Monday, December 17, 2018

Momentum Test Practice

First you took a multiple choice cumulative test that I need for data. It won't hurt your grade.

The rest of the period (about 50 minutes) was work time. Your last unit test is on your finals day.

Here is the momentum test practice. The key is here. Here are some of the video solutions:

#1
#2
#3

Friday, December 14, 2018

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). You will check this yourself - I don't want to grade it!

You might also have picked up a momentum test practice. The key is here. Here are some of the video solutions:

#1
#2
#3


Thursday, December 13, 2018

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

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Momentum in 2 Dimensions

Today we expanded our conservation of momentum problems into 2 dimensions.

Notes!
Here is the solution to the first example problem:


Here is a solution to the second example problem:


Homework: p.194 # 49 & 51

Monday, December 10, 2018

Lab: Conservation of Momentum

Today you are completing Lab: Conservation of Momentum. Here is a picture on the board with some stuff. There happens to be some help with number 31 from the homework due today as well.



Homework is p.193 #36a, 37, 40

Friday, December 7, 2018

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 p. 192 #29, 31, 34a

You also need to complete the pre-lab for Lab: Momentum Conservation.

Thursday, December 6, 2018

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: p. 192 #25, 26, 27

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Momentum Intro

Today we had one slide of notes and a bunch of practice problems:

Notes: Momentum Intro

Then you worked on your homework: p. 190 #1, 3, 6, 7

Monday, December 3, 2018

Rotational Motion Test

Ok, your test is today! We'll have about half an hour of work time first.

Friday, November 30, 2018

Test Postponed

I decided to move the test to next class, so today is another work day.

The practice test, its key, and solutions videos are on yesterday's post.

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Work Day

Today was a work day to study for your test, which is tomorrow.

Rotational Motion Test Practice


Solutions videos:

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Orbits

Today we combined universal gravitation and uniform circular motion to find the mass of the sun given the radius and period of the orbit of the earth. Along the way, we basically derived Kepler's 3rd Law.


There is no homework, but you probably picked up your practice test today.



Monday, November 26, 2018

Universal Gravitation

Today we used some fake data to derive the Law of Universal Gravitation (Newtonian graviation). Here is the activity: Universal Gravitation Pseudo-Lab.

Here is what ended up on the board:



And there weren't many good problems in the textbook, so I wrote some and put them on a little strip of paper: Universal Gravitation Homework.

After all of this, we attempted a demonstration that I've never tried before about the idea that gravity isn't really a force, exactly, but the consequences of bending space-time with large masses. This will not be assessed but it is the currently accepted model.

We also talked about gravitational waves, which are super exciting and the first detection of which was only a few years ago. Here is a pretty awesome video from Science Bulletin: Gravity-Making Waves. This was made before the first detection, though.

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Science for Seniors!

Today three teachers came in to tell you about the science and engineering electives available for you to take your senior year:


  • AP Physics C: Mechanics (1st semester) + Electricity and Magnetism (2nd semester) [powerpoint]
  • AP Biology [powerpoint]
  • AP Chemistry
  • Advanced Research Methods [powerpoint]
  • Engineering 102 (co-enrollment with UA and can earn UA credit) - see Mr. Schmidt for details


Monday, November 19, 2018

Lab: Finding g With Centripetal Force

Today we worked on the lab you picked up on Friday: Finding g With Centripetal Force. The FRQ from Friday is basically the background for this lab, so you first spent a few minutes correcting your own using a class set of the grading guide.

This lab should be done completely in your lab notebook - I will check it there. I won't make an effort to check it until after Thanksgiving, but if you finish it early I can check it early.

There is no additional homework.

Friday, November 16, 2018

Practice Problems

Today we just did some practice problems. They are homework if you didn't finish in class:

p. 228 #18, 20, 32, 65

You also picked up FRQ2009Bb1. This is also homework, but you will be correcting it yourself and keeping it on Monday/Tuesday. It is the basis for the lab you are doing on Monday/Tuesday, Finding g with Centripetal Force. Note: period is the time something takes to complete one cycle. For something moving in a circle, period is the time it takes to complete one rotation/revolution.

Thursday, November 15, 2018

Banked Curves

Today we talked about  banked curves:

Notes: Banked Curves

Homework is p.231 #52. That one problem will probably take a whole sheet of paper.

Here is the work for the bellwork problem:

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

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

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Centripetal Acceleration and Force

Today we introduced centripetal acceleration and centripetal force.

Notes: Centripetal Acceleration and Force

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

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

Friday, November 9, 2018

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

Thursday, November 8, 2018

Rotational/Linear Relationships

Today we learned the relationships between angular and linear position, velocity, and acceleration.

Notes: Relating Angular to Linear

Homework: Rotational Motion TIPERs #1

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Rotational Motion

Today we learned about the angular quantities involved in rotational motion.

Notes: Angular Quantities

Homework is p. 227 # 1a, 4, 13

Friday, November 2, 2018

Energy Test Practice

First you voted on which of last night's homework to go through as a class. I may have asked a student to do the problem, depending on the class period (and if anyone felt comfortable enough to go up to the board). Then you started your practice test. Your test is next class, at the end of class, so you will have a little time to study beforehand. We'll also go over Energy TIPERs #7 very briefly at the beginning of next class.

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.



Thursday, November 1, 2018

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

At the end of the period I asked you to finish Energy TIPERs #6, then we checked it together and you kept it. Please do not turn that in.

Homework tonight: p.160 #35, 39, 67. We will do one in class together tomorrow.

Here is the solution to the last problem in the notes:

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

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.

Monday, October 29, 2018

Efficiency 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

Friday, October 26, 2018

Machines

Today we very briefly talked about machines and efficiency.

Notes: Machines

Your homework is a little half sheet called HW: Machines.

On Monday/Tuesday nest week you will be completing a lab. The goal is to answer the question: does the angle of a ramp affect its efficiency? How? How you answer this question is up to you, so think about it over the weekend.

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Power

Notes: Power!

Here is the solution to the last example problem:


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

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

PSAT

I will only see periods 5 and 6 today because of the PSAT in the morning. Periods 5 and 6 will be study halls. If you are not in my 5th or 6th but want help with physics, you can come to my room if you have a note from your actual 5th/6th period teacher.

Monday, October 22, 2018

Force Quiz and Work Problems Practice

Today we first completed a 30 minute, 10 question multiple choice quiz about forces. Then we did a problem together (see below) and finally worked homework.

Homework: Energy TIPERs #5 (email miss.volkening@gmail.com or reply on Remind for a copy), due THURSDAY. Warning: Energy TIPERs #5 is not easy, but we do have a little time on Thursday for help, so please do not stay up all night stressing about it. You have the PSAT on Wednesday; please focus on preparing and resting for that.

Here is the problem solved with numbers:

And again without numbers first:

Friday, October 19, 2018

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 #4 (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

Thursday, October 18, 2018

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.

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

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Energy Conservation Practice

First we went over Energy TIPERs #2 and #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 or reply on Remind for a copy)
p. 160 #32 & 38

Monday, October 15, 2018

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 or reply on Remind for a copy)
  • Energy TIPERs #2 (email miss.volkening@gmail.com or reply on Remind for a copy)
  • p.160 Problems #25 & 33. Try #37 but it won't be the one graded.

Monday, October 1, 2018

Newton's 2nd Law Lab + Force Test Practice

Today you completed the Newton's 2nd Law Lab. This will be due after Fall Break, but if you finish it early I can check it early. You will not be turning it in - I'll just check it in your notebook.

I checked the Coefficient of Static Friction lab from Friday. This is due today and if you don't get it checked it will severely affect your quarter grade.

You received either a missing assignment report or a grade report today. Missing assignments can be turned in after break, but if you want them on your quarter grade you need to turn them in no later than Wednesday.

Finally, you picked up the Force Test Practice and Forces TIPERs #4. I don't want either of those back - they are for your practice only. Below is the key for the practice test but I cannot post the key for the TIPER online because it is copyrighted. The key is in class.

You will have a workday on Wednesday and your test is Thursday.

Force Practice Test Key:


Below are some videos I made a few 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

Friday, September 28, 2018

Coefficient of Static Friction Lab

Today you completed the Coefficient of Static Friction Lab. Your homework is to finish it if you didn't finish in class. This should be completed entirely in your notebook. - have me check it next week.

We will also be doing another lab on Monday/Tuesday: Newton's 2nd Law Lab. You might want to at least read through this before class.

Thursday, September 27, 2018

More Practice

Today we did another problem together on the board:


You then had more work time.

Homework: p.117 #30 & 51

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Friction Practice

Today we first went through a problem together:



The rest of the period was yours to work. Homework: p.118 #39, 43.

Monday, September 24, 2018

Friction

Today we started talking about friction:

Notes: Friction

We completed Friction TIPERs #1 in class; Friction TIPERs #2 and Friction TIPERs #3 are homework. Email miss.volkening@gmail.com for copies.

Friday, September 21, 2018

And Yet MORE PRACTICE

We're having another work day!

p. 114 MC #10 + p.116 #24 & 36A (but without numbers - find acceleration in terms of m1, m2, and g).

This is homework if you don't finish in class.

Thursday, September 20, 2018

More Practice

Today and tomorrow you will be working on more practice problems involving forces. Tomorrow you will not have the whole period because we will do some problems together with Plickers.

Here is the problem set for today (homework if you don't finish in class): p. 117 #26, 29, 35, 38

In case you run out of stuff to work on, this will be tomorrow's problem set: p. 114 MC #10 + p.116 #24 & 36A (but without numbers - find acceleration in terms of m1, m2, and g).

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Inclined Planes

Today we went through how to deal with inclined planes. There is only one major change: you tip the axes over so that the x-axis runs parallel to the surface of the inclined plane and the y-axis is perpendicular to the inclined plane.



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

Hopefully you started your homework in class:

p. 117 #27 & 28

Monday, September 17, 2018

Solving Word Problems Involving Forces

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

Notes: Solving Newton's 2nd Law Problems

Homework is p. 116 #17, 21, 25

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Newton's 3rd Law

Today we talked about the last of Newton's three laws as well as the normal force.

Notes: Newton's Third Law

Tomorrow you have a half day, but you won't actually be in class, so you have extra homework. Some of it you probably finished in class:

  • Force TIPERs #1
  • #6-9 on the Forces Non-Textbook Problems
  • Force TIPERs #2 (we'll go over this one together next class, so please make an effort but don't turn in)

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



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

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Monday, September 10, 2018

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. Respond on Remind if you need a copy.

Homework is #1-3 on the Forces Non-Textbook Problems Bank. Please do not write your answers directly on this paper - you need to write your answers on a different piece of paper and turn that in tomorrow.

Friday, September 7, 2018

2-D Kinematics Quiz

First thing today you took a survey to sign up for Penguin Pathways workshops. These are being held during the half day next Friday.

tinyurl.com/PenguinPathways2018

Then you had some study time, and about 10 min into the period I asked you to clean up and prepare your area for your quiz. This gave you about 45 minutes for the 4-question quiz on 2-D Kinematics.

Thursday, September 6, 2018

2-D Kinematics Quiz Practice

Today was your workday to prepare for your unit test. I'm calling this one a quiz because it is half the length of your last unit test, since we only have about a week and a half of stuff to include.

Here is a practice quiz for you: 2-D Kinematics Quiz Practice

And here is a key: 2-D Kinematics Quiz Practice KEY

Tomorrow we will first take a survey about what sessions you want to attend during Penguin Pathways next Friday, then we'll take the quiz for the rest of the period.

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Finishing Projectile Motion Lab

First we went over Projectile Motion TIPERs #2 together. Keep that for your notes.

The rest of the period was yours to finish your Projectile Motion Lab. Your homework is to finish that so I can check it in your notebook tomorrow while you are working on a practice quiz

You will have a short (half the length of last unit's test) quiz about the 2-D motion stuff on Friday. I will give you a practice quiz for that tomorrow.

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

Graphing Quiz and Projectile Motion Lab

First we took a 10 MC question, 20 minute quiz about kinematics graphs.

Next you started 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. You have tomorrow to work on this too, and I would like to check it in your notebook (without actually collecting your notebook) tomorrow.

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). You won't actually be turning this in - we will go over it together tomorrow.

Friday, August 31, 2018

Solving 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) #25, 27, 29, 30, 48, EXTRA CREDIT: #47. We'll be doing this lab on Tuesday (no school Monday).

Thursday, August 30, 2018

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
MIT Monkey Problem

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

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Relative Velocity

Bellwork is was a small half-sheet called ESA Practice: Vector Components. We used it to review yesterday's material and to look at the Evaluating Student Answers category of question, which will show up repeatedly in the future. You did not turn in this little paper.

Later we talked about relative velocity. There aren't a lot of notes; here is what ended up on the board first period:



Mythbusters did a pretty cool experiment showing the forward velocity of a truck cancelling out the backward velocity of a cannonball so that the velocity of the cannonball relative to the ground was zero: Mythbusters Frame of Reference.

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.) p.82 #41 & 44

Please note that this means you will be turning in two different things tomorrow.

Monday, August 27, 2018

Vectors

Today we talked about adding vectors in general. There is very little physics today - just math that we'll need from now on.

Notes: Vectors


Homework: p.78 #1, 17, 18


Also, your test scores are now in the computer, though they are not yet actually affecting your grade. I will make them “count” on Friday. You can retake a test if you got less than 80% - just come in after school/lunch/conference.

You will have a graphs-only MC quiz (20 min) sometime before next Wednesday.

Friday, August 24, 2018

1-D Kinematics Test

Today is your test! Your Free Fall Lab is due the next time I see you.

Thursday, August 23, 2018

Practice Test Time

Today you had time to continue working on your practice test. Below are pictures of the abridged key.



Test tomorrow, lab due first thing next week.

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Practice Test

Today was your last day to work on your practice test. I also took a few minutes to go over how to maximize points earned on my tests:



I will post a key to the practice test tomorrow.

We also talked about what to do if Synergy says you're missing something that you are sure you turned in. Do these things in this order:

1. Check the no-name papers (top tray in the returned work trays)
2. Retrieve your returned work. Sometimes I put the score in the wrong column or row. If this has happened, just find the graded and returned paper and show it to me so I can fix it.
3. You turned in the paper, but later than the due date. These will take me longer to get to. In the meantime, Synergy will show the assignment as "missing." The only thing to do is wait a bit longer.
4. Check your stuff. Maybe you completed the assignment but didn't actually turn it in.

Monday, August 20, 2018

Free Fall Lab

Today we are working on the Free Fall Lab. First I went over exactly why we are doing this lab and introduced the idea of linearization. The rest of the period was yours to take data, including about half an hour of the whole class going outside to drop the balls off of the bleachers.

To save time (and prevent the loss of the Koosh balls through a certain fence) the whole class timed the ball drops from the tallest bleachers as a group.

You have no additional homework tonight. This is due in one week (your next modular day). Please remember that you have a test scheduled on Friday.

Friday, August 17, 2018

Problem Solving Method

Today we went through a problem solving method for story problems. You don't have to use this method, but I recommend using it at least at first.

Notes: Solving Kinematics Word Problems

Homework is p.52 #37, 43, 46, 51, 54.

We will be doing a lab on Monday/Tuesday. Please read over the lab instructions this weekend and bring your lab notebook to school.

Part of the lab will be outside. You may want to bring sun protection.

Thursday, August 16, 2018

1-D Motion Equations

Today we finally got some equations that will let us solve for position, velocity, and acceleration at a given time.

Notes:1-D Motion

Homework is p.52 #31, 33 a&b, 45

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Graphs of Motion - Backwards!

More graphs! Just going from acceleration to velocity to position instead!

Notes: Graphs of Motion-Backwards

Homework is Kinematics TIPERs #3. Email me for an electronic copy if you need it.

Monday, August 13, 2018

Acceleration and Graphs of Motion

During bellwork we talked about your Constant Velocity labs (due tomorrow) and also made our first velocity vs. time graph. Then we defined acceleration, looked at how it affects motion diagrams, and made acceleration vs. time graphs out of velocity vs. time graphs.

Here is the Powerpoint: Acceleration and Graphs of Motion

Homework is p.51 #24 and p. 55A # 1&2 (55A is a special page only in the "AP Edition" of the textbook. You might not have it in your textbook; contact me if you do not and I will send you a picture)

Below are the answers for the bellwork.

Friday, August 10, 2018

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!

You may hand write your paper, or you can type it and email it to me.

Thursday, August 9, 2018

Velocity and Graphs

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.

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

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.

Monday, August 6, 2018

Mini Labs

Today we are playing with the equipment from upcoming labs so that you can figure out the best way to take data.

 No homework!

Friday, August 3, 2018

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

Thursday, August 2, 2018

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  a letter for your parent/guardian, a safety contract, and an equation sheet. To save paper, I did not print out the syllabus, but it can be found here: syllabus.

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

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Last Days

This is the end. Here are some things for you to do:


Have a good summer!

Monday, May 21, 2018

Winding Down

Well, your final lab is due today. We are watching a movie in class, about which there will be an extra credit quiz to encourage you to watch the movie and pay attention.

I will take everything else, like missing work, labs, and test retakes, until Thursday. Unfortunately I will not be here on Thursday due to graduation practice, but you can still put stuff in the basket to turn it in. If you need to take a test on Thursday, email me (miss.volkening@gmail.com) so I know to come back to school after grad practice. We have a half day, so that is an option.

I’ll be taking over as the faculty liaison for graduation next year, and I’d like to get a head start on gathering info on seniors - that's you! Please fill out the following survey to help me out.



You can also join the UHS graduation information Remind by texting the code @uhs2019fyi to 81010.

Monday, April 30, 2018

AP Review

Here are some old AP test questions to practice/review for your AP Physics 1 test.

AP Physics 1 FRQs with answers (all previous tests)

AP Physics B was the class/test before our current class. It was discontinued about 4 years ago. Its questions may be useful for study purposes, but they do not really reflect the type of questions you will see on the AP Physics 1 test. The ones after about 2009 fit better than older ones, though. AP B also covered more content than we do now, so some of these questions are irrelevant.

AP B FRQs
AP B FRQ answers
AP B MC questions
AP B MC answers

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Practice Time

The rest of the week is work time for you to finish all of your homework and to study for the test. You have one last homework, Electricity TIPERs #4, which is due tomorrow. The practice test was also available.

Electricity Test Practice
Key:


Your test is either Monday or Tuesday. You will have a little time to study before it starts.

Monday, April 16, 2018

Compound Circuits

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:


Whatever time we didn't spend on this problem (which is a lot of time) you were working on two worksheets: Concept-Development 35-2 and Compound Circuits Practice. Whatever you didn't finish in class is homework.

Thursday, April 12, 2018

Power and Circuit Breakers

Today we talked about electrical power and circuit breakers.

Notes: Electrical Power

Here is the setup for the practice problem:



Homework: Concept-Development 34-2

Monday, April 9, 2018

Ohm's Law and Circuit Lab #3

We started by using your lab to come up with Ohm's Law, then we did another qualitative lab, Circuit Lab #3. After that we used your results to start talking about series and parallel circuits. You may be able to complete the lab online with the online simulator PhET Circuit Construction Kit.

Lab/Notes: Ohm's Law + Series and Paralllel Circuits. We will practice series and parallel circuits on Wednesday.

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

Thursday, April 5, 2018

Circuit Labs 1 and 2

Today you are doing two labs. Circuit Lab #1 is qualitative - all you need to do is light a light bulb. Circuit Lab #2 is quantitative - you will test how resistance affects current in a simple circuit. On Monday/Tuesday we will use your results to derive a fundamental physics law.

Instructions/Notes: Circuit Labs 1 & 2

You may also be able to complete Circuit Lab #1 with the online simulator PhET Circuit Construction Kit and Circuit Lab #2 with the online simulator PhET: Ohm's Law. But we have all these conferences coming up because of double modular days...so it would be better if you came in to make up these labs in person.

Your homework is a worksheet called Concept-Development 34-1 plus finishing your labs.

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Electrical Resistance

Today we are talking about the last of the three fundamental quantities we need to talk about circuits.

Notes: Electric Resistance

Homework: p. 609 MC #3, 4, 14 + Problem #14

Tomorrow and Friday are modular. We are doing labs, so bring your lab notebook.

Monday, April 2, 2018

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. This is due on Wednesday, not tomorrow. Tomorrow you have the ACT in the morning. We want you to focus on resting and getting ready for the ACT tonight.

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Electric Potential Energy and Potential Difference

Today we talked about the energy stored by a charge when you move it in relation to another charge.

Notes: Electric Potential Energy and Electric Potential

There is no school tomorrow and Monday is a sequential schedule.

Homework is Electricity TIPERs #3.

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Coulomb's Law

So, we already know that like charges repel and unlike charges attract. Today we learned an equation to calculate the force with with charges attract or repel.

Notes: Coulomb's Law

Here is an old video of me demonstrating #3 on the bellwork: Balloon and Paper Pieces.

Homework tonight is Electricity TIPERs #2.

Monday, March 26, 2018

Charge Conservation

Today we started our last unit: Electricity. We began by conducting a qualitative lab with pieces of tape, aluminium foil, and paper: Sticky Tape Activity. Please note that the first two pages are instructions, then the rest of the pages have places to make you diagrams and write your answers. This packet does count as a lab grade, so don't forget to turn it in.

Later we used your results to talk about charge, moving charge around, and polarization/induction.

Notes: Charge Conservation

I might have bent some water in class. Here is a video of that: Balloon Attracts Water


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

Thursday, March 15, 2018

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Work Day

A lot of you are gone for the Reading Buddies field trip, so today is a work day. At 10 AM you had the opportunity to go to the track and observe 17 minutes of silence in honor of the victims of the school shooting in Florida last month.

Your test is tomorrow and your speed of sound lab is also due tomorrow.

Monday, March 12, 2018

Lab: Speed of Sound in Air

Today you are completing a lab to verify the speed of sound in air:

Lab: Speed of Sound in Air

Here are some tips/reminders that were on the board:



If you missed this lab, there is a way to do it online, but it's a bit involved. You will have to use two different simulators.

This simulator is the best because it explains the lab and most closely emulates the physical process involved: http://physics.bu.edu/~duffy/HTML5/speed_of_sound.html

The only problem is that it only has 3 available frequencies, and we need at least 6 for a good graph. So while I want you to play with this applet, I want you to actually get your data with a different applet:



You will need to follow the download instructions and run it off of your computer, not in the web browser window. It may not want to run at first because it uses an old version of Java, but just keep hitting “run anyway” and it will work. In the applet, choose “one side open” under "Form of tube" and make sure "Vibrational mode" is set to "Fundamental." Then you can put in different lengths of tubes and write down the frequencies it gives. This is sort of backwards from the real lab, in which we are choosing frequencies and finding the corresponding lengths of tubes, but you will get the same frequency vs. length data in the end.

You also received a practice test for your test on Thursday:

Sound and Standing Waves Practice Test

Wednesday will be a work day.

Friday, March 9, 2018

Pre-Lab and Work Time

Today you first took back your 2015 FRQ 5 from earlier this week and graded it yourself. You then turned that back in and you will receive participation points for completing it and grading it.

Next we talked about the lab we'll be doing next week and gave you time to work on the pre-lab and lab procedure. Please be ready to start taking data next class.

Lab: Finding the Speed of Sound in Air

Thursday, March 8, 2018

Miscellaneous

Today we just looked at a few things that I didn't have time for earlier in the week:

Harmonic Waveform Generator from meettechniek.info
Michael Norris: Harmonic Series Calculator
Steve Mould: Laser + Mirror + Sound (we only watched the first 5 minutes or so)


You do not have any homework tonight. If you are missing any homework, especially for this unit, please work on that.

Coming up:

  • You have a test next week on Thursday. Several of you have told me you will be gone for school business; you might want to take it early on Wednesday after school. The test grade will not go on the quarter grade.
  • You have a lab on Monday/Tuesday that you will be turning in instead of just getting it checked. It will not go on the quarter grade.
  • You have a work day and a practice test tomorrow
  • The last day of the quarter is Thursday. I have to submit quarter grades on Friday. If you want something to make it on to the quarter grade, you need to turn it in soon.

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Standing Waves Part 2

Today we discussed the standing longitudinal waves that can form inside a hollow tube. This is how wind-based instruments work.

Notes: Standing Waves Part 2

Homework is p.506 CON #10 + p.510 #51 & 52a

Monday, March 5, 2018

Standing Waves Part 1

Today we started talking about standing waves and how stringed instruments create certain frequencies.

Notes: Standing Waves Part 1

There are a lot of sites we visited and videos that we watched; they are linked in the Powerpoint.

Homework is in two parts and you probably got a good start in class:
p.510 #41 & 46
AND
2015 FRQ 5 (this is an old FRQ from the AP test).

These are due THURSDAY because of the SAT on Wednesday. I would rather that you focus on the SAT now and do these Wednesday night.

Friday, March 2, 2018

Resonance and Beats

Today is another mostly conceptual day:

Notes: Resonance and Beats

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

For those that asked, here is the video of the boy breaking the glass:

Boy Breaks Glass With Voice

If you try this yourself, PLEASE wear eye protection and do not use someone's nice glasses. Go get some wine glasses from a thrift store or something.

Thursday, March 1, 2018

Doppler Effect

The Doppler Effect is one of my favorite things!

Notes: Doppler Effect

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

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Sound Intro

Today we went over a bunch of stuff about sound:

Notes: Sound

Your only homework 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.

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Extra Credit Quiz

Today you are taking a multiple choice quiz that covers everything up to (but not including) this unit. This quiz is a data-gathering tool for us teachers, so it isn't going to affect your grade negatively. Instead, I'll "grade" it like an AP test, and if you get at least a "3" (passing) I'll give you some extra credit. If you get a "4" or "5" I'll give you a little more. We are not talking about a lot of extra credit here.

Your real, unit test is the next time I see you. For the practice test and its key, see yesterday's blog post.

Monday, February 19, 2018

Wave Interference and Reflection

Today we talked about what happens when waves overlap or hit a barrier/change mediums.

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

Homework: There is almost nothing to practice interference in the textbook, so your homework tonight is to play a game. Download the app Kerflux and get to at least level 30. Please note you do NOT have to pay anything for this game. If you do not have a device that can run Kerflux, that's okay too; I'm not actually checking this.

On Wednesday you will be taking a quiz about everything since August. This is a data gathering tool, so it will NOT hurt your grade. However, to encourage you to take it seriously, if you earn above a certain cut score I will give you extra credit.

Your unit test is on your next modular day. Below you will find a link to the practice test as well as a key.

SHM and Waves Test Practice



Solutions videos (note that the numbers of the problems have changed by the problems themselves have not):
#9
#10
#11
#12

Friday, February 16, 2018

EM Waves

Today was a half day, so we very briefly discussed a type of non-mechanical wave called an electromagnetic (EM) wave.



Electromagnetic Spectrum
United States Frequency Allocations (NASA)

Homework: p. 469 #43, 45, 46

Thursday, February 15, 2018

Mechanical Waves

Today we introduced 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

Here is the stuff about earthquakes:
Types of Seismic Waves (L. Braile, Purdue)
Seismic Waves (YouTube)


Homework: Ch. 13 (p.469) # #41, 42, 44. Remember tomorrow is a half day.

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

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

Monday, February 12, 2018

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 20 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.

Friday, February 9, 2018

SHM Practice Problems

Today you worked on practice problems while I checked your labs from earlier in the week. 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! We're doing ANOTHER LAB!

Thursday, February 8, 2018

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

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