PHYS 1055: Introduction to Astronomy

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 concept of capacitance and learn how to calculate potential difference, the impact of separation, and the work required for a parallel-plate air capacitor.

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.

Explore the intriguing interplay of Earth's elliptical orbit, the changing seasons, and the gravitational forces it exerts on the Sun. We'll provide insights into the ratio of these forces and challenge you to consider multiple perspectives on this celestial phenomenon.

Join us on an exciting lunar adventure as we explore the descent of a lunar lander towards the moon's surface. We'll unravel the physics behind its journey using the equation y(t) = b - ct + dt^2, and answer questions about the lander's initial and final velocities. Get ready to explore the dynamics of space exploration and lunar landings in this informative video!

Discover the magic of total internal reflection in this video! We explore how a ray of light refracts when traveling from glass into water. Find out the critical angle needed for total reflection, preventing any light from entering the water. Dive into the world of optics and refraction.