PHYS 431: Optics

Understand how to determine the coefficient of kinetic friction using a wooden block and a spring. Employing the law of conservation of energy, we use the spring's compression and stretch measurements. Through energy equations and Newton's second law, we deduce that ? equals 0.4.

Uncover the secrets of watch crystals in this video! We convert the frequency of a quartz crystal used in electric watches into its period. Join us to explore the principles of timekeeping and crystal oscillations.

Illuminate the science of flashlight power! In this video, we explore how a 6V bulb is powered by a 3V battery with an internal resistance. We calculate the power dissipation of the bulb and the terminal voltage of the battery, unraveling the physics of electrical circuits.

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.

Join us to explore the science of hand-warming through friction in this video. We calculate the temperature increase as a woman rubs her hands together, converting work into thermal energy. Dive into the physics of heat generation and discover how friction can keep you warm.