FizziksGuy

Just a reminder to our new members joining that you can link your Facebook and APlusPhysics accounts. See instructions at top of thread! :labmate)

Thrilled to have you aboard Erockest3! I'd love to see what we can put together with regards to the "Physics of Lacrosse" if you're up for it this year -- I don't think anyone's tried that yet. We should be able to do quite a few experiments and activities... you can get an idea of a few of them by checking out the "Projects" under the main page of APlusPhysics. Best wishes on an amazing school year!

Thrilled to have you in the class, tennis 23. Physics will be a great asset as you embark on your medical training. Sounds like you've got a great strategy for the course, and in all honesty, learning the formulas won't be a problem at all... by the time we're done, you'll know them like the back of your hand (if not better!!!) Welcome to APlusPhysics! :wave)

Saw a comment from Frank Noschese (Action-Reaction) not long ago mentioning how cool it would be to make an Angry Birds physics motivational poster... took a couple days of fiddling with fonts and effects to get the text right, but I think I finally got a winner! [ATTACH=CONFIG]150[/ATTACH] For more information, check out: Dot.Physics: The Physics of Angry Birds and Action-Reaction: Angry Birds in the Physics Classroom.

Regents Physics SBG Objective Tracking Sheets for use in 2011 - 2012 school year.

I've been hammering out our Skills-Based Grading (SBG) objectives for Regents Physics for the coming school year, pulling from the tremendous efforts already in place and utilized by folks such as Frank Noschese, Kelly O’Shea, and others, as well as our state and district standards. In defining these, we were conflicted about how detailed and specific to make our goals, providing students more concrete feedback on their objectives, compared to more general objectives that allow for more interpretation and generalization of the “big picture” concepts. Eventually, we settled on a fairly specific list of concrete objectives in an effort to provide students specific information on what they need to do well on the end-of-year state culminating exam. These are absolute minimum baseline standards, provided with the strong understanding that these baseline objectives will be augmented throughout the year as we teach significantly above and beyond the state minimums. For example, our current list of magnetism objectives is quite limited, and will most certainly grow in individual classrooms as all our physics classes spend significantly more time on electromagnetic induction than is required to meet the state minimums. With this large number of objectives, assessment and feedback could become quite involved, which is where our implementation of Gravic Remark OMR will be of tremendous benefit in streamlining assessment on a specific type of standardized exam. Of course, we’ll still have our hands full with more authentic assessments, student-initiated assessments, labs, activities, etc., but it’s a start, and of course, we can always adjust as the year progresses. Here’s our first pass rough draft: Math Review MAT.A1 I understand and can estimate basic SI units MAT.A2 I can convert basic SI units using common metric prefixes MAT.A3 I can convert compound SI units MAT.B1 I know the difference between scalar and vector quantities MAT.B2 I can use scaled diagrams to represent and manipulate vector quantities MAT.B3 I can determine x- and y-components of two-dimensional vectors MAT.B4 I can determine the angle of a vector given its components MAT.C1 I can draw accurate graphs and solve for the slope and y-intercept MAT.C2 I can recognize linear and direct relationships and interpret the slope of a curve MAT.C3 I can recognize quadratic and inverse relationships MAT.D1 I can solve algebraic equations symbolically and numerically MAT.D2 I can utilize the Pythagorean Theorem to solve problems involving right triangles MAT.D3 I can utilize basic trigonometric identities to solve for sides and angles of right triangles MAT.E1 I can use my calculator to solve algebraic equations with exponents MAT.E2 I can use scientific notation and significant figures effectively General Skills GEN.A1 I can design a reliable experiment that tests a hypothesis, investigates a phenomenon, or solves a problem GEN.A2 I can communicate the details of an experiment clearly and completely with a formal lab report GEN.A3 I can record, analyze, and represent data in a meaningful way GEN.A4 I can identify sources of uncertainty and error GEN.B1 I can solve problems using the FSA format GEN.C1 I can properly utilize a metric ruler, meter stick, protractor, mass balance and stopwatch GEN.D1 I can use writing to clearly and constructively communicate my thoughts to others using proper grammar, spelling, organization, and punctuation GEN.D2 I can use technology effectively and appropriately to further my learning GEN.D3 I can engage in constructive and responsible discourse in both small and large group environments Constant Velocity Motion VEL.A1 I know the difference between position, distance and displacement VEL.A2 I can calculate both distance and displacement VEL.B1 I know the difference between average speed and velocity, and instantaneous speed and velocity VEL.B2 I can solve problems involving average speed and velocity, and instantaneous speed and velocity VEL.C1 I can interpret/draw motion diagrams for objects moving at constant velocity VEL.C2 I can interpret/draw d-t and v-t graphs for objects moving at constant velocity Constant Acceleration Motion ACC.A1 I can define acceleration and I know the difference between acceleration and velocity ACC.A2 I can calculate acceleration with both direction and proper units ACC.B1 I can interpret/draw motion diagrams for objects moving with changing velocity ACC.B2 I can interpret/draw d-t, v-t, and a-t graphs for objects moving with changing velocity ACC.C1 I can use kinematic equations to solve problems involving objects with changing velocity ACC.C2 I can use kinematic equations to solve problems involving objects in free fall ACC.D1 I understand that the vertical and horizontal motions of a projectile are independent of one another ACC.D2 I can solve problems involving projectile motion for projectiles fired horizontally ACC.D3 I can solve problems involving projectile motion for projectiles fired at an angle Dynamics DYN.A1 I understand Newton’s 1st Law of Motion and can define mass and inertia DYN.B1 I know the relationship between acceleration, force, and mass (N2) DYN.B2 I can draw a properly labeled free body diagram showing all forces acting on an object DYN.B3 I understand the relationship between the weight and mass of an object. DYN.B4 I can determine unknown forces, accelerations, etc. DYN.C1 I understand the meaning of Newton’s 3rd Law of Motion DYN.C2 I can recognize and identify force pairs DYN.D1 I can define and identify frictional forces DYN.D2 I know the factors that determine the amount of static/kinetic friction between two surfaces DYN.D3 I can determine the frictional force and coefficient of friction between two surfaces DYN.E1 I can calculate the parallel and perpendicular components of an object’s weight to solve ramp problems UCM & Gravity UCM.A1 I can explain and calculate the acceleration of an object moving in a circle at a constant speed UCM.A2 I can define centripetal force and recognize that it is provided by forces such as tension, gravity, and friction UCM.A3 I can solve problems involving calculation of centripetal force UCM.A4 I can calculate the speed, period, frequency, and distance traveled for an object moving in a circle at constant speed UCM.B1 I can state and apply Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation UCM.B2 I know how mass and separation distance affects the strength of the gravitational force between two objects Momentum and Impulse MOM.A1 I can define and calculate the momentum of an object MOM.A2 I can determine the impulse given to an object MOM.A3 I can use impulse to solve a variety of problems MOM.A4 I can interpret and use F vs t graphs MOM.B1 I can apply conservation of momentum using momentum tables to solve a variety of problems MOM.C1 I can distinguish between elastic and inelastic collisions Work, Energy, and Power WEP.A1 I can define and calculate the work done by a force WEP.A2 I can calculate the kinetic energy of a moving object WEP.A3 I can calculate the gravitational potential energy of an object WEP.B1 I can solve problems using the law of conservation of energy WEP.B2 I can solve problems using the work-energy theorem WEP.C1 I can calculate the power of a system WEP.D1 I can utilize Hooke’s Law to determine the elastic force on an object WEP.D2 I can calculate a system’s elastic potential energy Electrostatics ELE.A1 I understand and can calculate the charge on an object ELE.A2 I can describe the differences between conductors and insulators ELE.A3 I can explain the difference between conduction and induction ELE.A4 I understand how an electroscope works ELE.A5 I can use the law of conservation of charge to solve problems ELE.B1 I can use Coulomb’s Law to solve problems related to electrical force ELE.B2 I can compare and contrast Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation with Coulomb’s Law ELE.C1 I can define, measure, and calculate an electric field ELE.C2 I can solve problems related to charge, electric field, and forces ELE.D1 I can define and calculate electric potential energy ELE.D2 I can define and calculate electric potential difference (voltage) ELE.D3 I can solve basic parallel-plate capacitor problems Circuits CIR.A1 I can define and calculate an electric current CIR.A2 I can define and calculate resistance using Ohm’s Law CIR.A3 I can explain the factors and calculate the resistance of a conductor CIR.B1 I can identify the path and direction of current flow in a circuit CIR.B2 I can draw and interpret schematic diagrams of circuits CIR.B3 I can use voltmeters and ammeters effectively CIR.C1 I can calculate the equivalent resistance for resistors in series CIR.C2 I can solve series circuits problems using VIRP tables CIR.D1 I can calculate the equivalent resistance for resistors in parallel CIR.D2 I can solve parallel circuit problems using VIRP tables CIR.E1 I can define power in electric circuits CIR.E2 I can calculate power and energy used in circuits Magnetism MAG.A1 I understand that magnetism is caused by moving charges MAG.A2 I can describe the magnetic poles and interactions between magnets MAG.A3 I can draw magnetic field lines for a magnet MAG.B1 I can describe the factors affecting an induced potential difference due to magnetic fields lines interacting with moving charges Waves WAV.A1 I can define a pulse and a wave WAV.A2 I understand the difference between a mechanical and an EM wave WAV.A3 I understand the difference between a longitudinal and transverse wave WAV.A4 I understand the relationship between wave characteristics such as frequency, period, amplitude, wavelength, and velocity WAV.B1 I can utilize the superposition principle to analyze constructive and destructive wave interference WAV.B2 I understand and can predict the result of the Doppler Effect WAV.B3 I can recognize standing waves and explain nodes, antinodes, and resonance WAV.C1 I can apply the law of reflection to plane surfaces WAV.C2 I can explain the cause and result of refraction of waves WAV.C3 I can utilize Snell’s Law to solve problems involving wave refraction WAV.D1 I understand the principle of diffraction and can identify its effects qualitatively WAV.E1 I recognize characteristics of EM waves and can determine the type of EM wave based on its characteristics Modern Physics MOD.A1 I can explain the wave-particle duality of light MOD.A2 I can calculate the energy of a photon from its wave characteristics MOD.A3 I can calculate the energy of an absorbed or emitted photon from an energy level diagram MOD.A4 I can explain the quantum nature of atomic energy levels MOD.A5 I can explain the Rutherford and Bohr models of the atom MOD.B1 I can explain the universal conservation laws (mass-energy, charge, momentum) MOD.B2 I recognize the fundamental source of all energy in the universe is the conversion of mass into energy MOD.B3 I understand the mass-energy equivalence equation (E=mc^2) MOD.C1 I can explain how the nucleus is a conglomeration of quarks which combine to form protons and neutrons MOD.C2 I understand that each elementary particle has a corresponding anti-particle MOD.C3 I can use the Standard Model diagrams to answer basic particle physics questions MOD.D1 I can define the known fundamental forces in the universe and can rank them in order of relative strength

The Huffington Post recently published an article on the 13 best-paying college majors. Note that 12 of the 13 require a strong physics and science background, and all 13 require strong math skills. Thanks to Louis Carusone of Eastridge High School for sharing this article and link. You can find the entire article online at the Huffington Post. I have summarized their data below: [TABLE="align: left"] [TR] [TD]Major[/TD] [TD]Median Starting Pay[/TD] [TD]Mid-Career Median Pay[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Petroleum Engineering[/TD] [TD]$97,900[/TD] [TD]$155,000[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Chemical Engineering[/TD] [TD]$64,500[/TD] [TD]$109,000[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Electrical Engineering[/TD] [TD]$61,300[/TD] [TD]$103,000[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Materials Science / Eng[/TD] [TD]$60,400[/TD] [TD]$103,000[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Aerospace Engineering[/TD] [TD]$60,700[/TD] [TD]$102,000[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Computer Engineering[/TD] [TD]$61,800[/TD] [TD]$101,000[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Physics[/TD] [TD]$49,800[/TD] [TD]$101,000[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Applied Mathematics[/TD] [TD]$52,600[/TD] [TD]$98,600[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Computer Science[/TD] [TD]$56,600[/TD] [TD]$97,900[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Nuclear Engineering[/TD] [TD]$65,100[/TD] [TD]$97,800[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Biomedical Engineering[/TD] [TD]$53,800[/TD] [TD]$97,800[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Economics[/TD] [TD]$47,300[/TD] [TD]$94,700[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Mechanical Engineering[/TD] [TD]$58,400[/TD] [TD]$94,500[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]149[/ATTACH]Steve Warner’s 32 Most Effective SAT Math Strategies is more than a book of secrets to help students maximize their SAT math scores… it’s also a guide to problem solving and learning strategies that extend considerably beyond the bounds of the SAT exam itself. As a physics teacher, I can strongly assert that the most effective review book for any test is the book the student will use, and that requires a friendly, concise text that is clear, easy-to-read, and well paced. Warner’s book does this and more, coaching students to maximize their results while minimizing effort. Outside the context of SAT exam preparation, the strategies detailed in The 32 Most Effective SAT Math Strategies provide a pathway to grow the reader’s general problem solving skills. Readers are encouraged to solve problems, learn independently, and attempt higher level challenges, enhancing their mathematical and logical maturity levels as they attempt to not only solve, but understand, the given problems. I highly recommend this book for anyone preparing for the SAT exam, as well as those looking to refresh their basic mathematical skills and enhance their ability to think logically. And make sure to check out his website, which has free problem sets, tips, and videos!

Although by no means an exhaustive list, these 10 quick tips may help you secure that extra point or two on your upcoming Regents Physics exam. Mass and inertia are the same thing. To find the resultant, line your vectors up tip-to-tail, and draw a line from the starting point of the first vector to the ending point of the last vector. Any object moving in a circular path is accelerating toward the center of the circle. Acceleration of an object is equal to the net force on the object divided by the object’s mass. The normal force always points at an angle of 90° from the surface. Opposite charges and magnetic poles attract, likes repel. Gravitational forces and electrostatic forces both follow an inverse square law relationship, where the strength of the force is related to one divided by the square of the distance between the charges/masses. The force of gravity on an object, commonly referred to as weight, is equal to mg, where g is the gravitational field strength (also referred to as the acceleration due to gravity). The mass-energy equivalence can be calculated using E=mc^2. If a mass is given in universal mass units, however, you can do a straight unit conversion using 1u = 931 MeV. Protons and neutrons fall into the category of baryons, which are hadrons. Smaller particles, such as electrons, fall into the category of leptons. Mesons are rare, weird particles you probably haven’t heard of. Most importantly, use your reference table. When in doubt, write down the information you're asked to find, what you're given, and use your reference table to help you narrow down what you should be doing. In the free response part of the test, make sure to show your work in detail with a formula, substitution with units, and an answer with units. Find these and many more tips for success at APlusPhysics.com.

Way to dive in to a new and challenging topic... I can't wait to hear your analysis of the frequency of mass and the deBroglie Wavelength!

Interesting post... I was talking on Wednesday night with a physics professor and author (Rhett Allain) as well as other physics teachers about the physics of video games. Part of our discussion centered around the accuracy of the physics in these games -- and how close to real life much of video game physics is. Even the old-school Atari game "Asteroids" had pretty good physics (OK, the ship had SOME friction in space, but in general, the game was all about Newton's Laws of Motion). Mario Brothers and Donkey Kong have some weird gravity and jumps, but for the most part, the better-selling games are typically quite accurate. For more information on this topic, check out Allain's post about the Physics of Angry Birds or his new e-book on introductory physics, Just Enough Physics, available for $3.14 (Pi dollars) on Amazon (see review in previous post here).

Thanks, and congratulations on both a successful launch and a successful "15 Minutes of Fame" assignment presentation!

That's quite the launch velocity... sounds like a terrific event!

Way to tie together modern events, physics, and Big Bang Theory! You can check out willorn's post here.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]144[/ATTACH]For those anticipating the upcoming Regents Physics exam on June 15th, APlusPhysics: Your Guide to Regents Physics Essentials is a book designed to give you everything you need to score well on the exam in a simple, easy-to-read manner. Filled with sample problems and full solutions, the book is now only $10.07 from Amazon!

[ATTACH=CONFIG]142[/ATTACH]Prof. Allain has taken his Dot.Physics introductory blog posts and formed them into a fun and entertaining e-book covering the basic principles of mechanics. From his initial advice not to use the e-book as a table leg prop to his discussion of differential equations in chapter 15, Just Enough Physics provides students a light, simple, and concise explanation of algebra-based physics. Further, Just Enough Physics actually includes directions on basic VPython programming for simple physics simulations… if you’re like me and have been reticent to dive into simulation and programming, this text provides several code snippets with clear explanations that entice you to see what you can do by way of numerical simulation and computer modeling. As a high physics teacher and engineering professor, I highly recommend this book for beginning physics students of any age.

I have a superconductor, a neodymium magnet, and a dewar to hold liquid nitrogen -- let's play with this next week!

Great analysis willorn... can you elaborate on the centripetal force is caused by in your problem?

Hi! I'm FizziksGuy (aka Mr. Fullerton), a physics teacher at Irondequoit High School in Rochester, NY. I have the best job in the world, teaching terrific students a subject I'm very interested in, and this past year wrote a book to help students do well in introductory physics, titled APlusPhysics: Your Guide to Regents Physics Essentials. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my wife, two wonderful energetic daughters, and my exhausted dog. Hobbies and interests include volleyball, piano, guitar, and I'm a bit of a major league baseball junkie. Welcome to APlusPhysics.com -- I hope you find this site a useful and fun addition to your physics resource arsenal!

Terrific short video about light, sound, and the Doppler Effect:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]125[/ATTACH]The first APlusPhysics course guide book, APlusPhysics: Your Guide to Regents Physics Essentials, by Dan Fullerton (aka FizziksGuy) is now available for direct order, and will be available in early May from major book retailers such as Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. From the book's description: APlusPhysics: Your Guide to Regents Physics Essentials by Dan Fullerton is a clear and concise roadmap to the entire New York State Regents Physics curriculum, preparing students for success in their high school physics class as well as review for high marks on the Regents Physics Exam. Topics covered include pre-requisite math and trigonometry; kinematics; forces; Newton's Laws of Motion, circular motion and gravity; impulse and momentum; work, energy, and power; electrostatics; electric circuits; magnetism; waves; optics; and modern physics. Featuring more than four hundred questions with worked out solutions and detailed illustrations, this book is integrated with the APlusPhysics.com website, which includes online question and answer forums, videos, animations, and supplemental problems to help you master Regents Physics essentials. Advance Praise for APlusPhysics Regents Physics Essentials: "Very well written... simple, clear engaging and accessible. You hit a grand slam with this review book." -- Anthony, NY Regents Physics Teacher. "Does a great job giving students what they need to know. The value provided is amazing." -- Tom, NY Regents Physics Teacher. "This was tremendous preparation for my physics test. I love the detailed problem solutions." -- Jenny, NY Regents Physics Student. "Regents Physics Essentials has all the information you could ever need and is much easier to understand than many other textbooks... it is an excellent review tool and is truly written for students." -- Cat, NY Regents Physics Student

It's official, you can now purchase the book through direct order. For the next few weeks, use discount code "RS74P4XQ" at checkout to get a reduced price of $12.59!!!

Very cool goNavy51... I'm always amazed to realize that despite all we know (or think we know), the amount that we don't is tremendously greater. Check out the "Top 10 Strangest Things in Space" for more weirdness!

Glad you got it sorted out... have a great weekend!

Hi Keri -- the .01 (or .05 in your case) didn't go away, I just multiplied it in with the permittivity of free space. Sounds like you're on the right track... if you're still stuck, post the actual problem and we'll take a look at it!