Reflection

Elroy
I AM A PUSH OR PULL. I AM A FORCE.

We just finished learning about projectile motion, and have moved into electrostatics. However, with the current knowledge of said topic, we can apply what we know into the question that was stated. In projectile motion (2D), there are 3 main forces that act on an object before it becomes a projectile. The force applied to it, launched at any angle, is what turns it into a projectile; the force of gravity is the vertical force that pulls the projectile to the ground, and the force of air friction is what slows it down- depending on how the projectile was launched.In shot put, like for most projectiles, it is launched at an angle, so it can travel longer and cover more distance. But in order for a projectile to travel far, it must be launched with great velocity; and shot puts are thrown as so. However, in our world filled with air, the faster something travels, the more force of air resistance affects that projectile, resulting in a non-symmetrical parabola if it was graphed. In a real-life situation where the wind doesn’t stay still, the wind could blow against the shot put, thus slowing it down, or blow it further.Learning about projectiles was definitely fun, but no one said it was a walk in the park. What I found difficult about this topic, was understanding the x and y factors of a force which is at an angle. In this project, we didn’t do any physical calculations, but more on theoretical perspectives. If the shot put was launched in a vacuum, things would be a lot easier to understand because nothing is physically slowing it down. But in reality, everything that moves will be affected by air resistance, and will be slowed down. It was weird thinking about air resistance at an angle, because of its x and y factors, but I later overcame that problem with a little thinking.                I am strong on the theoretical part on projectile motion, but I am stronger in the calculations part because I can physically prove my point though math. When I struggle to understand something through theoretical aspects, I try to punch those bits of knowledge into equations we learned, and help myself understand without someone giving me the answer, for example my team members. When we thought about the whole projectile motion project with a shot put, I imagined a freed body diagram on how it would travel, and how the forces affect it, just to give me a clear understanding of the topic.

Jed
The Force is Strong in me.

FORCES, we have been studying forces for a while now. We have been mostly focusing on “contact forces” (objects touching) such as normal force and tension force.  As we were starting this unit I felt really scared because “Forces” are really difficult but my friend Isaac Newton created 3 simple laws for me to follow; to pass this course.1.      “Every object in a state of uniform motion tends to remain in that state of motion unless an external force is applied to it”2.      “The relationship between an object’s mass (e), its acceleration (angle), and the applied force (fa) is f=ma. Acceleration and force are vectors; in this law the direction of the force vector is the same as the direction of the acceleration vector.”3.      “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.”When I was solving a problem I would always have these laws in my head. The first thing I did when I tried to solve problems was to apply these laws and draw a labeled free body-diagram (LFBD). Even using these techniques I still found quite difficult to solve problems with Acceleration. I much prefer problems that are in Equilibrium.When Mr. Law came to our class I found it really interesting when he “actually” should us the problems. What I mean by “actually”, is that he would shows us how a particular physics situation works using real life material other than diagrams. For example if the question was about a wooden slope and a wooden block sliding down it he would take a piece of wood create a slope out of it and take a wooden block and place it on the block. We this we are able to see the situation in real time unlike if we drew a diagram and tried to imagine it moving with all the forces. I found this to be a different technique of teaching that most of my physics teachers never use.I am “The One who will bring balance to the Force”We started studying force situation that were in Equilibrium. At first this unit did not click. But surprisingly by the end I felt pretty comfortable with this unit. I don’t know how this happened but it just did. I somehow figured how to do almost every single question. To be honest I was doing all the questions but then I just fell asleep. When I woke up,(the day of the test) I thought I was “toast” but somehow I was able to do almost every question. It is all a mystery; how did I do it?

Foster
I’VE GOT THE FORCES IN ME.

1. I have learned that within the sport, shot put, the elements of physics play a fundamental role in determining the distance the shot put can be thrown. I have learned the factors that affect the shot put’s thrown range is the technique of how to throw it, power and strength exerted on the shot put (acceleration), angle of it being thrown, the air resistance, force of gravity, and the weight of the shot put. These elements can be known as the x and y axis of the forces. By making it into an x and y axis, we can determine the Forces. The main equation used is F=ma. F known as force, M known as mass, and A known as acceleration. The way how someone throws the shot put directly relates how much energy and force can be exerted by the motion; thus determining the distance. This connection also brings up the thought of how hard someone has thrown it which influences the end result as well. The angle plays an instrument because 45o gives the best horizontal distance. Air resistance can be known as negligible at times but it does affect it somewhat. Force of gravity acts on the object 9.8m/s2 downward so it lowers the horizontal and vertical distance that may be achieved.
2. All these concepts and ideas we have learned are all essential in physics. The questions and information we receive from a question may be simply but applying them to an equation can be difficult at times. If one were to forget a force or misinterpret the direction of a force, it can drastically alter the answer. For example, for ladder questions, there are 2 push back forces (FN). To find a force of friction (Ff), we have to use the formula: Ff = u FN. This can lead to confusion because of the 2 FN we could apply to the equation. Also, the common mistake of forgetting to make the acceleration negative will change the answer. However, it may not always be negative but it usually is.
3. My problem solving skills is mainly focused on my capabilities to study more at home to make sure I understand the concept. I excel at paying attention in class (my strength) but, at times, I become lazy and do not focus at home (my weakness). I tend to draw out a complete picture and visualize every aspect of a force that may affect the object. In this case, a shot put’s force. By writing out every step, it prevents minor and simple mistakes that may completely change the answer to a question. This picture also helps me understand the question better since I can easily relate it.

Angus

May the Force be with You

I have learned that forces are everywhere and are acted on everything. Force is what keeps me on the ground, not floating in air or going through the ground. I learned that the 3 laws applies to everything and can be explained and calculated. F=ma, Fg=mg, and Ffr=uFn helps me determine what forces are acted upon things and how they are interconnected. What I found difficult when learning about forces was using the 3 formulas. With the 3 formulas, I could calculate more than one force and different components of the situation. In math, we use formulas to solve similar situations and find unknown variables. In physics though, we use collected data and use the 3 laws and equations to figure out certain variables. It is a different approach and refreshing. I am not very good at understanding complex new materials because I have difficulty understanding new things. I am very good at calculations and problem solving after I understand the fundamentals and theories. With practice, I believe I can get better with forces and the upcoming topics.