Energy!~

Today we're going to learn about energy and all the different types of energy but first we have to find out what energy is!

Energy is the capacity of a physical system to perform work which exists in several other forms such as heat, kinetic or mechanical energy, light, potential energy, electrical or other forms.

http://physics.about.com/od/glossary/g/energy.htm

Potential Energy - the stored energy that is held within the gravitational field.

Kinetic Energy - the energy of motion - it's ability to do work

Thermal Energy - part of the internal energy of a system which is the total present kinetic energy resulting from the random movements of atoms and molecules.

Sound Energy - the energy produced by sound vibrations as they travel through a specific medium.

Cannons!~

In History there is only one cannon that I can think of that can be considered the greatest cannon of all time. This cannon was created specifically to bombard London during WWII and was considered 1 of the 3 most special projects that the Germans of encountered. That cannons name was called The Gustav Gun.



The cannon weighed 1,350 tonnes was 43 M in length and 7.1 m in Width.
Its barrel length was an astonishing 32 m!!!

Unbelievably they made several of these huge cannons but at the end of the war were later dismantled.

Anyway you can see that this cannon can cause massive destruction wherever it befalls but there are reasons to its success.
If you can see from the image it has a long barrel that narrows, this is to help force the energy which is the combustion of the cannon to exert as much force to increase the acceleration of the projectile. I'm sure there is more technical things about this cannon but since it was a destructive war machine I was not able to find much specifics on it.



A shell of the Gustav cannon compared to a Russian tank.

Favourite Rollercoaster?

Too be honest I haven't been on very many rollercoasters over the course of my life (if you include those kid rollercoasters which would only go in a oval shape over and over again until the guy controlling it felt like it was a sufficient amount of time) but I have gone on especially good one.

That was the Behemoth!~ ;D


When I went with my friends to Wonderland I wasn't so sure about this one since it was considered the best of them all in Canada (to me at the time it was the worst of them all...) but once you have riden it, it was spectacular!!! There were no loops which I didn't like anyway but there was an amazing amount of inclines especially at the beginning when you slowly inch your way to the top of the incline.

I think the reason why this was considered the best was probably due to the fact that engineers were able to find ways to keep the G forces (gravitational forces) to an appropriate amount which would not make the rider feel like they're being excruciated. They were also able to keep the momentum going by continuously adding inclines that went up and down like a wave.

PS. Has anyone seen where the camera is?! You know, when you're riding the rollercoaster and the people take your photo?? Because I do not know where IT IS >;(

How to add Vectors

Ordinarilywhen I think of vectors I think of area's or a portion of land... Or was that Sectors?? O.o

Well anyway we're here to determine how to add a vector but before we can do that we must first find out what a vector is.

From http://zonalandeducation.com/mstm/physics/mechanics/vectors/vectors.html it states that a vector is a a quatity that has two aspects which has a size, or magnitude, and direction.

So in absolute simple words it pretty much means a straight line.



but it can get more complicated when you add more vectors to other vectors. But before we do that once again we have to find out where the positve sectors are.


As you can see from the diagram North and East is the positive and South and West is the negative. but if its inbetween for example in the diagram, one of the vectors is inbetween N and E but since you know they're both positive then that vector is going in the positive direction. Now look at Vector B, its going S and W. Since we know they're both negative then we can determine that Vector B is going in the negative direction.

Wait a second! What if the vector goes inbetween a negative and a positive?
Well for example if a vector goes inbetween N and W then it would be considered a positive because the N is more dominant the same can be said for S and E because it will be negative because the South is more dominant.

Deriving d = v2Δt - 1/2aΔt^2

To derive the equation d = v2Δt - 1/2aΔt^2 you must first substitute v1 into Equation 2.

Equation #2:
d = 1/2(v1+v2)Δt

It can easily done by doing this:
d = 1/2(v2+v1)Δt

d = 1/2(v2+v2=aΔt)Δt

Which would therefore create:

d = v2Δt = 1/2aΔt^2

You can also use an almost similar method to derive d =v1Δt+1/2aΔt^2

Substitute the expression for v2 into Equation #2:

d = 1/2(v2+v1)Δt

d = 1/2(v1+aΔt+v1)Δt

Which would therefore get:
d = v1Δt+1/2aΔt^2

Walking the Graph

Recently, our class did an experiment with motion detectors. We were told to attempt to match the graph by moving forward and backwards at certain speeds in front of the motion detector. it seemed quite easy at first since it was only distance... but when we got to velocity, well... That didn't work out as we thought it might xD

To have a perfect velocity that matches the graph exactly is pretty much impossible to do. Quoting Mr. Chung,"You've gotta be a robot to do it perfectly! ;D" Looking back at our velocity graphs i see that we were not consistent even though we did our best to get it right it perfect.

Experiments through B-G

MOTOR LAB!!! xDD

Recently we just had an experiment creating an electric motor. My partner (Siyuan) and I diligently worked to create the best motor possible. Unfortunately we encountered several problems on the way. Which in turn made my partner spazz out from why it was not working properly. Lol he told me he had a nightmare that our motor didn't work and that we had failed ;D. Luckily it didn't come to that! Instead we overcame our difficulties and made a motor that seemed like it would never stop! ;)

Our experience... was a wild one. Like I said before, after our first try we were confuzzled as to why it didn't work. But before all that happened, we were determined to be the very best of the best, so we took every measure (almost ;P) that it'll work properly. In the end, we did manage to work out the kinks in our motor and after seeing our motor work like it should have. My partner and I did our celebratory handshake, but we were too overjoyed to do it properly so instead we just grinned like there was no tomorrow!~

Right-hand Rule #1 and #2

First Right-hand rule (for conventional current flow) - Grasp the conductor with the thumb of the right hand pointing in the direction of conventional current flow. The curled fingers point in the direction of the magnetic field around the conductor.

Second Right-hand rule (for conventional current flow) - Grasp the coiled conductor with the right hand such that curved fingers point in the direction of conventional current flow. The thumb points in the direction of the magnetic field within the coil. Outside thte coil the thumb represents the North end of the electromagnet produced by the coil.

Pg 582 - 589

Magnetic field is the distribution of a magnetic force in the region of a magnet.



There are two different magnetic characteristics, which are labeled as North and South that are responsible for magnetic forces.

If you were to put North and North together they would repel one another, same goes for South and South. But if you were to put together North and South together they would attract with a force.

Ferromagnetic metals are certain metals that are not magnet (iron, nickel, and cobalt) which have an atomic structure that seems to make them strongly magnetic.

Domain theory - All large magnets are made up of many smaller rotatable magnets, called dipoles which can interact with other dipoles close by.

Oersted's Principle - Charge moving through a conductor produces a circular magnetic field around the conductor.

Electromagnet - a coil of wire around a soft iron core, which uses electric current to produce a magnetic field.

Right-hand rules - mapping the magnetic field with your right hand.

First Right-hand rule (for conventional current flow) - Grasp the conductor with the thumb of the right hand pointing in the direction of conventional current flow. The curled fingers point in the direction of the magnetic field around the conductor.

Second Right-hand rule (for conventional current flow) - Grasp the coiled conductor with the right hand such that curved fingers point in the direction of conventional current flow. The thumb points in the direction of the magnetic field within the coil. Outside thte coil the thumb represents the North end of the electromagnet produced by the coil.

10 Points From Pg. 553-563

There are 2 things that affect the amount of current flow in a circuit which is...
1. The potential difference of the power supply
2. The nature of the pathway through the loads that are using electric potential energy

Resistance - a measure of the opposition to current flow

          R = V/I

R - Resistance     V - Volts (V)     I - Current (A)

A thinner wire has a larger resistance rather than a thicker one, which one of the factors that differs between the amount of resistance. Another property could be the conductor for example Copper is a very conductible material.

Gauge number - The gauge number of a wire indicates its cross-sectional area.

Series circuit - a circuit in which laods are connected one after another in a single path.

Parallel circuit - a circuit in which loads are connected side by side

Kirchhoff's current law is the total amount of current into a junction point of a circuit equals the total current flows out of that same junction/

Kirchhoff's voltage law is the total amount of all electrical potential decreases in any complete circuit loopis equal to any potential increases in that circuit loop.

Prelab Chart

I did this on Word. I thought it would be simple but the problem was that I couldn't copy and paste it onto the blog so... I was totally lost. Luckily I asked a good friend of mine ;) Who helped me immensely by showing me the steps on how to counter this problem xD Thank you very much Friend (Y)

Expensive Ping Pong Energy Ball & Parallel/Series Circuits! ;D

On Sept 10th, our class did an experiment involving a ping pong ball. From what Mr. Chung said, it was a very expensive ping pong ball... Which doesn't bounce. In my mind I'm thinking, "That seems stupid, if it doesn't bounce then what's the point?!" Then he put us into groups and gave us an envelope filled with smiley faces with questions on them. D:

I couldn't find any pictures of the balls we used so I used regular ping pongs.

Also. I forgot to take a picture of the experiment. Heh. <;D

#1. Can you make the energy ball work? What do you think makes the ball flash and hum?

Our group was able to make the energy ball work and function because they touched both sides of the metal that was protruding from the energy ball. The energy ball was able to flash and hum because our bodies completed the circuit.

#2. Why do you have to touch both metal contacts to make the ball work?

If you do not touch both ends of the metal contacts then the circuit will be incomplete and thus not making the energy ball glow or hum.

#3. Will the ball light up if you connect the contacts with any material?

We were unable to find anything metallic that can bend to touch both ends of the metal contacts and we kept on accidentally touching the metal contacts so we weren't sure if the energy ball glowed due to the metal or our touch. What we did find was that water can be used to make the ball light up by having both ends of a water stream touching the metal contacts.

#4. Which materials will make the energy ball work?

In theory metal should be able to make the energy ball work, but we weren't able to test our hypothesis because we didn't have anything that can touch both ends of the metal contacts at the same time. Water is also capable of making the energy ball glow.

#5. This ball does not work on certain individuals. What could cause this to happen?

Certain individuals may not be as hydrated as others since water can be used to transfer energy. Another hypothesis can be that someone may be wearing a rubber suit? It won't be able to conduct electricity and will not be able to complete the circuit.

#6. Can you make the energy ball work with all 5-6 individuals in your group? Will it work with the entire class?

Yes, the ball was able to work with all members involved in the circuit. The energy ball should work with the entire class as the energy is being transferred through each individual. If the the circuit is incomplete then the energy ball will function.

#7. What kind of a circuit can you form with one energy ball?

A simple circuit can be formed with one energy ball.

#8. Given two balls, can you create a circuit where both balls light-up?

Yes it is possible to have both balls light up.

#9. What do you think will happen if one person lets go of the other persons hand and why?

If someone were to let go then the circuit will be incomplete which would then make the energy balls nonfunctional. The reason why is because the connection was disrupted when someone loses contact with someone in the circuit.

#10. Does it matter who let's go?

If our group was rearranged differently then it would matter (e.g. Switch) but if the circuit is like a circle then no matter who let's go, the circuit will be incomplete.

#11. Can you create a circuit where only one ball lights?

The probable answer was yes but I'm not sure because when we had a group of 4 one ball was able to light up but with the addition of Alex Liu... None of them worked. From that experiment I assumed the energy dissipates with each person but when doing the entire class circuit it wasn't so.

#12. What is the minimum number of people required to create a circuit where only one ball lights?

The minimum, number of people required to create a circuit where only one ball lights is 3 people. 2 people keep in contact with the energy ball while the third keeps in contact with them. If one of the 2 people disconnects from the energy ball then that would cause one ball to function while the other does not.

The Difference Between a Parallel and Series Circuit

Series Circuit

Parallel Circuit

Series Circuit - where there is only one path from the source through all of the loads and back to the source. This means that all of the current in the circuit must flow through all of the loads. From http://lansing.apogee.net/foe/fcsps.asp

Parallel Circuit - a circuit in which there are at least two independent paths in the circuit to get back to the source. In a parallel circuit, the current will flow through the closed paths and not through the open paths.

From http://lansing.apogee.net/foe/fcspp.asp

Other links for more Information

http://www.ndt-ed.org/EducationResources/HighSchool/Electricity/seriescircuit.htm

http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_1/chpt_5/2.html

http://www.regentsprep.org/regents/physics/phys03/bsercir/default.htm

http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/circuits/u9l4d.cfm

While writing this blog I am undergoing a Cold so I do apologize if I made any grammatical mistakes or any mistakes at all xD

Newspaper Structure Activity

Here is a picture which depicts the pride and joy of hard work and passion due to 3 very important individuals. Namely Anusha, Kevin and of course Steven (me ;D).

Though the tower had a... Ummm... Slight bend in it if you will ;P it was still able to stay upright even though it was teetering on collapse due to the slightly heavier top. Luckily our group decided on making a sort of tripod for the base which was made up of rolled up newspapers and taped together (very badly xD but it stood strong).

Unfortunately we did not have the best tower in the class but give us some credit! We finished first! Doesn't that count for something?! ANYTHING?!

Anyways we could have cut down the height of the tower by shaving off some of the upper parts so we could use those pieces of newspaper to further stabilize the base of our tower and decrease the amount of stress that was causing the bend in our tower.

Even though the we lost to a group that was giving us the evil glare O.o. We still managed to make what we had and enjoyed every second of it.

Unfortunately it was sort of bitter sweet. Before I was able to get a group photo with my fellow members. Someone (I'm not naming who) turned the tower into scrap paper... -_-

I'll see guys on the next post but by then I'll already be halfway planning my revenge on that certain person.

Congratulations to my fellow competitors, it was a worthy competition ;)

Notes on Current Electricity

An electric current is a flow of charge. A simple example can be such things as a pipe that is carrying water but the difference between the pipe and the electric current is that it carries electrons.

Current is given the symbol "I" to represent the total amount of charge moving past a point in a conductor divided by the time taken.

I=Q/t

Ampere (A) is equivalent to one charge of coulomb moving through a point in a conductor every second.

Negatively charged electrons will always repel one another which causes it to create a current flow.
http://www.fortunecity.com/greenfield/eagles/180/current.html as shown in the site.

The measurement of current can be done with an ammeter (current-measuring device) by attaching it to the current flow. By doing so you'll be able to measure the DC or direct current which travels in a single direction from the power supply to the conductor.

The electric potential difference is the potential energy for each coulomb of charge in a circuit which can be shown in this simple equation.

V=E/Q        

E= the energy required to increase electric potential of a charge

Q= charge

The energy that can be transferred by charge flow would equal this equation.

E=VIt       

E=Joules    V=Volts     I=Amperes    t=Time in seconds

A voltmeter can be used to measure between any two points but must be connected to a parallel. Which is a circuit in which loads area connected side by side.

Everything contains some sort of energy which can be exchanged easily from produced forms. Devices are able to harness this energy to form different types of electrical potential energy which may be chemical, mechanical, thermal, or light energy.

Other links for further information

http://www.fortunecity.com/greenfield/eagles/180/current.html

http://focus.ti.com/analog/docs/microsite.tsp?sectionId=560&tabId=2180µsiteId=7

http://www.sensorsmag.com/sensors/electric-magnetic/the-universal-current-sensor-1029