PHYS 14650: Descriptive Astronomy

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.

In this enlightening video, we unravel the mysteries of electric charges and forces. Discover the fascinating concept of how the separation between two identical tiny spheres, each carrying the same electric charge, influences the force they exert on each other. Will the force double, become one-quarter as large, or remain unchanged? Join us to explore the intriguing world of electrostatics and the principles that govern electric interactions.

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.

Discover how energy conservation principles determine the velocity of a bouncing ball. Relate the ball's height and its potential and kinetic energies. Understand the velocity change upon impact and rebound.

Join us for a dramatic river rescue mission! In this video, we solve the problem of how a rescue team can reach a child in danger of drowning in a fast-flowing river. We calculate the angle from the shore for their pilot to approach the child directly, considering the river's current and the boat's speed. Explore the principles of vector addition and save lives!

Explore the concept of capacitance in a spherical capacitor and learn how to calculate it. Discover how to find the plate area for a parallel-plate capacitor with the same capacitance and separation.