Good Knowlage
Physics
Force and Motion
Study Guide
Written and Compiled by Steve Lockwood, 2003
With the support of the Staff at Prospect High School
Contents
Preface 3
Misconceptions - Force and Motion 5
Pendulum Investigation 6
Assignment - Galileo's Pendulum 7
Pulse Rate Measurement Using a Simple Pendulum 8
Human Speed 11
Inclined Plane 13
The Trolley Truck and Ticker Timer 17
Investigation of Newton’s Second Law of Motion 19
Summary of Practicum Assessment 21
Preface
The prime objective of the Physics Unit is to further develop the concepts of force and motion. Although scientific report writing is required, scope exists for less able students to use journal style reporting. Students will develop these concepts by planning and carrying out investigative experiments. The course will run 8 weeks and is equivalent to 25 hours of classroom contact.
In addition to the prime objective the following concepts will be introduced (see footnotes for definitions):
1. Precision 2. Accuracy 3. Variability and sample size 4. Misconception 5. Human error 6. Experimental control 7. Generalisation 8. Formulae 9. Extrapolation and interpolation
Skill Development
Students have the opportunity to develop skill in the use of trolley trucks and ticker timers. In addition students have the opportunity to further develop their skills in the use of familiar measurement devices such as stop watches, trundle wheels, top pan balances and spring balances. This unit emphasises the use of normal mathematics in the interpretation of scientific data. In particular statistics and linear algebra will be used to interpret data and make predictions.
Students intending to study Physical Science in grade 11 or 12 will be advantaged through developing skill in the use of trolley trucks and the interpretation of ticker timer tapes. Physical Science is a
Force and Motion
Study Guide
Written and Compiled by Steve Lockwood, 2003
With the support of the Staff at Prospect High School
Contents
Preface 3
Misconceptions - Force and Motion 5
Pendulum Investigation 6
Assignment - Galileo's Pendulum 7
Pulse Rate Measurement Using a Simple Pendulum 8
Human Speed 11
Inclined Plane 13
The Trolley Truck and Ticker Timer 17
Investigation of Newton’s Second Law of Motion 19
Summary of Practicum Assessment 21
Preface
The prime objective of the Physics Unit is to further develop the concepts of force and motion. Although scientific report writing is required, scope exists for less able students to use journal style reporting. Students will develop these concepts by planning and carrying out investigative experiments. The course will run 8 weeks and is equivalent to 25 hours of classroom contact.
In addition to the prime objective the following concepts will be introduced (see footnotes for definitions):
1. Precision 2. Accuracy 3. Variability and sample size 4. Misconception 5. Human error 6. Experimental control 7. Generalisation 8. Formulae 9. Extrapolation and interpolation
Skill Development
Students have the opportunity to develop skill in the use of trolley trucks and ticker timers. In addition students have the opportunity to further develop their skills in the use of familiar measurement devices such as stop watches, trundle wheels, top pan balances and spring balances. This unit emphasises the use of normal mathematics in the interpretation of scientific data. In particular statistics and linear algebra will be used to interpret data and make predictions.
Students intending to study Physical Science in grade 11 or 12 will be advantaged through developing skill in the use of trolley trucks and the interpretation of ticker timer tapes. Physical Science is a