Taught by Ms. Chase, this course takes an algebra and calculus-based approach to investigate and model connections between concepts, equations, and graphs. Through classroom discussions and collaborative work, we learn about mechanics, gravitation, electricity, magnetism, waves, and harmonic oscillations. We design, build, and debug our own experiments and lab apparatuses as well as analyze our data using statistical methods and report our findings via journal-formatted printouts, poster boards, and slideshow presentations.
One of the assignments we had for physics this year at Mass Academy was the dynamics lab in which we had the opportunity to experimentally test a hypothesis related to dynamics. Through this lab, our group obtained an experimental value for the force of gravity. We used a modified Atwood machine to explore whether or not the incline between similar masses affect the acceleration of the cart in our setup. My report is to the left if you'd like to learn more about my work.
The objective of this assignment was to find the acceleration of a cart traveling on an inclined plane and compare the measured result to the expected value. To do this, the cart was released on an inclined plane from various distances away from a photogate sensor, which measured the velocity of the cart as it passed through it. The slope of a linearized graph of the distance traveled and velocity data was used to find the acceleration of the cart. The angle of the inclined plane was changed and the whole experiment was repeated to find the acceleration of the cart at the new angle. This assignment was a great start to the kinematics unit and helped me understand the concepts in more depth.