Link to Thermodynamics Quiz 1

Here is the link to the quiz.  This must be completed by 5:00 pm day of the quiz

Numbered Heads Fluids Test Review

Numbered Heads Instructions

1. Form into the designated groups

2. Take out one full sheet of paper per group and list the name of the group at the top. Then list the names of the group members and place numbers next to each name (1, 2, 3…..If four members then write 4 also). It doesn’t matter who gets what number.

3. Hand the paper to the instructor. It will be used for assessment and graded.

4. Begin reviewing/ learning the listed concepts. Make up sample questions related to the concept. Try and figure out what question the teacher will ask. Time is limited; so don’t waste it!

5. Once you understand the concepts make sure each group members also understand by assessing them. Do not ask yes or no assessment questions.

Good Assessment. “Sam, could you show me how to do number three on the list?”

Poor Assessment. “Do you guys all know it?”

6. When the instructor calls a number randomly (ex. = 3) the three will go to a designated area alone and respond to a similar question. Make sure they have something to write with and a calculator. After they leave begin studying the next set of concepts for the next round.

7. After a short amount of time the person will then return to the group and their answer will be graded by the teacher and given to the entire group as a communal score.

8. The returning group member may be called again so they should receive extra instruction to help get caught up.

9. The scores are added at the end to determine winners. The top three groups receive extra points on the test.

Fluids Test Concepts

1.  What defines a fluid?

2.  difference between liquid and gas

3.  calculate buoyant force  given density and volume

4.  True things about floating objects 

5.  True things about submerged objects

6.  units of pressure (4)

7.  Pascal's Principle

8.  P = F/A all relationships

9.  calculate pressure (Pa)  given force and dimensions of area (cm squared or m squared)

10.  calculate force given pressure and area

11.  gauge pressure v absolute pressure

12.  pressure v (depth, density) relationship

13.  calculate gauge pressure given absolute pressure and atmospheric

14.  calculate absolute pressure given gauge and atmospheric

15.  A1 V1 = A2V2 calculate one variable given other 3

16 calculate new speed of fluid given change in pipe diameter as a ratio

17.  in pipes where diameter changes know what happens to pressure 

18.  hydraulic lift calculate maximum mass to be raised given two areas and an input mass

19.  calculate absolute pressure at a depth in meters below water given atmospheric pressure and density of the water

Optics Simulation Lab

Please follow the rinky dinky linky to the optics simulation.


Directions:  Working next to a partner, but with your own laptop solve 10 of the listed problems at the Davidson website.  Show the instructor your solution after each one.  Feel free to engage in play after each solution.

Wave generator Link

Read the goals and objectives first and then follow the dandy link to the wave generator

Here are the goals and objectives for the activity:

Waves in Media Goals

1.  Know the three possibilities for wave energy passing to a different media (transmit, reflect, absorb)  Demonstrate each in the simulation

2.  Know the condition when reflected waves invert or remain erect  and demonstrate it.

3.  Know and demonstrate the difference between  amplitude, frequency, speed and wavelength

4.  Demonstrate the inverse relationship between wavelength and frequency for a standing wave.


Wave interference goals

5.  Show constructive and destructive interference of both wave pulses and standing waves.

AP Physics Specific Heat of Metals Lab

Here is a wonderful link to an interesting lab on finding the specific heat of metals.

Numbered Heads Energy Test Review

Numbered Heads Instructions

1. Form into the designated groups

2. Take out one full sheet of paper per group and list the name of the group at the top. Then list the names of the group members and place numbers next to each name (1, 2, 3…..If four members then write 4 also). It doesn’t matter who gets what number.

3. Hand the paper to the instructor. It will be used for assessment and graded.

4. Begin reviewing/ learning the listed concepts. Make up sample questions related to the concept. Try and figure out what question the teacher will ask. Time is limited; so don’t waste it!

5. Once you understand the concepts make sure each group members also understand by assessing them. Do not ask yes or no assessment questions.

Good Assessment. “Sam, could you show me how to do number three on the list?”

Poor Assessment. “Do you guys all know it?”

6. When the instructor calls a number randomly (ex. = 3) the three will go to a designated area alone and respond to a similar question. Make sure they have something to write with and a calculator. After they leave begin studying the next set of concepts for the next round.

7. After a short amount of time the person will then return to the group and their answer will be graded by the teacher and given to the entire group as a communal score.

8. The returning group member may be called again so they should receive extra instruction to help get caught up.

9. The scores are added at the end to determine winners. The top three groups receive extra points on the test.

1.  Using work in a sentence in a scientific way

2.  Direction and magnitude of force and displacement in order to have work

3.   meaning of  - work

4.   meaning of no net work

5.  calculating total work given  force and two opposing displacements

6.  Calculate work given horizontal force and displacement

7.  Calculate vertical work given vertical force and displacement

8.  Calculate horizontal work given horizontal displacement and a force applied at an angle to horizontal

9.  Energy form associated with objects in motion

10.  Energy form associated with position

11. Calculate Kinetic Energy or PE (Either gravitational or elastic PE)

12.  Solve  for height fallen given increase in speed

13.  Solve for speed given height raised and allowed to fall

14.  Effect of  4X  or 5X mass on the KE

15.  Units of the spring constant

16.  definition of power and being able to calculate it either with Force and ave velocity or Force, total displacement  and time

Mouse Trap Vehicle Project Description and Grade Scale

Project Description:

This is a performance based assessment, meaning you are graded largely on how your project performs not on the number of hours you worked on it.  There are no partners and no teams.  Students will use one Victor brand mouse trap as the energy source to drive a vehicle as far as possible down the hallway.  They will get a maximum of three tries to produce their best distance and that distance will be the basis for their grade.

You may use any materials you wish as long as those materials do not add energy to the vehicle.  For example rubber bands or springs or rockets that store elastic energy are forbidden.  However, no kits are allowed.  The use of a kit will result in a 30 point reduction in score.  A 90 would become a 60.


Due Date:  The first lab  day after return from Winter Break.

Point value:  100 points for the final test output, with other point values assigned also.   Example 5 points for drawing and materials list.



Grade Scale for mouse trap project

D = 10-12.99 meters

D+ = 13-14.99 meters

C- = 15-16.99 meters

C = 17-18.99 meters

C+ = 19-20.99 meters

B- = 21- 23.99meters

B= 24- 27.99 meters

B+ = 28-29.99 meters

A- = 30 -32.99meters

A = 33-34.99 meters

A+ beyond 35 meters