For Wednesday

I am terribly sorry for missing again, but let's make the most of it. I'll make it up somehow.

Periods 3-4, 8-9:

Now that all the groups have observations and some data for RC circuits, we want to get a sense of the theory and math behind them. There are two cases for RC circuits in series: connecting a battery and charging the capacitor, and having a charged capacitor and then removing the battery so the capacitor discharges. Check out the following videos on your Chromebooks and take notes...you probably have guessed that, yes, we will all need to be able to do these derivations. Keep in mind that, for whatever reason, this is the same math that we used last year with air friction!

Watch this for CHARGING capacitors.  Watch this for DISCHARGING capacitors.

After watching these, you can complete the lab (theory into reality, last part). After receiving the RC packets, give a try on the two AP problems on the second and third pages (2002, 2003).  If you have spare time, see what you think of the derivative calculator in the previous post....looks pretty cool.


Period 6:

We will start the process for our bridges. First, decide on who you will work with. To maximize your hands-on experience and have a chance to still talk through designs, we will work in pairs. However, you do have the option of working on your own if you wish to try.

Next, you have the period to go through the information passed out yesterday. Use the information for the various forces bridges experience, such as tension, stress, strain, compression, and so on - you will need to be able to define these. Then work on reaching a decision of design. Remember the specifications: the bridge will need to be between 30 cm and 40 cm in length, and span a 30 cm gap. Feel free to look online at designs, there should be lots of information since there are numerous bridge building contests around the country.

Keep in mind you will need to explain to Doc V and the class why you chose the design you ultimately make (think in terms of how forces are distributed in order to make the bridge stronger).