PHYS 1055: Introduction to Astronomy

Step into the thrilling world of amusement park divers as we explore the physics behind their jaw-dropping stunts. Diving from a platform 21.3 meters (70 feet) above a pool of water, we investigate the announcer's claim that divers enter the water at a speed of 56 miles per hour (25 meters per second). We'll also uncover the possibility of divers leaping directly upward to achieve a specific water entry speed and examine the physical feasibility of such a feat. Join us for an educational journey

Join us as we delve into the physics of a monkey and her cart, complete with a spring. Witness the intriguing change in maximum speed when the monkey picks up a cantaloupe. Learn how mass and vibrations affect the outcome.

Explore the physics behind a water-skier accelerating from an initial speed to a faster one. Learn how to calculate the work done using the change in kinetic energy. Understand the principle of energy conservation through real-world examples.

Discover how to calculate the latent heat of fusion of mercury using calorimetry. Grasp the role of thermal equilibrium in heat transfer calculations. Derive the value of mercury's latent heat of fusion based on experimental data.

Explore the fundamental principles of this law, unraveling its implications, and clarifying common misconceptions related to mass preservation in chemical reactions.

Discover the significance of models in the fascinating realms of relativity and quantum mechanics, where conditions defy our everyday experience. Explore the concept of a model and its role in understanding these complex theories.