PHY 161: Physics

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.

Explore the fascinating world of geosynchronous satellites in this video. Learn how these communication satellites are strategically placed in circular orbits, staying directly over fixed points on the Earth's equator as our planet rotates. We delve into the physics behind these orbits, calculating the speed and acceleration of a satellite in geosynchronous orbit, using the Earth's radius and altitude as reference. Gain a deeper understanding of the science that enables global communications.

Embark on a celestial journey! In this video, we calculate the altitude above a distant planet's surface where a starship orbits. Discover how astronauts experience reduced free-fall acceleration and the fascinating dynamics of space travel.

Dive into the thrilling world of physics and surfing as we explore the angle of inclination of a wave's face. Discover how a surfer accelerates down a wave with an acceleration of 3.25 m/s² while ignoring friction. Join us for an engaging and educational explanation of this exciting phenomenon.

Illuminate the science of flashlight power! In this video, we explore how a 6V bulb is powered by a 3V battery with an internal resistance. We calculate the power dissipation of the bulb and the terminal voltage of the battery, unraveling the physics of electrical circuits.