Phys Lab Midterm

What is the purpose of a graph in a physics experiment?

To find or determine the relationship between two quantities. 

Write the general form of a mathematical equation for a linear graph.

y = mx + b

Briefly explain how to find a slope of a linear graph.

y_f - y_i / x_f - x_i

Being a lab that will involve a lot of graphing on computers, students should, if possible, bring a laptop or tablet with them to lab. If a student does not have access to a personal laptop or tablet, the lab computer may be used to make graphs (student must have a way to save graphs produced -- a USB flash drive might be worth bringing to lab).

True

Which of the following are parts of the lab procedure? (Choose all that apply.)

Measuring the side length and area of squares.

Measuring the circumference and area of circles.

What is speed

A scalar quantity that only measures how fast an object moves

If an object has constant velocity, what can be said about the distances covered in equal time periods?

The object will cover an equal distance during each successive time interval

Increasing the angle of your ramp should the acceleration of the ball bearing.

increase

Write down the two formulas we can use to determine the Mechanical Advantage of a simple machine.

push or pull / distance or weight / force

Explain Mechanical Advantage

When the force of push or pull is more than how much the weight is lifted giving a force advantage.

Explain Mechanical Disadvantage

When there is more force required to make an object move but usually over a smaller distance

Give 3 examples of use of simple machines in everyday life

Ramps built for wheelchair users

An axe head that uses force to split objects

A doorknob, uses a wheel and axle to reduce friction resulting in mechanical advantage.  

What is the period of a pendulum

The time it takes to complete one oscillation

List all factors that you think may affect the period of the pendulum. 

The length of the string attached

The initial angle of the swing

What is velocity

a vector quantity that shows speed and direction.