Epsilon (AS level) Physics | Dynamics | Lessonplan

Schedule

Oct 8 - Oct 20 (2.5 weeks)

Content

  • Mass and inertia
  • Newtons laws of motion
  • Forces
  • Resolving forces into components

Instructional objectives

Students should be able to:

  • understand that inertia is a body's resistance to change in velocity
  • understand that mass is a quantitative measure of inertia
  • recall the relationship F = ma and see it as a cause-effect relationship
  • define and use linear momentum as the product of mass and velocity
  • define and use force as rate of change of momentum F=dp/dt
  • state and apply each of Newton’s laws of motion
  • describe and use the concept of weight as the effect of a gravitational field on a mass and recall that the weight of a body is equal to the product of its mass and the acceleration of free fall
  • describe qualitatively the motion of bodies falling in a uniform gravitational field with air resistance
  • describe the force on a mass in a uniform gravitational field and on a charge in a uniform electric field
  • understand the cause for the upthrust acting on a body in a fluid
  • show a qualitative understanding of frictional forces and viscous forces including air resistance
  • use a vector triangle to represent coplanar forces in equilibrium
  • understand that all forces in nature are a combination of four fundamental forces

Teaching Process

Since students are already well versed in the equations, the differential versions of the equations will be emphasized on. Problem solving is mostly done in the mechanics part of the Math syllabus. The focus of these classes would be on the practical side.

Activities

  • See that the acceleration produced by a force is inversely proportional to the mass and the force applied (Newton's second law)
  • Demonstrate Newton's third law by the recoil of a projectile launcher
  • Measure the terminal velocity of an object falling through a fluid

Suggested reading / References

Inertia vs momentum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DlX1iEtDMI

Assignments / Evaluation

  • written test
  • assignment
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