

Vector Quiz + Keep Studying

Today we took a very short quiz on vecotr addition. We will be having these every few weeks for a while, each slightly more difficult than the last. This first one will get you one extra credit point for the correct answer and another extra credit point for correctly scoring a peer's paper.

The rest of the period was yours to prepare for your energy test, which is tomorrow. You can find the practice test, solutions videos, and abridged answer key on yesterday's blog entry.

Energy Practice Test

Today and some of Wednesday are yours to prepare for your energy test on Thursday. On Wednesday we will have a short (one question) quiz on vector addition.

Energy Practice Test

Here are some solutions videos from a couple of years ago(may not perfectly match energy practice test).

Multiple Choice #1
Multiple Choice #2
Problem #1
Problem #2
Problem #3

Below are the abridged answers.

Practice Time!

Today we spent the first part of the period going over one of the homework problems, then spent the rest of the time working on, then peer grading, Energy TIPERs #7 (email miss.volkening@gmail.com for a copy). We did not turn it in, though.

I actually did not assign homework, but if you do have a test coming up next Thursdy, so if you want to start looking at the practice here it is: Energy Practice Test.

Also remember that my tutoring next week is on Monday instead of Tuesday.

Using Elastic Potential Energy in Energy Conservation Problems

Today we basically did several examples of energy problems that include springs:

Notes: Elastic Potential Energy and Energy Conservation

Homework tonight:

Energy TIPERs #6
+ p.160 #35, 39, 67. We will do one in class together tomorrow.

Elastic Potential Energy

Today we defined elastic potential energy.

Notes: Elastic Potential Energy

Homework: p. 159 Problem #20 + p.157 Conceptual #11. Also start the front of Energy TIPERs #6 and we'll do the back tomorrow.

Inclined Plane Lab

Today you completed a small lab to find if the angle of an inclined plane affects its efficiency as a machine:

You also have some homework, due Wednesday: p.162 #47 & 89

Machines

Today we very briefly talked about machines and efficiency.

Notes: Machines

Your homework is a little half sheet called HW: Machines. I checked your Energy of a Bouncing Ball Lab while you started that homework.

On Monday/Tuesday nest week you will be completing a lab. The goal is to find the frictional force on a cart rolling up/down a ramp, plus find the efficiency of said ramp. How you do these two things is up to you, so start thinking about it over the weekend.

Power

Notes: Power!

Here is the solution to the last example problem:

Homework: p. 162 #45, 50 (use Watts instead of horsepower), 56 

Work Due to a Variable Force

Today we found the work due to a variable force with graphs and used that to find velocity at a given position.

Notes: Work Due to a Variable Force (remember to download and run as a slideshow)

We practiced in class with Energy TIPERs #5 (email miss.volkening@gmail.com for a copy). This was NOT turned in for a grade.

Homework tonight is Chapter 5 (p. 163) #59, 60, 61

Lab: Energy of a Bouncing Ball + Work Problems

Today we completed the lab Energy of a Bouncing Ball.

We also went over how to solve energy problems that includes work by doing one together. Your homework tonight is to finish your lab and also complete Energy TIPERs #4 (email miss.volkening@gmail.com for a copy). Warning: Energy TIPERs #4 is not easy.

Here is the problem solved with numbers:

And again without numbers first:

Work

What is work? This is not a philosophical question.

Notes: Work

We worked on Energy TIPERs #3 in class today, which you kept as notes.

You will be doing a lab on Monday/Tuesday and probably picked it up:

Homework is p. 158 #8, 9, 13, 16

Energy Conservation Practice

First we went over #37 from yesterday's homework:

We spent the rest of the period practicing more problems. If you didn't finish in class, these are homework:


Energy Conservation Practice (email miss.volkening@gmail.com for a copy)
p. 160 #32 & 38

PSAT

Today everyone except seniors took the PSAT. I only saw 5th period, and they had study hall. Remember that the following are due tomorrow:

Energy TIPERs #1
Energy TIPERs #2
p. 106 #25, 33, 37

We will be doing part of #37 together tomorrow.

Mechanical Energy

Today we started talking about mechanical energy and its conservation:

Notes (remember to run as a slide show!)

This left about 10-15 minutes left in the period, but hopefully you used it to start your homework:

Energy TIPERs #1 (email miss.volkening@gmail.com for a copy)
Energy TIPERs #2 (email miss.volkening@gmail.com for a copy)
Ch.5 (p.160) Problems #25, 33, 37

Forces Practice Test

I am posting this early because there will be a fair number of people gone on Monday. On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday we will have unstructured work time to prepare for the Forces Test on Thursday. You are getting extra time for this test because I don't want to start a new unit before fall break and I also because I presume you will have tests/quizzes/projects in many of your classes this week.

So, here is your practice test:

Forces Practice Test (this file repeats the problems twice for printing purposes)

Below are some videos I made a couple of years ago. They might help you with some of the problems, but keep in mind that these might not perfectly match your practice test and the grading will probably NOT be the same.

#1
This one is like #2, though it is solving for something else 
#3
#4

Also, the key:

Friction + Inclined Planes

Today we first went over Friction TIPERs #4 and traded papers to give feedback. That does not need to be turned in.

Later we did one practice problem that combines friction and inclined planes, then you started on your homework:

p.117 #30 & 51
+ complete the pre-lab for our lab tomorrow: Finding the Coefficient of Static Friction

Friction Practice

Today I was out, so you practiced some friction problems on your own. Whatever you didn't finish in class is homework.

Friction TIPERs #3
Friction TIPERs #4
p.118 #39 & 43

Friction

Today we started talking about friction:

Notes: Friction

We completed Friction TIPERs #1 in class; Force TIPERs #5 and Friction TIPERs #2 are homework. Email miss.volkening@gmail.com for copies.

Work Day - Practice Problems

Because of the pep assembly (and because everyone needs to practice more force problems) today was a work day. I checked your labs from earlier in the week while you worked on a new problem set:

p.114 MC #10 and Conceptual #1 + p.116 #21, 24, 26, 29, 38

Practice + Inclined Planes

Today's Bellwork: What was wrong with the setup for the lab on Monday/Tuesday? Answer: we said that the net force on the cart was equal to the weight of our hanging object. That would only be true if the acceleration of the hanging object was zero, which it was not.

This means the actual, measured acceleration was smaller than the math predicted it would be. This effect is more pronounced at smaller cart masses (or larger values of 1/m). This tipped your best fit line for a vs. (1/m) down, decreasing the magnitude of its slope and therefore decreasing your calculated value for the mass of the hanging object.


After that big discussion, we went through how to deal with inclined planes. There is only one major change:



After you tip the axes you proceed pretty much the same as yesterday.

Hopefully you started your homework in class:

p. 117 #27 & 28

Solving Newton's 2nd Law Problems

Today we went through a method of solving word problems that involve Newton's 2nd Law:

Notes: Solving Newton's 2nd Law Problems

We may or may not have gotten to all of the examples, depending on the class. What we didn't get to we will finish tomorrow.

Homework is p. 116 #17 & 25 + what was wrong with the lab setup on Monday/Tuesday?

Newton's 2nd Law Lab

Today we used Newton's 2nd Law to find the mass of an object without relying on a scale.

Newton's 2nd Law Lab

This is another lab where I am checking your notebook, so don't actually turn anything in. Please have it ready to check by Friday, but sooner is also fine.

Challenge: something was wrong with the setup - can you find it? We'll talk about it Wednesday, but it's the reason more mass on the cart worked better.

Newton's Laws Practice

Today is a half day! We worked on three TIPERs; they are homework if you don't finish in class:

Forces TIPERs #2
Forces TIPERs #3  Edit: I'm throwing this one out
Forces TIPERs #4

Email miss.volkening@gmail.com if you need copies.

We will be completing the Newton's 2nd Law Lab on Monday/Tuesday, so bring your lab notebook. Closed-toed shoes are also recommended.

Newton's 3rd Law

We have come to the last of Newton's three laws. There actually isn't a lot to say:

Notes: Newton's Third Law

Homework is Force TIPERs #1 (email miss.volkening@gmail.com for a copy)+ #6-9 on the Forces Non-Textbook Problems.

Here are the free-body diagrams for boxes A and B on the back of Force TIPERs #1:

Tomorrow is half day so we will just have work time with more TIPERs.

Here are some sketches about normal force that made it up onto the board.

Newton's 2nd Law

Today we had a taste of Newton's Second Law:

Notes: Newton's Second Law

Homework:

p. 115 Problem #2
Forces Non-Textbook Problems #4 & 5

Forces and Newton's First Law

Today we started our forces unit with Newton's first law and free body diagrams:

Notes: Forces and Newton's First Law

We worked on a Net Force worksheet in class - it is homework if you didn't finish.

Homework is #1-3 on the Forces Non-Textbook Problems Bank.

2-D Kinematics Test

Today is your second test: 2-D kinematics. Next up is forces.

2-D Kinematics Test Practice

We started today by going over last night's homework together. You do not actually need to turn that in.

You then started working on the practice test for 2-D kinematics; that test is on Friday. While you were working I may have checked off your lab from yesterday.

We are doing the same thing tomorrow.

2-D Practice Test

ABRIDGED Key:

Projectile Motion Lab

Today we are completing the Projectile Motion Lab. Note that this is done completely in your lab notebook; you are not turning this in, but it will be checked.

This is one of the launchers we used - many thanks to the University High School Foundation and Alumni Association for buying these.


Homework is the worksheet Projectile Motion TIPER #2 (email miss.volkening@gmail.com for a copy). We will be discussing the Evaluate Student Answers (ESA) problem tomorrow at the beginning of class.

Finishing your lab is also homework.

Projectile Motion Problems

Today we went through a process for solving projectile motion story problems.

Notes: Projectile Motion Problems

Here is the work for the airplane problem:

Here is the work for another problem in which someone jumps with a speed of 11 m/s at an angle of 20 degrees above the horizontal. We found the time it took to reach max height, the jumper's max height, and the horizontal distance the jumper went before coming back to his/her original height.


Homework is —Ch.3 (p. 80) #23, 25, 27, 29, 30, 47, 48. We'll be doing a lab on Tuesday (no school Monday).

Motion in 2 Dimensions

Motion in 2 Dimensions (Projectile Motion)

I could not get my videos to embed in my Powerpoint - sorry! - so here are links to the ones we saw:

Three Balls Roll Off a Table
Mythbusters Bullet Drop (we actually didn't see this in class because the video was blocked)
MIT Monkey Problem

Homework: Projectile Motion TIPER #1 (email miss.volkening@gmail.com for a copy)

Relative Velocity

Today we talked about relative velocity. There aren't a lot of notes:

Section 3.5 in the textbook also talks about this, albeit with a lot more math than we used.

Homework is in two parts tonight:

A.) Kinematics TIPERs #4 (email miss.volkening@gmail.com for a copy)
B.) Ch.3 (p.82) #41 & 44

Later I passed back your tests (if I was done grading your period) and went over the extra credit question. We then practiced another "evaluate student answers" question (this one was about vector components) but we did not turn it in.

Vector Boot Camp

Today we are learning all about vectors in general. This is needed because many, many quantities in physics are represented by vectors (velocity and acceleration for example).

Notes: Vectors (remember to run as a slideshow).

Homework tonight:

Chapter 3 (p. 78) #1, 17, 18

Practice Test

Today and tomorrow are yours to prepare for your test on Friday. Below are some instructions for answering free response problems properly.

Practice Test: PDF

Free Fall Lab

We spent all day completing a lab to find the acceleration of gravity: Free Fall Lab

This will be due on your next modular day, though it would be nice if you finished sooner. No additional homework tonight.

Problem Solving Method

Today we went over a method for solving word problems, then talked briefly about free fall.

Notes: Problem Solving and Free Fall (run as a slideshow)

Homework:
p. 52 #37, 43, 46, 51, 54

1-D Motion Part 2

Today we continued learning and using kinematic equations.

Notes: 1-D Motion with Constant Acceleration Part 2

Homework may have been started in class:

p. 51 #29
p. 52 #31 & 45

1-D Motion Part 1

Today and tomorrow we are learning the kinematics equations that we'll be using for the rest of the year. There's a lot of content to get through, plus practice, so I have split this into two different days.

Today's Notes: 1-D Motion with Constant Acceleration Part 1

You probably had time to start your homework in class as well:

P. 49 #1, 2, 6
P. 52 #33
P. 55A #2 (If your book does not have this page, email me at miss.volkening@gmail.com and I'll send you a picture of that page)

Also, there is a percentage night at Fuddruckers today for band. The flyer is here.
Also also, there is a public lecture on the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) at 7 PM tonight at La Paloma. If you go and write me a little summary, I'll give you extra credit. Details here.

Acceleration and Graphs of Motion

During bellwork we talked about your Constant Velocity labs (due today) and also made our first velocity vs. time graph. Then we defined acceleration, looked at how it affect motion diagrams, and made acceleration vs. time graphs out of velocity vs. time graphs. Finally we went backwards, finding change in velocity from acceleration vs. time graphs and change in position from velocity vs. time graphs.

Whew. Lots of graphs.

Here is the Powerpoint: Acceleration and Graphs of Motion

Homework is Kinematics TIPERs #3. It is full of copyrighted material, so email miss.volkening@gmail.com if you need a copy.

Below are the answers for the bellwork.

Constant Velocity Lab

Today you worked on the Constant Velocity Lab! Your individual write-up is due next Wednesday. Remember, you can only use one car at a time, so no trial and error!

Using Graphs to Find Velocity

Today we used graphs to find both average velocity and instantaneous velocity. The notes about instantaneous velocity included a graph on the whiteboard.

Notes (Powerpoint): Using Graphs to Find Velocity
On the board:

Homework tonight is the half-sheet HW: Velocity. It contains copyrighted material, however, so I cannot post it on the internet. If you need a copy, email miss.volkening@gmail.com and I can send you a PDF scan.

We also received the instructions for the lab we're doing tomorrow, Constant Velocity Lab. You will have all day tomorrow to work on this.

Displacement, Average Speed, and Average Velocity

Today we started our actual physics content with position, displacement, average speed, and average velocity.

Notes: Displacement, Average Speed, and Average Velocity

You may have started your homework at the end of class. Please finish it and turn it in tomorrow: Kinematics TIPERS #1. Email miss.volkening@gmail.com if you need a copy.

Let's Lab!

We spent today taking three sets of data:

• The time for a ball to drop 1.5 meters from rest
• The distance a projectile travels before hitting the ground
• The mass of one washer

The goal was to have these things in your lab notebook for each set of data:

• A short procedure
• organized data
• a description of one random and one systematic error and how they affected your data (how did they affect precision, accuracy, or both)

The idea behind today was for you to work through some common data gathering mistakes. To that end, I wandered around asking (extremely) leading questions while you were taking data in an attempt to steer you in the right direction. You will have a grade for today, but if you were here and participating you received 100%.

If I did not have a safety contract from you, you were not allowed to interact with lab supplies. 

Measurement and Error

Today we talked about standard units of measurement, why we have significant figures, and the two types of errors.

Notes: Measurement and Error

This weekend please get a lab notebook, preferably with graph paper pages.

Next week we’ll be doing little labs to get familiar with equipment. For homework, think of ways to measure the following that would reduce errors the most and write a short procedure:

• Time for a ball to fall a certain distance
• Distance a projectile travels
• mass of small objects

Welcome!

Welcome to AP Physics 1 with Ms. Volkening! Today we went over the class policies and procedures, passed out all the paperwork, etc.

Here is the Powerpoint used in class: Day One

You received copies of your syllabus, a letter for your parent/guardian, a safety contract, and an equation sheet.

You need to bring back the safety contract signed by you and your parent/guardian.

Please also take this survey to help me with preferred names and seats:

Volkening Beginning of the Year Survey

The End

Well, that's it! If you want a recommendation letter for next year, please fill out this form:

Volkening Recommendation Request

I will be honest! If you think that might be bad, you probably shouldn't ask me.

If you need anything email miss.volkening@gmail.com and I will get back to you when I can. I will be out of the country until mid June, so that might not be soon.

Sad News

Because someone chose to steal and distribute my final, all final grades are being invalidated. For some of you, because you did well, this will drop your grade. I'm sorry that the actions of a few will affect so many.

I will also not be accepting any more extra credit until the people involved are identified.

Still Reviewing

We are still reviewing for the AP test which is next Tuesday, May 3rd at noon. Here are some reminders for due dates coming up:

All missing homeworks are due this Friday, 4/29.
All missing labs, lab corrections, and test retakes/makeups are due on the day of your final.
Your final is cumulative, multiple choice, and will be on Monday, 5/16 (periods 1, 3, 5) or Tuesday, 5/17 (periods 2, 6).
Extra credits are due on 5/23.

We will be watching a movie, Tim's Vermeer, in class during the last week of school (the Monday and scheduled "finals" day).

AP Test Review

PERIOD 1: You took your Electricity Test today!

EVERYONE ELSE: For the next two weeks we are reviewing for the AP test. If you are not taking the AP test, consider this review for your final, which will be cumulative and on Monday, 5/16 or Tuesday, 5/17.

I have a practice test for you to take, grade yourselves, and generally use to study. This practice test belongs to the College Board, so you cannot take it out of my room, take pictures, or in any way distribute it to anyone, at all. Seriously peoples. Don't get me in trouble.

I also have some old FRQs that have already been publicly released, so those you can take home.

Finally, the multiple choice from all of our tests were taken from previously released AP tests, so those would be a source of study material as well.

The AP Physics 1 test is Tuesday, May 3rd at noon.

All missing work is due Friday, April 29th.

Work Day

Period 1 worked on Compound Circuits Practice and Electricity TIPERs #6, which are both due tomorrow. Everyone else worked on the practice test from yesterday and their test is tomorrow.

AC/DC and Electricity Test Practice

PERIOD 1: We did what everyone else did Monday. You will also have tomorrow to work on Compound Circuits Practice and Electricity TIPERs #6.

EVERYONE ELSE: We talked for 5-10 minutes about the difference between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). There's a great explanation on MIT's Ask and Engineer.

I also told you the story of the battle between AC and DC when this country was first building its electrical infrastructure. SciShow has a nice video about Nikola Tesla that covers some of that. There is also an Epic Rap Battles of History and a Drunk History that tell the story, although not in a way that is school appropriate so we didn't watch those.

After that you started working on your Electricity Practice Test. I have some solution videos below and the abridged solutions are here.

Problem #2
Problem #3
Problem #5
Problem #6
Problem #7
Problem #9
Problem #10

Compound Circuits Practice

PERIOD 1: What everyone else did Thursday and Friday.

EVERYONE ELSE: Today we practiced compound circuits. First, a more difficult problem for bellwork:

Two worksheets for homework: Compound Circuits Practice and Electricity TIPERs #6.

If you feel like you need any more practice, try out these problems: Ch. 18 #5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 22, 44, 64. These are NOT homework and you do NOT need to turn them in. I do have answer keys in the classroom, though, if you want to check yourself.

Compound Circuits

PERIOD 1: What everyone else did Wednesday.

EVERYONE ELSE: How do you solve a circuit that has both series and parallel components? That was the topic today. We took notes by solving a problem on the board. Here is the problem before any work was done:

Here is a video that I made a couple of years ago solving this problem.

And here is the problem after it was solved:

Homework tonight is the worksheet called 35-2, although some of you may have also started the worksheet Compound Circuits Practice which is what we'll be working on tomorrow. Email miss.volkening@gmail.com for PDF scans of worksheets.

Circuit Breakers

PERIOD 1: You are completing what everyone else did Monday.

EVERYONE ELSE: For bellwork today we asked which would cook faster: three hot dogs wired in series or three hot dogs wired in parallel? Then we tried it out. The answer was the parallel hot dogs because the power is greater (resistance is lower so current is higher).

We then talked briefly about circuit breakers, why we have them, and how they work. If you missed this the easiest way to get the information is to read section 18.6 in the textbook.

Homework tonight is Ch.18 (p.644) #37, 38, 40.

Series and Parallel Circuits Practice

PERIOD 1: You are doing half of what everyone else did Monday.

EVERYONE ELSE: Today all we did was practice solving series and parallel circuits. First we solved one of each on bellwork, then you worked on the worksheet Series and Parallel Circuits individually. That is homework if you didn't finish in class.

Series and Parallel Circuits

Period 1: You have a combination of last Wednesday and Thursday/Friday because of testing.

Everyone else: Today you completed a qualitative lab to introduce us to series and parallel circuits:

Circuit Lab #3

You may also be able to complete this lab with the online simulator PhET Circuit Construction Kit.

After that we used your lab to talk about series and parallel circuits and took some notes. We may have started Concept-Development 35-1 in class, but whatever you didn't finish is homework. Email miss.volkening@gmail.com for a copy.

Electric Power

Period 1: See the second half of Monday's blog entry; you are behind because of AZMerit testing on Monday. Concept-Development 34-1 is your homework.

Everyone else:
When current flows through a resistor, the resistor converts electrical energy into other forms of energy. The rate at which this conversion happens is the electrical power. Below are some short notes that ended up on the whiteboard.

We then completed a worksheet in class (email miss.volkening@gmail.com for a copy) and started homework:

Ch. 17 (p.612) #33, 34, 44

Ohm's Law

Period 1: See the first half of Monday's blog entry; you are 110 minutes behind because of AZMerit testing on Monday. You do not have homework.

Everyone else: Today we used your lab results to come up with Ohm's Law (picture below). This equation can be applied to any individual component of a circuit, the circuit as a whole, or anything in between. Basically we're going to be using his a lot.

The rest of the period we just practiced various Ohm's Law problems. Whatever you didn't finish in class is homework:

Ch. 17 (p. 611) #10, 11, 13, 15, 20, 51

Circuit Lab #1 and Circuit Lab #2

Today we first went over the symbols used in circuit diagrams as bellwork:

Bellwork/Notes: Circuit Diagrams

Then we completed Circuit Lab #1 and Circuit Lab #2. Both need to be completed in your lab notebook and only checked, not turned in. You may also finish at home and have them checked Wednesday.

Circuit Lab #1

Purpose: Find 4 different arrangements of a single bulb, single battery, and single wire that result in a lit bulb.

The following needs to be in your lab notebook:
Sketches or circuit diagrams of every arrangement you try, even the ones that don't work.
Answers to the following:What do the arrangements that worked have in common? What do the arrangements that didn't work have in common?

Caution: some arrangements may result in rapid overheating. If an arrangement gets hot, STOP IMMEDIATELY. Lighting the bulb and getting hot are mutually exclusive arrangements, so just holding onto a overheating arrangement in the hope that it will start to work eventually is not a smart idea.

You may also be able to complete this lab with the online simulator PhET Circuit Construction Kit.

Circuit Lab #2

Purpose: Find the relationship between voltage difference, resistance, and current in a circuit.
Materials: resistors of various value, battery, wire/alligator clips, ammeter (measures current).

The following needs to be in your notebook:
A brief procedure for taking data
Data table
Graph (linearized if necessary)
Slope calculation
Speculation on what the slope represents
Final equation using proper variables (not x and y)
Description of one error and how it could be reduced/eliminated.

You can also use the online simulator PhET: Ohm's Law to take data at home to complete this lab.

You also have homework tonight: a worksheet titled "Concept-Development 34-1" on the front and some hand-drawn diagrams on the back. This again contains copyrighted material, so I cannot post it here, but email me at miss.volkening@gmail.com and I will email you back a scanned PDF.

Electrical Resistance

Today's topic was electric resistance:

Notes: Electrical Resistance

Homework is Ch. 17 (p.609) Multiple Choice #3, 4, &14 + Problems #14 & 16

Electric Current

Today we made the jump from static charges to moving charges (electricity).

Notes: Electric Current

Homework tonight is Ch. 17 (p. 610) Conceptual #3&7 + Problem #1

Electric Potential Energy and Electric Potential

Today is the bridge between electrostatics and electricity.

Notes: Electric Potential Energy and Electric Potential

Your homework tonight is Electricity TIPERs #5 (email miss.volkening@gmail.com for a copy), but it is not due tomorrow. You have the ACT tomorrow so this homework will be due Wednesday.

The Electric Force: Coulomb's Law

So we already know that unlike charges attract each other and like forces repel, but how hard do they attract or repel? To find that, we'll use Coulomb's Law.

Notes: Coulomb's Law

We should have completed Electricity TIPERs #2 in class, so don't turn that in. Homework is Electricity TIPERs #3 and Electricity TIPERs #4. Email miss.volkening@gmail.com for copies of any of those.

Electricity Intro

Today we started our new, and last, unit by talking about electric charge and how to charge objects.

Notes: Electric Charge

Homework tonight is Electricity TIPERs #1 (email miss.volkening@gmail.com for a copy).

Test: Sound and Standing Waves

This was a fairly short test for a short unit. The next unit is our last and will be pretty long.

If possible, don't use product in your hair tomorrow. Also, your hair will probably get messed up tomorrow.

Lab: Finding the Speed of Sound in Air

Today you are completing a lab to find the speed of sound in air. Hopefully you have already completed the pre-lab and lab procedure and were able to get right to work. I recommend doing at least eight different frequencies and at least three trials per frequency.

Lab: Finding the Speed of Sound in Air

This is due Wednesday. Your test is Wednesday.

Practice and Pre-Lab

This is what we're doing for the rest of the week:


Below are the electronic copies that I have:
Lab
Practice Test

Standing Waves

Today we introduced standing waves:

Notes - download and run as a slideshow

We will be doing more with this concept in the next few days, with a lab next week.

Homework is Ch. 14 (p. 509) #38, 41, 49, 54. Use 343 m/s for the speed of sound in air (this may make some of your answers slightly different from the book's).

Tests Back

On this day before Rodeo Break, I decided that we can take it a little easy. So you got your tests back, we went over whatever you wanted to go over, and then we had work time.

No homework - enjoy your break!

Resonance and Beats

Today is another mostly conceptual day:

Notes: Resonance and Beats

Homework is p.505 Multiple Choice #9 + Conceptual #6 & 11

The Doppler Effect

The Doppler Effect, ladies and gentlemen.

Notes: Doppler Effect

Homework is Ch. 14 (p. 505) Multiple Choice #12 + Conceptual #1, 7, 8

Sound Intro

Today we went over a bunch of stuff about sound:

Notes: Sound

Your only homework this weekend is to read section 14.2 in the textbook and then explain what you read to another person. We'll have some bellwork next week based on the reading, but otherwise I;m just trusting you to read it.

Practice Test

Today is your work time to study for your test tomorrow. Below are the practice test, key, and solutions videos.

Simple Harmonic Motion PRACTICE TEST
Answer Key

Solutions videos:
#7
#8
#9
#10

Wave Interference and Reflection

Today was a pretty laid-back day because I wanted you to actually finish your homework in class. There were some notes (below), but mostly we looked at simulations online (also below). You then had one last assignment to practice stuff from this unit because YOUR TEST IS THURSDAY. I also gave out the practice test (yet another link below).

Notes
Simulations:
Zona Land Education: Wave Interference I
Zona Land Education: Wave Interference II
PhET: Wave on a String

Homework: Ch. 13 (p.470) #61, 64, 65

Simple Harmonic Motion PRACTICE TEST
Answer Key

Solutions videos:
#7
#8
#9
#10

Speed of Waves

Today we talked about the parts of a wave and the speed of all waves. We also talked about triangulation. We didn't have too many notes, so I just put them on the board.

Homework is Ch. 13 (p.469) # #41, 42, 43, 44, 46

Mechanical Waves

Class today was only 33 minutes long, so we did a short introduction to mechanical waves:

Here is a website with animations of the different kids of mechanical waves:

Acoustics and Vibrations Animations, Daniel A. Russell, Pennsylvania State University

No homework tonight.

Period of a Pendulum

Today we used your lab results to get the equation for the period of a simple pendulum. We also watched a fun pendulum video and mentioned physical pendulums.

Notes: Pendulums

In case you can't access the Powerpoint, here are the links for the videos we watched:


Harvard Natural Sciences Lecture Demonstrations: Pendulum Waves
Memo Akten: SHM #2 Excerpt
Somewhere in here we also talked about speed walking and pendulums, so here is a video of speed walkers.

Homework is Ch. 13 (p. 468) #34, 35, 39

Lab: Period of a Pendulum

Today we basically did the same lab as last week, except for a pendulum instead of a spring on a mass:

For any linear graphs you get, try to figure out what the slope represents. Also, don't displace the pendulum by more than 25 degrees.

If you were gone, there is a very nice pendulum simulation here: PhET Pendulum Lab. There is even a lovely photo gate timer that you can turn on that will measure one period for you. If you prefer a standard stopwatch, one will appear if you turn on "other tools."

No extra homework tonight; just get the lab totally finished.

SHM Practice Problems

Today we went over one of the problems from the last test, then worked on practice problems. These are due next class:

Ch. 13 Conceptual (p.465) #1, 2 + Problems (p. 467) #19, 21, 24, 25, 28

Bring your lab notebook next class!

Circles and SHM

Today we used circles to model simple harmonic motion, which gave us some equations for the position, velocity, and acceleration of an object undergoing SHM. We also talked about angular frequency.

Notes ended up on the board (below) and we used these sites to look at the motion:

UNSW School of Physics PhysClips: SHM Background Material

Teresa Martin Physics Flash Animations

If we had time we also watched this (just because it's cool).

Homework is Chapter 13 (p. 467) #12, 18, 22

Springs and Simple Harmonic Motion

Today we used the results from your lab to get an equation for the period of a mass on a spring. We also took a little bit of notes beyond that:

Notes: Simple Harmonic Motion

Homework is a little half-sheet worksheet I made: 2/3 HW. There is a ranking task on the back side that I cannot reproduce online, so you'll have to get a hard copy in class.

Lab: Period of a Mass on a Spring

Today you completed a lab to determine what and how quantities affect the period of oscillation for a mass on a spring.

Lab: Finding T for a Mass on a Spring

No extra homework tonight, but this lab is due Wednesday.

We ended up with some hints on the board, so there is a picture of it below.

If you missed the lab or didn't get enough data at home, there is an online simulation here:

PhET Mass-Spring Lab

To use it you need to make sure the "friction" is set to zero, time is set to "real time" and the planet is "earth." Use the spring on the far right and change its k value by moving the "softness spring 3" slider. You will have to find the k for each "softness" level by hanging a known weight on the spring and measuring how far it stretches. Then k = mg/x. Finally, you'll need more masses that the labelled ones provided, so I found the masses of the unlabeled colored masses for you: green = 70g, gold = 160g, red = 300g.

Intro to Springs

Today we derived Hooke's Law with a little intro lab:

Spring Intro Lab

We also revisited the equation for the potential energy stored in a spring.

The lab is technically due next time I see you, but a lot of people were able to finish in class and turn it in. You do have homework:

Chapter 13 (p.466) #1, 4, 5

Also bring your lab notebook Monday/Tuesday.

Rotational Dynamics Test

Test day! No homework, but we are doing a lab tomorrow.

Senior Debates

The Senior Debates were today, so I did not even see periods 1, 2, or 3. Periods 5 and 6 had work time.

Practice Test

Your test for this unit will be on Thursday. Wednesday will probably be totally eaten up by the Senior Debates, so today is your day to study for your test.

Rotational Dynamics Test Practice

Abridged answers

I also have some videos, but they are for an older version and some of the problems have changed.

#4
#5
#7 (PART C HAS CHANGED)
#8
#9 (energy method), #9 (dynamics method) (THIS HAS CHANGED)
#10
#11 (THIS HAS CHANGED)

More Angular Momentum

Today we started with a conservation of momentum problem, then learned a "magic" trick involving a ring and a necklace, played with a gyroscope, and finally we watched a couple of videos that use angular momentum to explain real-world stuff:

Why cats land on their feet - Smarter Every Day
Aerial Skiing - The New York Times

Homework: Ch.8 (p. 271) #58, 61, 72

I also had your practice test ready today, so you may have picked one up.

Angular Momentum

We had very little notes today, so I decided not to make a Powerpoint. Instead, I'll take pictures of the board as we go and post them here as soon as possible. For now I have some pictures from last year below.

Homework is Rotational Motion TIPERs #8
+ Ch. 8 (p. 271) #55 (look up the mass, radius, and orbital radius of Earth with The Google) & 62

Finding the angular momentum of a bike wheel:

Finding the angular momentum with a clump of mud sticking to the rim of the wheel:

Finding the new angular speed of a star that has shrunk dramatically:

One last picture with all of the equations:

Rotational Kinetic Energy

Today we learned about rotational kinetic energy and did some problems with it:

Notes: Rotational Kinetic Energy

Homework is Rotational Motion TIPERs #7 and Ch.8 (p. 270) #47 & 50

Practice and Mobile Turn-In

Your mobile projects are due today! Because needed class time to check mobiles, you spent the period practicing some problems that cover everything we've done so far this unit. We have two more topics to cover starting tomorrow, so this serves as a way to cement what we've learned so far.

The test this unit is currently scheduled for next Thursday, January 28th (the day after senior debates).

If you didn't finish the practice problems in class, they are homework:

Chapter 8 (p.263) CONCEPTUAL #6 & 12, + PROBLEMS (p. 268) #30, 70, 74, 78

Combining Linear and Rotational Dynamics

Today we were supposed to have a lecture about this, but I knew I'd be absent today so I made a video lecture instead and watching it was your homework last night. Here it is again (in two parts):

Part 1: YouTube, Dropbox (to download)
Part 2: YouTube, Dropbox (to download)

In class, you are doing all the problems that you were meant to do for yesterday's lecture and today's lecture:

Ch. 8 (p.269 ) #33, 35, 39, 40, 87