Physics is all about the what, how, and why of motion. This unit focuses on two specific types of motion: orbital motion and simple harmonic motion (things that oscillate). This unit we will be using trigonometric functions like sine and cosine to represent various physics variables.
Topics we will cover in this unit:
Simple Harmonic Motion Simple/Physical/Torsion Pendulums Masses on Springs Orbital Motion Kepler's Laws Force of Gravity
By the end of the unit, the student should be able to:
Describe the position, velocity, and acceleration of an oscillating object.
Compare and contrast the motion of a simple and physical pendulums and masses on springs and torsion pendulums.
Describe how objects move in their respective orbits.
State and apply Kepler's Laws to various scenarios.