Physics 30 - May 27

Today in class we learned how to calculate the electric field as well as the electric potential difference. This was covered on slides 13-22 in the powerpoint for unit 5.  Students were then assigned Assignment 5.2. We will cover questions on this assignment on Monday.  Monday we will start looking at magnetic fields. Have a great weekend everyone

Physical Science 20 - May 26

I haven't posted in a little while.  On Tuesday, I was away from class but the substitute covered the beginning of the waves unit by looking at periodic motion and vibrations.  This was covered on slides 110-122 of the physics notes powerpoint.  Students then had time to work on Homework 5.1.  We took up that assignment yesterday and then went over the notes on some important terms used in describing waves.  As well we learned about different types of waves called mechanical waves.  There was just notes for this and they were on slides 123-132.  Today students had a study period to prepare for their exam tomorrow. Reminder of your exam tomorrow on light reflection and refraction.

Physical Science 20 - May 19

Today we studied the remainder of the properties of light as well as looked at the particle model for a viable option of explaining these properties.  Students copied down notes on a summary sheet and we came up with the conclusion that the particle model doesn't adequately explain the properties of light.  This was all covered on slides 83-96.  After the long weekend, we will start looking at the wave model after we get an understanding of what waves are.  

Physics 30 - May 19

Today we learned about Einstein's view of gravity.  We learned about the general theory of relativity.  Einstein believed that gravity wasn't a force itself, but an effect on space itself.  We watched a couple of videos that are linked below to try to explain this idea a little bit better.  If you were absent today, please watch the following videos to get a sense of general relativity.  

Physics 30 - May 18

Today we finished up special relativity by finishing our example on mass increase that we started last Friday.  Students then had time to work on Assignment 4.3 and get ready for the in class assignment on Tuesday on Unit 4.  Students should have done assignments 4.1-4.3 to prepare for the in class assignment. Tomorrow we will look at Einstein's Theory of General Relativity.

Physics 30 - May 17

Today in class we learned how relativity affects the addition of velocities and how it is used to account for the fact that objects seem to move faster than the speed of light.  THis was covered on slides 59-62 in the notes. Students spent the majority of time working on Part 3 of Assignment 4.3.  Tomorrow we will finish special relativity by looking at mass equivalence.

Physical Science 20 - May 16

Today we looked at how to find the image using the lens and magnification equations.  Students worked through a couple of examples and then they worked on Homework 3.5. We will go over this tomorrow. This was covered on slides 76-81.