Physics Notes HSC
HSC Physics
Space
1. The Earth has a gravitational field that exerts a force on objects both on it and around it
Define weight as the force on an object due to a gravitational field
Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object, it is measured in kilograms (kg). The weight of an object is a measure of the force with which it is attracted by a gravitational force, it is measured in Newtons (N). It is directly related to the strength of the gravitational field at a point where the object is located. W=mg
Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation where G is the universal gravitational constant (6.67x10-11m3/kg)
The Gravitational Field Explain that a change in gravitational potential energy is related to work done
Work done is the measure of how much energy was used to displace an object a specified distance. W=fs where s is displacement. When an object is moved away form a gravitational field, it gains energy. This is because by raising it up from the field’s origin, work is done.
Perform an investigation and gather information to determine a value for acceleration due to gravity using pendulum motion or computer assisted technology and identify reason for possible variations for the value of 9.8m/s2
1. Construct a pendulum at least one metre long, attached at its top to a support (such as a clamp connected to a retort stand) and with a small mass tied to its lower end to act as the pendulum bob.
2. Measure the length (l) of your pendulum, from its point of attachment to the centre of mass of its bob.
3. Pull the pendulum aside and release it so that it starts swinging. Using a stopwatch (or other device for measuring time), begin timing at an extreme of the pendulum’s motion and time ten full swings (one swing = back and forth) of the pendulum. Divide this time by ten to get a value for the average period (T) of the motion. Using this averaging technique tends to minimise random errors.
The period of a pendulum depends upon the length
Space
1. The Earth has a gravitational field that exerts a force on objects both on it and around it
Define weight as the force on an object due to a gravitational field
Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object, it is measured in kilograms (kg). The weight of an object is a measure of the force with which it is attracted by a gravitational force, it is measured in Newtons (N). It is directly related to the strength of the gravitational field at a point where the object is located. W=mg
Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation where G is the universal gravitational constant (6.67x10-11m3/kg)
The Gravitational Field Explain that a change in gravitational potential energy is related to work done
Work done is the measure of how much energy was used to displace an object a specified distance. W=fs where s is displacement. When an object is moved away form a gravitational field, it gains energy. This is because by raising it up from the field’s origin, work is done.
Perform an investigation and gather information to determine a value for acceleration due to gravity using pendulum motion or computer assisted technology and identify reason for possible variations for the value of 9.8m/s2
1. Construct a pendulum at least one metre long, attached at its top to a support (such as a clamp connected to a retort stand) and with a small mass tied to its lower end to act as the pendulum bob.
2. Measure the length (l) of your pendulum, from its point of attachment to the centre of mass of its bob.
3. Pull the pendulum aside and release it so that it starts swinging. Using a stopwatch (or other device for measuring time), begin timing at an extreme of the pendulum’s motion and time ten full swings (one swing = back and forth) of the pendulum. Divide this time by ten to get a value for the average period (T) of the motion. Using this averaging technique tends to minimise random errors.
The period of a pendulum depends upon the length