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