Kinematics Test Scores

Not so good.  We need to get these scores up, pronto.  I will discussing how to get caught up in Kinematics while we move on into our unit on Forces.

Projectiles Practice Problems

I've uploaded the solutions to the projectile practice problems we did class with the lottery game. I'm posting the Period D version and the Period C version, which are practically the same, by hey, why not post them?  By default, all of the problems that I skipped are also included, but I left them in the document in case you want to practice some extras.

It is essential that you know exactly how each problem is solved, including knowing why every single variable was what it was.  If there is something you see bu don't understand, see me for a quick explanation.  If there are lots of things you don't understand, see me for some longer extra help!

Because it stinks doing the Quadratic Formula by hand....

Here is a link to how to get the quadratic formula program on your TI graphing calculators.

I highly recommend putting this program in your calculator; it's legal for the AP Physics exam, it's legal for Mr. Reeve's class, and it's a HUGE time saver!

So THIS is why people are afraid of clowns....

I know, the Clown Problem, right?  I think it is the trickiest problem of the set.  Two clowns shot out of a cannon and collide in mid-air?  What?  What kind of circus is this?

Fortunately, we only have to calculate the kinematics; we can leave calculations of the psychological trauma to others.

I have some hints for the clown problem, in case you get stuck.  Actually, it's more like a mostly-solved solution.  Your answers will vary because your problem will have different starting values, but hopefully it will be a good head start.

Kinematics Unit Calendar

We will begin the year moving at a pretty quick pace.  I will be reviewing the Kinematics chapter during the first unit, but very, very quickly, assuming that you learned most of it over the summer.  Fortunately, because we were able to cover all of that Kinematics during the summer, we can spend more time in the lab:  I have 3-4 days of the ten-day unit planned in the lab!

For those of you who want an advance preview of the Kinematics Unit (or those of you reading later, who lost their copy), I'm providing a link the Unit Calendar.  Enjoy!

Summer Assignment Results (So Far)

Great work everyone on the Summer Assignments!  It looks like most students are doing well. I am hopeful that we can start the year rolling with some interesting labs and minimal review.

Below is a graph of how we are doing so far, based on Summer Assignments 1 and 2.  The biggest group is the 90-100% group, which is great!  The 80-90% group is also doing well.  If you are in the orange, red, or black groups, you may need to either step up your game or consider a switch to my CP Physics class.

Great job everyone!  Only one more Summer Assignment to go, and we will be ready to rock back at LHS!  Enjoy the remaining days of summer!

Summer Assignment #2 Hints

I'll update this post as I answer more questions about the word problems...

#9.  This is one of the toughest ones on the assignment.  It is tempting to average the two speeds together.  However, it's not really "fair" to average them, since, logically, the person spent more time walking at the slower speed than at the faster speed.

To get an average speed, you need a total distance divided by a total time.  Since the actual distance was not given you will have to treat it as an unknown, for example, call it "X."

The average speed is the total distance there and back (2X) divided by the total time.  How do you get the total time?  Figure it out knowing the individual speeds!  For example, if I walked at a speed of 2.4, then my time spent was X/2.4.