Physics

Know what you are learning. Definition “the study of the physical environment”  “the study of matter, energy, and the interaction between them” “concerned with all aspects of nature on both the macroscopic and submicroscopic levels” Physicists try to uncover complicated relationships in nature through observing, creating mathematical models, and testing them by doing experiments.

So- What’s the point? Many physicists come up with research that leads to unexpected technological applications. Technology such as games consoles, mobile phones, mp3 players, and DVDs is based on a theoretical understanding of electrons that was developed around the turn of the 20th century.

Is this a math class? What about mathematics? Physicists create/use relatively simple mathematical relationships to describe the physical world. The mathematical equations used in physics often look far more complicated than they really are. Nevertheless, if you are going to study physics, you will need to get to grips with a certain amount of maths.

Math does Matter Physics problems require all the variables in the same system of units. Our class will only use International System of Units (SI units) When you solve physics problems: remember to check the units before you substitute all the numbers into the equations.

What will we learn? We will learn about: Falling objects Flying objects Objects changing speed Types of energy Transfer of energy Application of energy Collisions Gravity Heat Waves Sound Light

Starting things off… First we will learn about how things move. Mechanics The study of the motion of objects (or their lack of motion) under the action of given forces.

But wait! Before we learn about how things move… We have to learn about how to describe an object’s movement! Total Distance Displacement Vector Scalar Accuracy/Precision

Total Distance “interval between two locations measured along the actual path connecting them.” The total measured path that an object has travelled.

Displacement “measure of the interval between two locations measured along the shortest path connecting them” Linear measurement from starting to ending point.