PHYS 1960: Topics in Astronomy and Astrophysics

Uncover the fascinating science behind peephole lenses, including the principles of light refraction and observer positioning that allow for an extensive field of vision through a hotel room door.

Discover the magic of total internal reflection in this video! We explore how a ray of light refracts when traveling from glass into water. Find out the critical angle needed for total reflection, preventing any light from entering the water. Dive into the world of optics and refraction.

Join us in this enlightening video as we explore the fascinating world of projectiles and their optimal launch angles. We dive into the physics behind how a fixed initial speed affects the range of a projectile and why, for most angles, there are two choices that yield the same range. Delve into factors that affect an archer's ability to hit a target, including wind, and learn why a smaller angle, closer to the horizontal, is often preferable. Discover when and why a larger angle may be necessar

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 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.

Explore how a mass spectrometer works by analyzing an ion's path through the device. Understand the relationship between electric and magnetic fields in determining the ion's trajectory. Learn to compute the radius of an ion's path within the mass spectrometer.