PHYS 127: Descriptive Astronomy

Explore the intriguing interplay of Earth's elliptical orbit, the changing seasons, and the gravitational forces it exerts on the Sun. We'll provide insights into the ratio of these forces and challenge you to consider multiple perspectives on this celestial phenomenon.

Discover the physics behind the angle formed by loosely hanging hand straps on a streetcar negotiating a curved turn.

Estimate a car's initial speed from skid marks using physics principles. Apply Newton's Second Law and equations of motion to deduce the initial velocity. Understand the role of frictional force in car deceleration during accidents.

Join us in exploring the concept of significant figures in numerical values. Learn to identify and count significant figures in various numbers, from whole numbers to decimals. Understand the precision and accuracy of your measurements through this engaging video.

Journey to the outer reaches of our solar system with a captivating exploration of Sedna, the most distant-known object discovered in 2003. This enigmatic celestial body boasts a 1700 km diameter, a 10,500-year orbit around the sun, and a maximum speed of 4.64 km/s. Join us as we delve into the calculations of its elliptical orbit, its minimum speed, and the intriguing variations in its kinetic energy. Uncover the mysteries of Sedna's motion in this educational video.