10/18/10

Post date: Oct 18, 2010 2:40:47 PM

Bell Ringer: Why do objects in orbit not fall to the ground?

• • Orbit notes

    • Orbit is projectile motion

    • Projectiles follow curved trajectories. The Earth's surface is curved. When the two curves match up, orbit is achieved.

    • "Weightlessness" happens because an astronaut falls at the same rate as the ship and every other object around him. The same effect can be achieved on certain roller coasters, by jumping from some height, or on the "vomit comet"

  • Return and discuss quiz 9 (projectile problem on final exam will be similar to #2 on quiz 9)

  • To study for final:

    • Intro (ch.1 and ch.2) - significant digits, scientific notation, and units in equations

    • Ch. 3 ( constant velocity) - distance vs. displacement, speed vs. velocity, v = d / t, d vs. t graphs, v vs. t graphs

    • Ch. 4 (constant acceleration) - 4 equations, v vs. t graphs

    • Ch. 5 (forces) - Newton's 3 laws (Fnet = ma), free body diagrams, friction, weight vs. mass

    • Ch. 6 (vectors) - adding vectors (graphical, analytical methods), resolving vectors into components, equilibrium, objects on an inclined plane

    • Ch. 7 (projectiles) - launched horizontally or at an angle, orbit

Final exam tomorrow and Wednesday