Physics

In physics class, lab is central. Integral. Sacred. More than a mere place in the back of the classroom, the laboratory is the place where physics students do physics. It is in the laboratory that physics students learn to practice the activities of scientists - asking questions, performing procedures, collecting data, analyzing data, answering questions, and thinking of new questions to explore. the Physics Classroom

Sound Wave Lab

Question:
How can me model the sound waves propagated from a tuning fork?
Learning Outcome:
  • Measure the frequency and period of sound waves from tuning forks.
  • Measure the amplitude of sound waves from tuning forks.

Mechanical Energy

Question:
Is mechanical energy conserved for an object that is in free-fall?​
Learning Outcome:
​Now that we measured the gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy of a tennis ball and golf ball, determine whether mechanical energy was conserved.

Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation

Question:
What is the relationship between the gravitational force between two masses?​​
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Purpose:
In this experiment, you will use a simulation to measure the gravitation force between two masses. You’ll determine how the strength of the force of gravity depends on the two masses and the distance between them. You’ll also determine a value for the Universal Gravitation constant, G. 

Force and Acceleration in Circular Motion

Question:
What is the relationship between the centripetal force and the amount of a hanging weight.​​
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Purpose:
In this lab students investigate the acceleration of an object moving in uniform circular motion.

Newton's Second Law: by AP Physics

Question:
How is acceleration affected if either the mass of the system or the force used to pull the bike changes?
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Purpose:
In this lab students investigate how the acceleration of an object is related to its mass and the force exerted on the object, and use their experimental results to derive the mathematical form of Newton’s second law.

Newton Rides a Bike: A Study of Newton's Second Law

Question:
How is acceleration affected if either the mass of the system or the force used to pull the bike changes?
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Purpose:
In this lab students investigate how the acceleration of an object is related to its mass and the force exerted on the object, and use their experimental results to derive the mathematical form of Newton’s second law.

Projectile Motion: Rocket Launch

Question:
At what angle do we need to fly a paper rocket so that it travels the furthest?

Purpose:
To determine the ideal angle needed for a projectile to travel the furthest horizontal distance.

Kinematics 2: Free Fall Lab

Question:
What is the acceleration of a falling object as determine using:
  • a motion detector
  • video analysis
  • a picket fence falling through a photogate
How do the three methods of determining gravity compare in terms of their accuracy and precision?

Purpose:
To determine the acceleration of a falling object using three different methods and to compare the accuracy and precision of the results of each method.

Kinematics 1: Speedometer Cubed Lab

Question:
What is the speed of an object as determined by a:
  • meter stick and a stopwatch
  • ticker tape timer and a meter stick
  • motion detector
How do the three methods of determining speed compare in terms of their accuracy and precision?

Purpose:
To determine the speed of an object using three different methods and to compare the accuracy and precision of the results of each method.