Physics, taught by Ms. Chase, explores the motion of objects through space and time. We began the year with a brief introduction to calculus, learning to integrate and differentiate equations, which laid the foundation for the course. Our units have covered Kinematics, Dynamics, Energy, and Momentum, and we are currently studying Circular Motion. The class is heavily math-based and combines traditional note-taking, homework, and end-of-chapter problems with hands-on labs and group projects to deepen our understanding of physical concepts.
I designed and conducted a physics experiment to investigate how the total mass of a Vernier cart affects its acceleration under a constant fan force. The goal was to represent a linear relationship between acceleration and the reciprocal of mass, as predicted by Newton’s Second Law (F = ma). I measured acceleration for several mass configurations on a low-friction track and verified the fan’s force separately. The results confirmed the expected linear trend, with the slope corresponding to the constant fan force, demonstrating a clear inverse relationship between mass and acceleration.
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I solved a multi-step rocket problem independently, analyzing the rocket’s motion through engine burn, projectile trajectory, and parachute descent under a constant wind. My solution shows all equations before substitution, the step-by-step numerical calculations, and the final x-displacement with magnitude, direction, and units clearly indicated. This exercise demonstrates my ability to break a complex multi-stage motion problem into manageable steps and apply physics concepts to reach an accurate, evidence-based answer.
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