Week 4: Physics

 

1. The big question addressed in lab, and a description of what you did.
1. To begin in math class, we finished up our discussion about friction and slides. After our discussion about slides, we moved on to the big question addressed in lab: What affects how long it takes a swing to go back and forth? My group focused on how the weight of the rider would affect the speed of the swing going back and forth. We found that the weight doesn't matter and the speed of the rider stays pretty close to the same despite the weight difference.
   
   
   
2. A description of what you learned in Thursday's lecture.
1. In lecture, we went into detail about Newton's first and second law along with discussing energy in detail. We discussed how those concepts relate to swings and what can change the speed of the swing.  
3. Answer questions about the weekly textbook reading:
   1. What did you learn?
   1. I learned what potential and kinetic energy is and how it affects a pendulum swing As a pendulum swings upward, it is potential energy. As a pendulum swings downward it is kinetic energy. There is the most moving energy (kinetic energy) at the bottom of the swing.
   2. What was most helpful?
   1. It was helpful comparing a swing to a wrecking ball. It helped me put what we learned into a real life example.
   3. What do you need more information on?
   1. I need more information on what potential energy is.
   4. What questions/concerns/comments do you have?
   1. I am still confused at what potential energy means and how it is different from kinetic energy.