PHYS 104: Introductory Astronomy

Explore the physics behind an athlete's rope climb. Understand the relationship between power, force, and time, and how to calculate the minimum power output an athlete exerts. Witness the interplay of physics principles in evaluating athletic prowess.

Unpack the concept of normal force on a sports car and its driver atop a hill. Utilize Newton's second law to calculate these forces based on speed and hill curvature. Discover the speed at which the driver feels weightless in the car.

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.

Discover how to optimize the launch tube acceleration to achieve the maximum height and earn the most points in your laboratory experiment.

Explore the dynamics of a bead under constant force. Understand its acceleration, velocity over time, and how to calculate its kinetic energy. Witness the interplay of motion equations and real-world applications in a simple system.

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.