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(Most recent entry: 9-17-03)
Vectors Daily Guide
This page is under constant revision, as sections are added or improved. By visiting this page regularly you will receive the most current version - I might be working on this page as you are studying it at home!
Also, I am still rewriting this stuff for the current school term. Anything below "under construction ---------" has not been rewritten for this school term.
Be flexible. I may not follow the exact order of topics from Monday to Friday, as listed below.
Items that are in bold-faced type or have been hyperlinked can also be found listed in one of the tables on our Honors Physics Home Page. You should always view these sources of information online, because most handouts given to you in class are hyperlinked to other documents I have written or online sites offering additional instruction.
Green type indicates very recent additions of text to paragraphs that might have been written moments ago.
Thurs. (9-4-03) to Fri.(9-5-03)
Thursday, you will be given the supporting text, which should be left home and used as a reference to the materials discussed in class. Any reference to topics in the text while in class will be done using overhead transparencies of relevant pages. You will be given a copy of Forces as Vectors Notes, and Vectors Problems.
You will formally be introduced to the concept of vectors. You are expected to have read the notes.
Mon. (9-8-03) to Fri.(9-12-03)
We will begin Lab 1: Addition of Forces. You will be expected to read Honors Physics Lab Overview. Lab groups will consist of two students. Each student must complete a separate project, which is explained in the Procedure portion of this lab. Group members must work collaboratively to complete the remaining sections of the lab project. Use my transparency copy of the project sheet or the example problem diagramed on the board as a model to complete your own project. All vector components must be present and labeled. All math steps must be shown. Know my definition of the word "all".
By Wednesday, I should have discussed the last page of "Forces as Vectors Notes", where you can identify and differentiate among the terms, R, E, Ø, ØR, and ØE. I will also ask you to add "directional bearing notation" to each of the four diagrams.
On Thursday, we will view the solution to a practice two-vector problem, similar to "Multivector Sample Problem: Set 1 found on your Vectors Problems handout. I will proceed with a discussion on multi-vector problem solving, viewing the solution to another sample problem on the overhead (similar to problems #1C and #4). Begin answering the "Self-Test" multiple choice problems, found at the end of your Vectors Problems packet. Vector Test 1 usually contains several problems from this self-test section.
Mon. (9-15-03) to Fri.(9-19-03)
Read Vector Test 1 Review. Don't wait for me to initiate any discussion. Remember the scout motto: "Always Be Prepared".
How are vector problem #4 and the lab project similar in their approach? How are the dissimilar? You must be able to distinguish between these two applications of vector interaction.
Students will be divided into groups for the purpose of solving problem #4 (Vectors Problems pack) and problems 1-35, 1-36, 1-41, which are included on a Xerox copy of pages 20 and 21 in Sears/Zemansky, another physics text you will receive later. You are expected to return to class with an idea how to set up your assigned problem. Groups will be given sufficient time to organize their problem for presentation on the blackboard or overhead.
Groups will place their assigned problems on the blackboard: #35, #36, #41, and #45. We will also review Self-Test multiple choice problems, where emphasis is placed on supporting diagrams.
Students may return to their respective lab groups to complete Lab 1: Addition of Forces. The due date will be set Monday, Sept. 22 for both Honors Physics classes.
I will introduce Set 2 Vectors Problems by discussing a set of five "inclined plane" diagrams, illustrating the relationship among FP, FN, FWT, as the angle of inclination increases. I will also introduce "wagon" and "lawnmower" type problems, and discuss the vector components FHand FV of the exertion vector FE. The relationship between FE and FH will be discussed for situations similar to Short Answer problem #7.
This week, you will also have to complete a shortened version of Lab 2: The Inclined Plane. Once completed, the lab data sheet and its attachments will be included as part of Vectors Test 1
Under Construction.....................................
Vectors Problems: Set 3 will be introduced. A "picture on the wall" problem will be analyzed, diagramed, and solved. Problems #15 and #18 have linked tutorials, which should reinforce the logic used on the sample problem in class. Also, I will ask you to solve for the tension in the string supporting the model at the front of the room.