Circular Motion and Gravitation

In this unit, I learned about circular motion and gravitation. Using my knowledge of vectors, I learned that any object moving in a circle is accelerating. I learned how to find this acceleration and the force that keeps the object in a circle, known as centripetal force. I also learned about gravitation and the Law of Universal Gravitation which states: "Every object in the universe attracts every other object in the universe with a force that varies directly with the product of their masses and inversely with the square of the distance between the centers of the two masses." Using this law I learned how to find the force of gravity between two objects in the universe.

I have mostly found gravitation difficult. I tend to forget to convert units and often have "finger problems" when working with scientific notation.

I do feel though that my problem solving skills have increased when it is necessary to apply previous concepts to this unit. I do feel like I am getting better at paying attention to the units in an problem too, but I need to make sure I am paying attention at all times.

Newton's Second Law

I learned about Newton's Second Law, which states that if a net force is acting on an object, the object will have an acceleration and the object's velocity will change. Using this law, I learned to setup and solve net force equations. I am able to do this by setting the sum of the forces equal to the mass times the acceleration. I have also learned to make neat, labeled FBDs that help me visualize the situation and set up the net force equations. I have also learned how to calculate friction, or μ, by using the equation Ff=Fnμ.

I have struggled in solving equations with systems when drawing more than FBD is required. Especially with the more complicated ones. I have struggled with setting up the equations and drawing multiple FBDs for these problems.

I feel that I have struggled with my problem solving skills with systems. I do feel like I am getting better though. I have been doing very well with problems with pulleys and Atwood's machine. I also struggle when there is little given information.

Physic's Sleigh Ride by Ryan Thoveson and Jonathan Wells to the tune of "Sleigh Ride"

Lets hear those pencils writing and erasing too.
For it is lovely weather for some physics together with you.
(Refrain) Giddy-up, Giddy-up, Giddy-up, LETS GO! and solve some mo(x2)

There are some tough equations that you need to know,
Like Fg=mg and vf-at=vo.
(Refrain)

Lets give a hand for Mrs. Gende and her hard work
Because without her we couldn't finish our class work.
(Refrain)

(slow) For it is lovely weather... (fast) For some physics together with you!!!
(jazz hands)