A scalar quantity is one that is dimensionless in terms of direction and is expressed in terms that communicate their magnitude. Energy and time are two great examples of such. On the other hand, there are vectors. Unlike scalar quantities, vectors possess both magnitude and direction. For example, an object can be considered to travelContinue reading “AP PHYSICS: Vector Addition and Subtraction”
Tag Archives: AP Physics
AP PHYSICS: The Pythagorean Theorem
Trigonometric functions establish useful relationships between the sides of a right triangle that exists within the perimeter ( circumference ) of a unit circle. We are now ready to see how the Pythagorean Theorem does this as well. In the right triangle below, the “ legs “ around the right angle are equal in length,Continue reading “AP PHYSICS: The Pythagorean Theorem”
AP PHYSICS: Trigonometry and Vector Components
Q: A charged species traveling at a constant velocity ( v ) through a magnetic field ( B ) will experience a force if the direction of motion is at a 900 angle with the B-field. How can trigonometry be used to quantify this phenomena? A: The magnetic force ( Fm ) on the chargedContinue reading “AP PHYSICS: Trigonometry and Vector Components”
AP PHYSICS: The Unit Circle and Basic Trigonometric Functions
Imagine a bat hitting a baseball head on. The ball-to-bat force pair created upon impact is unbalanced; thus, after impact, the ball will sail outward in the opposite direction. What if, however, the bat-to-ball collision occurred at an angle? How would the magnitude of force imparted to the ball change? Answers to these types ofContinue reading “AP PHYSICS: The Unit Circle and Basic Trigonometric Functions”
AP PHYSICS: Accuracy and Precision
Oftentimes, the terms “ accuracy “ and “ precision “ are used interchangeably, but their meanings are anything but similar. Precision references the repeatability of a desired outcome, while accuracy defines how close an outcome or measurement is in reference to a standard value. Consider the diagrams below: Low Accuracy / Low Precision The bullseyeContinue reading “AP PHYSICS: Accuracy and Precision”
AP PHYSICS: Conversion Fractions
If we multiply the number 1 by a unit A, we end up with one unit of A: 1 x A = A We are at liberty to substitute A with any quantity we wish: 1 x 5kg = 5kg 1 x 6s = 6s 1 x 100m = 100m Furthermore, 1 x A =Continue reading “AP PHYSICS: Conversion Fractions”
AP PHYSICS: Significant Figures
Significant digits address the issue of uncertainty in measurements. When carrying out mathematical exercises, the term with the least number of significant digits will determine how many “ sig figs “ the answer must contain. A quick summary of the rules regarding significant figures follows: All non-zero digits are significant. All digits between non-zero digitsContinue reading “AP PHYSICS: Significant Figures”
RENAISSANCE PHYSICS 