This unit has been a crazy learning experience for us physics students. We have learned and come to understand many things about our natural world. We began our journey learning about Newton's Third Law. This law states that for every action their is an equal and opposite reaction. For instance, in sports the tennis raquet hits the ball, but, according to Newton's Third law, the ball, also, hits the tennis raquet. One of the main examples we reviewed with Newton's Third Law was the horse and the buggy. With the example of the horse and buggy, we learned that it was impossible for the horse to exert more force than the buggy according to newton's third law. Instead, the horse pushes the ground backwards so the ground will push the horse forwards. The buggy also pushes the ground backwards and the ground pushes the buggy forwards, but the horse has greater friction and is able to pull the buggy because it exerts a greater force on the ground.
Next, we learned about vectors. Vectors can be defined as a quantity having direction as well as magnitude. The main example we used to explain vectors is how an object slides down a hill. We were required to draw a picture. This picture would show the gravitational force as well as the support force of the object. In the end, the vector showing the objects movement is parrallel to slope which the object is on.
We, then, learned about the Universal Gravitational Force. It states that the greater the mass between two objects, the greater the gravitational force is. Thus, mass is directly porportional to the force. However, the greater the distance is between to objects the less force they have. This is represented by the formula, F(g)=G(m(1) * m(2))/d^2). G= 6.67 *10^-11 N m^2/kg^2. G is the gravitational force upon an object.
Following the Universal Gravitational Force lesson, we learned about tides. Because the Earth is closest to the moon, as compared to the sun, the universal gravitational force affects the Earth's oceans. As the both the moon and the Earth move, the Earth's side closest to the moon will experience high tides as well as its opposite side. The moon's pull upon the earth creates a tidal bulge which explains the two high tides and two low tides on the Earth. Each high or low tide will happen twice a day between a six hour period. However, high tides and low tides do not happen the same time each day as the moon is constantly revolving around the Earth. Two types of tides are special. They are called neap and spring tides. Spring tides occur when the moon and the sun are in line on opposite sides of the Earth. During a Sprig tide, tides are higher than usual or lower than usual. Likewise, during neap tides, the tides won't be as high or as low as usual.
Next, we learned about momentum. Momentum is most easily described as inertia in motion or mass in motion. To calculate an objects momentum you use the formula mass times velocity. To calculate the change in momentum you subtract final momentum from initial momentum. Change in momentum can also be called as impulse. To calculate impulse of an object you use the formula j=FT. Finally, we learned about the conservation of momentum which states that if two objects collide the final momentum will be equal and opposite of the initial momentum. This can be easily explained through the formula M(1a)+M(1b)*V(1a)+V(2b)=M(2a)+M(2b)*V(2a)+V(2b). We also learned that the Conservation of Momentum is derived from Newton's third law.
All in all, I am certain I am growing in my ability to comprehend physics. I am becoming more relaxed when solving problems as well as becoming more and more excited when I come across "eureka" moments. With this physics class, I am able to grasp a greater understanding of physics through projects such as podcasts and photo voice threads as I can understand my peers point of view better too. I still struggle with some of the formulas and following step-by-step answers to receive full credit but I think I am improving.
For finishing the semester my goal is to keep calm and on top of it. With the exams coming up I know it is definitely stressful especially as I came into the class later. Yet, I know if I keep my cool I should do fine on the exam.
