Final Project: Physics of the Incredibles  

Our Project

For our final project we could choose any topic we wanted, and apply it to physics concepts. We chose the different physics concepts we wanted to determine as well. First my group did some brainstorming about our values and what topics we think would be interesting to apply physics concepts to. We decided that an interesting topic for all of us is the amazing movie, The Incredibles. This was the perfect topic for our group because we all love the movie and there are plenty of opportunities to apply the various physics concepts we have learned all year to the movie. Once we finalized our plan for the project, each group member was tasked with finding clips from the movie that they wanted to find the physics behind. Since these are fictional characters, we had to make a few assumptions while doing our calculations. Using Pixar Wiki we were able to find some of the characters measurements; however, when this information wasn't available, we used the "average American's" measurements. 

Using all the content and everything we've learned in this class we had all the tools and information we needed to find the physics behind The Incredibles. We learned a lot this year so we had a lot we could choose from. We tried to incorporate as many physics concepts as we could. From notes, to homework problems, in class activities, and so much more outside work we had everything we needed to make a fun, interesting project for our final. We were all very excited about this project, and had a lot of fun doing these calculations. Below is all of the work we did. Enjoy!

Evidence of Work 

Content

Period: The period of the swing's complete oscillation was used in this project. The period of our swing was calculated using the equation T = 2L/g. Period is a measurement of time, normally in seconds (s).

Velocity: The speed and the direction of motion of an object. Velocity is measured in meters per second (m/s).

Tension: is the pulling force transmitted axially by the means of a string, a cable, chain, or similar object. In this project, we calculated the tension of the vine as Dash swung in it. Tension is a force, so it is measured in Newtons (N).

Free Fall - A free falling object is an object that is falling under the sole influence of gravity. There are free falling babies in our project. 

Normal Force - The normal force is generated as a result of a force against a solid surface. As per Newton's third law, the surface will exert an equal and opposite force on the object in contact. If an object is resting on a flat surface, then the normal force will be working to counter the weight of the object due to gravity.

Gravitational Force - The force of attraction between all masses in the universe; especially the attraction of the earth's mass for bodies near its surface. The Gravitational Force on Earth is 9.8 m/s^2. 

Frictional Force - Friction is the force that resists motion when the surface of one object comes in contact with the surface of another.

Applied Force - Force which is applied to an object by another object. 

Drag - Drag is the force of air resistance. The force exerted by the air on things moving through it is known as air resistance. Typically, this force is applied in the opposite direction as the object's motion, slowing it down.

Newton’s First Law - Objects in motion will remain in motion and objects at rest will remain at rest when there are no outside forces acting upon them. 

Newton's Second Law - The acceleration of an object is dependent upon two variables - the net force acting upon the object and the mass of the object. For a body whose mass m is constant, it can be written in the form F = ma, where F (force) and a (acceleration) are both vector quantities.

Newton's Third Law - Every force has an equal and opposite force. 

Block and tackle - A system of two or more pulleys with a rope or cable threaded between them, usually used to lift heavy loads.

Circular motion -  A movement of an object along the circumference of a circle or rotation along a circular path.

Centripetal Acceleration: The property of the motion of an object moving in a circular path. Centripetal means towards the center. The equation for centripetal acceleration is ac=v2/r.

Gravity - Mutual attraction between all things with mass or energy. 

Energy - The ability to do work. Energy is the force that causes things to move. 

Gravitational Potential Energy: The energy an object has due to its position at a height or in a gravitational field. The equation for gravitational potential energy is: Ug = mgh (gravitational potential energy equals mass times the acceleration due to gravity times height). Potential energy can be spring potential energy or gravitational potential energy.

Kinetic Energy: The energy of an object due to motion. The equation for kinetic energy is: K = 1/2mv² (kinetic energy equals one half times mass times velocity squared).

Reflection

I really enjoyed this project. I liked that we had the freedom take the project in any direction we wanted. I had a lot of fun applying physics concepts to one of my favorite childhood movies. Two areas I think my group demonstrated well was communication and conscientious learning. My group communicated well because we all listened and valued everyone's ideas equally. We were originally going to do a different topic for our project, but we talked through some possible issues we would have run into and decided on a new topic. In this discussion everyone was able to voice their opinion and we all actively listened to each other. We came to a conclusion that we were all excited about. I also demonstrated good conscientious learning because I made sure to keep my group on task when there were distractions, and I made sure that everyone was making progress on their part of the project every class period. This ensured we completed our project early with time to spare. Two areas I can improve on in future projects are collaboration and character. I can improve on collaboration by not taking over so much of the project, and allowing my group members to take on some of the work I claimed. I think I can always improve on character. Character is a very important thing to me and I think it is always something I should strive to be better at. I will always come to class with a positive mindset and I will always respect my peers. Overall I really enjoyed this project and working with my group mates. We were a good group and I am glad I got to end my year with a project I am proud of and had fun doing.