PHYS 172: Physical Science for Teachers

Exploring the behavior of oil and water in a U-shaped tube when a barrier is removed. Understand the impact of differing densities on fluid heights. Witness equilibrium scenarios effects of equal densities and the displacement dynamics of lighter liquids.

Uncover the methodology behind determining an unknown light's wavelength using the double slit experiment. Understand how fringe spacings relate to the light's properties. Find out the significance of second-order fringes and their measurements.

Discover the impact of a 0.09-N thrust engine on a 480 kg spacecraft's speed during 1 week of maximum power operation. Uncover the assumptions involved in this space physics scenario.

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.

Explore the fascinating comparison between the acceleration of a motorcycle going from 80 km/h to 90 km/h and a bicycle accelerating from rest to 10 km/h in the same time frame.

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.