Ch. 2 and 4: Measurement and Vectors
Reading
BJU Physics, Ch. 2 "Measurement" and Ch. 4 "Vectors"
AP Classroom: Unit 1 "Kinematics"
Topics
Labs
BJU Physics, Ch. 2 "Measurement" and Ch. 4 "Vectors"
AP Classroom: Unit 1 "Kinematics"
Topics
- Working with vectors
- Measurements and significant figures
Labs
- Measurements and Sig Figs lab (Air and steel spheres problem)
- Biomechanics lab (using vectors)
| 1._measurement_and_sig_figs_lab_handout_.docx |
| 1._sig_figs_and_vectors_lecture_notes_2022.docx |
| 2._physics_lecture_-_vectors_2021.docx |
| AP_lecture_vectors.docx |
Homework
See Canvas.
See Canvas.
| physics_ch._1_vector_problems_worked.docx |
Below: Lecture video Ch. 1, 9/12/2023
Solving "vector" problems
Use "SOH-CAH-TOA" to solve these problems
To solve these problems and determine the resultant vector 'R', follow this sequence:
Know the difference between Scalars and Vectors
Use "SOH-CAH-TOA" to solve these problems
- Sine = opposite/hypotenuse
- Cosine = adjacent/hypotenuse
- Tangent = opposite/adjacent
To solve these problems and determine the resultant vector 'R', follow this sequence:
- Take the time to carefully sketch the problem
- Resolve the individual vectors (typically 2 or 3) into their 'x' and 'y' components
- Then, to solve for the 'x' and 'y' components of the resultant vector, add the 'x' and 'y' components of the individual vectors together. BE CAREFUL OF SIGNAGE HERE.
- Determine the angle of the resultant vector 'R' using SOH-CAH-TOA
- Determine the magnitude of the resultant vector 'R' using the Pythagorean theorem.
Know the difference between Scalars and Vectors
- A scalar quantity has "magnitude" only. Examples: 1) an airplane flies at 50 m/s... 2) a man walks at 1.5 m/s.
- A vector has magnitude AND direction. Examples: 1) an airplane flies due north at 50 m/s... 2) a naval gun fires at a horizontal angle of 20 degrees and a muzzle velocity of 800 m/s.