The second day was a lot like the first day we did various labs and a couple of problems on the subjects covered.
We started the day out by getting into groups and doing an experiment that involved a mini-generator and a nichrome wire. Basically the point of the experiment was to crank the generator which was connected to the wire to create heat, proving that mechanical energy can be transfered to thermal energy.
For the second experiment of the day we used a heat pulser (which is apparently used to make tea), a cup of water, temp. sensor, and plotting software. For this experiment we heated up the water in the cup using the pulser and as we did this plotted the temperature change on logger pro. The results were that the temperature versus energy graphs were linear which showed that energy and temperature are directly proportional.
After we finished up with that experiment we got into the bulk of the class which had to do with heat energy transfer and specific heat. We learned a few equations relating to the labs we did earlier such as:
Q=CMT
where
Q is change in energy
C is specific heat
M is mass
T is change in temp.
which is used to tell the amount of energy needed to change the temperature of a particular substance by a certain amount.
Another equation we learned was the equation for heat currents which is:
H=A(T)/R
where
H is heat current
A is surface area
T is change in temp.
R is the length divided by a constant specific to the material
and if two objects are touching H IS THE SAME FOR BOTH!!!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Notes for First couple of Days
Hi Folks,
Eric did a great job with the first Blog Posting.
Here are copies of the notes for the first two days.
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=d3w6sww_297pvmhcn7q
I made some allusion to the idea of working together in this course and I want to reemphasize how important this is! You will recognize many of the folks in this course from previous courses and your other math and science courses. For most people study groups are the difference between success and failure in Science and Engineering. You need to get used to (and become successful at) collaborating with others. Science and Engineering are done in the context of large collaborations, and the sooner you learn the skills of working effectively with others, the better!
I urge you to take advantage of the student study room! It is located just across from the 4B room and is open MF 8-10 pm approximately. Meet and work together there and make it your space.
One final announcement. The Society of Physics students has its first meeting for the Term this Friday at noon. This is an active group of students interested in engineering and science which plans activities and field trips. There is a robotics competition scheduled from October and Mt. SAC will be hosting another robotics competition in November! If you are interested in engineering or science, you should get involved!
The homework for the next class should take you between 2-4 hours to complete. There is one tricky problem, that may require you to use some additional material outside of what we covered in class. Look in your math and physics texts and don't be afraid to use Wikipedia!
have fun!
mmason
Eric did a great job with the first Blog Posting.
Here are copies of the notes for the first two days.
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=d3w6sww_297pvmhcn7q
I made some allusion to the idea of working together in this course and I want to reemphasize how important this is! You will recognize many of the folks in this course from previous courses and your other math and science courses. For most people study groups are the difference between success and failure in Science and Engineering. You need to get used to (and become successful at) collaborating with others. Science and Engineering are done in the context of large collaborations, and the sooner you learn the skills of working effectively with others, the better!
I urge you to take advantage of the student study room! It is located just across from the 4B room and is open MF 8-10 pm approximately. Meet and work together there and make it your space.
One final announcement. The Society of Physics students has its first meeting for the Term this Friday at noon. This is an active group of students interested in engineering and science which plans activities and field trips. There is a robotics competition scheduled from October and Mt. SAC will be hosting another robotics competition in November! If you are interested in engineering or science, you should get involved!
The homework for the next class should take you between 2-4 hours to complete. There is one tricky problem, that may require you to use some additional material outside of what we covered in class. Look in your math and physics texts and don't be afraid to use Wikipedia!
have fun!
mmason
Monday, August 25, 2008
08-25-08 Temperature and Heat Transfer
Temperature and Heat Transfer
ok, we did a lot of little labs today. (don't ask how little, or we will be forced to give you a percent difference in how small each was...) We first used glass bulb thermometers and explained how they work. We then learned how temperature scales work and how any scale can be made and used. We made our own temperature scales and used them to measure different temperatures of water. Next, we learned how to covert between Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Kelvin scales.
Then we took a break and Professor Mason showed us the super-exciting SPS Junk Food Cart and the new, more expensive, Vending Machines outside.
After break we learned how to use the Electronic Thermometers and compared them to the Glass Bulb Thermometers. We then found the percent difference between them(do not say they were close...) Later we talked about Time Delay and what factors can affect the time it takes to change a temperature or reach equilibrium. Next, Professor Mason brought out some secret items from the back, of which he did not say how they were held, whether it be hot, cold, or room temperature. We all held each object, wood, styrofoam, and Metal. We recorded which felt colder and then measured the temperature with a thermometer. Then we talked about why each felt the way it did.
Later we estimated the temperature change when placing objects in fluid, talked about what factors can change what happens, then learned how to write equations to find out what the final or initial temperature was, or what the mass or ratio of the masses are
it went fast for a first day!
ok, we did a lot of little labs today. (don't ask how little, or we will be forced to give you a percent difference in how small each was...) We first used glass bulb thermometers and explained how they work. We then learned how temperature scales work and how any scale can be made and used. We made our own temperature scales and used them to measure different temperatures of water. Next, we learned how to covert between Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Kelvin scales.
Then we took a break and Professor Mason showed us the super-exciting SPS Junk Food Cart and the new, more expensive, Vending Machines outside.
After break we learned how to use the Electronic Thermometers and compared them to the Glass Bulb Thermometers. We then found the percent difference between them(do not say they were close...) Later we talked about Time Delay and what factors can affect the time it takes to change a temperature or reach equilibrium. Next, Professor Mason brought out some secret items from the back, of which he did not say how they were held, whether it be hot, cold, or room temperature. We all held each object, wood, styrofoam, and Metal. We recorded which felt colder and then measured the temperature with a thermometer. Then we talked about why each felt the way it did.
Later we estimated the temperature change when placing objects in fluid, talked about what factors can change what happens, then learned how to write equations to find out what the final or initial temperature was, or what the mass or ratio of the masses are
it went fast for a first day!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Welcome to Physics 4B
If you have found your way here, you are doing great!
This is the official blog for Physics 4B at Mt. Sac. You and your colleagues will post information relevant to the course here.
For today, you need to be sure to get your Mastering Physics account squared away. If you used it last semester you are in great shape. Just be sure to add the new course:
PHYSICS4B2008
If you haven't used Mastering Physics before, be sure to do the "Introduction to Mastering Physics" assignment in addition to the thermodynamics assignment that is due on Wednesday.
If you are interested, the Mt. SAC SPS (Society of Physics Students) is an active organization for physics and engineering students. The focus in recent years has been on Robotics. We are attending a robotics competition in October at Cal State Dominguez Hills and preparation is ongoing. There are regular meetings on Friday.
This is the official blog for Physics 4B at Mt. Sac. You and your colleagues will post information relevant to the course here.
For today, you need to be sure to get your Mastering Physics account squared away. If you used it last semester you are in great shape. Just be sure to add the new course:
PHYSICS4B2008
If you haven't used Mastering Physics before, be sure to do the "Introduction to Mastering Physics" assignment in addition to the thermodynamics assignment that is due on Wednesday.
If you are interested, the Mt. SAC SPS (Society of Physics Students) is an active organization for physics and engineering students. The focus in recent years has been on Robotics. We are attending a robotics competition in October at Cal State Dominguez Hills and preparation is ongoing. There are regular meetings on Friday.
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