PHYS 2126: Physics Lab II

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.

Estimate a car's initial speed from skid marks using physics principles. Apply Newton's Second Law and equations of motion to deduce the initial velocity. Understand the role of frictional force in car deceleration during accidents.

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.

Join us as we delve into the physics of a monkey and her cart, complete with a spring. Witness the intriguing change in maximum speed when the monkey picks up a cantaloupe. Learn how mass and vibrations affect the outcome.

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.

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.