PHYS 251: Physics 1

Explore the fascinating optical phenomena involving a cat, a converging lens, and the creation of virtual and real images.

Join us as we unravel the incredible journey of a shearwater seabird in an astonishing experiment. This remarkable bird was taken from its nest, flown 5150 kilometers away, and then successfully found its way back home 13.5 days later. We explore the concept of average velocity for both the return flight and the entire episode, shedding light on the bird's navigation prowess. Discover the fascinating world of animal navigation and physics in this captivating video.

Explore the effects of altitude change on a pendulum clock's speed when moved from the Mississippi Delta to the Rocky Mountains. Learn why it runs faster or slower and how to make adjustments. Discover the assumptions involved in this fascinating timekeeping scenario.

Discover the math behind car spring oscillations when driving over bumps. Understand how a car's weight and driver affect the spring constant and resulting frequency. Grasp the interplay of forces and how they dictate harmonic motion.

Embark on an exhilarating downhill ski adventure! In this video, we calculate the length of the incline and the time it takes for a skier to reach the bottom. Explore the physics of skiing on inclines and the thrill of motion.

Discover the incredible tale of David Purley's survival in a high-speed car crash! In this video, we calculate the magnitude of the acceleration he experienced during the rapid deceleration from 173 km/h to zero. Learn how to express it in units of gravity and explore the limits of human endurance.