PHYS 107: Introductory Mechanics Laboratory

Learn how to calculate the kinetic energy of a Saturn 5 rocket with an Apollo spacecraft attached using physics principles and formulas. Understand the importance of unit conversion and the work-energy theorem as you plug values into the KE = 1/2 mv² formula. Discover that the kinetic energy for this rocket and spacecraft combo is an astonishing 1.82 x 10¹³ Joules.

Explore the fundamental concept of work in physics and discover the key conditions, including movement, net force, opposing force, and direction, that must be met for work to be accomplished when pushing on an object, such as a rock.

Explore the physics of a tennis ball hitting a wall and its momentum changes. Learn about the original momentum, changes, and the concept of reference objects in this engaging video.

Explore the fascinating world of geosynchronous satellites in this video. Learn how these communication satellites are strategically placed in circular orbits, staying directly over fixed points on the Earth's equator as our planet rotates. We delve into the physics behind these orbits, calculating the speed and acceleration of a satellite in geosynchronous orbit, using the Earth's radius and altitude as reference. Gain a deeper understanding of the science that enables global communications.