Physics-Midterm-Exam 2016 Assignment

Physics-Midterm-Exam 2016
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Physics Midterm Exam 1
1 Use at least two to three completed content related sentences to explain why physics is considered the basic science. Provide at least one example to explain how physics relates to other sciences.
Physics is a branch of science that deals with the study of principles that govern the physical world (matter). Forces, momentum, energy and other concepts of physical situations that affect matter are also studied. The matter is basic and common in this physical world.
The matter is studied in various forms in astronomy as celestial bodies, in biology as cells, in chemistry as atoms. In all these cases forces, momentum and energy are studied in these other branches of science related to the forms of matter in the study.
1 You do work on something when you lift if against gravity. Explain how work relates to gravitational potential energy using at least two complete content related sentences. If the lifted object is released, describe the change in energy. Be sure to define all terms used in both questions.
Gravitational potential energy is the energy of a body due to its position(height). It increases with increase in height. This particular form of energy is not at work but in a stored state. After release, there is the conversion of the stored energy into working (kinetic energy).
Kinetic energy is the energy due to a body in motion (velocity). The total potential energy is equal to the kinetic energy since energy cannot be destroyed nor created but change into different forms.
2 Regarding momentum change, explain why it is best to “give” when catching a baseball. Provide at least TWO other examples of situations in which you want “give.”
As opposed to catching the ball whereby one has to stop the ball in a very short time the impulsive force on the hand can be painful if the force applied is high. Hence to give is a much more tolerable role in baseball than to catch.
Examples of “give,” passing the rugby ball to a mate or boxing competition.
3 A boy fires a table tennis launcher. Briefly describe the forces and impulses on the launcher and the ball. Explain which has momentum. Explain which is moving faster. Be sure to use at least 3 to 4 complete content related sentences.
There are three main forces involved this include action, reaction, and impulsive force.
The action force applied on the ball by the launcher, in this case, is much greater than the reaction of the ball to the launch. Hence this difference in action and reaction forces lead to the launch of the ball. The impulsive force is the change of momentum of the ball from rest to motion in the unit time of contact.
4 Write 4 to 5 sentences about what Chapter 1 says about the early scientists from Aristotle to Galileo thought about the nature of motion. (Hint: Need to include Aristotle, Galileo, and Copernicus.
Aristotle stated that an object would continue to be in motion if the force acting on it was continuous; he divided motion into natural and violent motion. Both Aristotle and Copernicus applied their knowledge of motion in determining the movement of “heavenly bo...