A Quantum Gas
The quantum gas is an extreme state of an ensemble of atoms when their de Broglie wave length is of the same length as the size of the container. The ways of achieving this state are described and also how its temperature is defined.
More details | Watch nowCentre of mass
In finite objects, the total external force equals the total mass times the acceleration of a point called the centre of mass.
More details | Watch nowCentripetal force – how do we measure it?
A short video showing a simple classroom method of checking the way in which this force is related to mass, speed and radius.
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Uniform circular motion: angular displacement and velocity are introduced and centripetal acceleration is determined.
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A description and demonstration of the way in which craters formed by dropping objects into sand can be linked to some elementary physics
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The total work done on an object equals the increase in its kinetic energy. For conservative forces, we can define potential energy.
More details | Watch nowGoing round in circles – how do we do it?
A presentation showing both the ideas about centripetal force and a simple classroom method of checking the way in which this force is related to mass, speed and radius.
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The inverse square law explains planetary motion - and apples falling. Newton's law, measuring G, calculating orbits.
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Helen Sharman, the UK's first astronaut, gives a vibrant account of her personal experience of life in space using models and film to illustrate the key scientific concepts involved in spaceflight. Among other things she discusses the way Newton's Th....
More details | Watch nowLongboard physics
A few (surprising?) thoughts on how the wheels on a longboard or skateboard actually move.
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p=mv. If external forces are zero, momentum is conserved. In collisions, energy may be conserved (elastic) or not (inelastic).
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Kinematics quantifies motion without explaining the causes of it. Here we study accelerations that are zero, positive or negative.
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F=ma (laws 1&2). Forces come in pairs that add to zero (3). Newton's laws apply in inertial frames of reference. Some common approximations made in applying them.
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Inertia and restoring forces can, with low friction or damping, lead to oscillations and resonance. We analyse the mechanics of vibrations.
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Motion with uniform acceleration, such as in a uniform gravitational (or electric) field is projectile motion, analysed here with examples.
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Torques produce angular acceleration, moment of inertia 'resists' it. Rotational kinetic energy and angular momentum.
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In simple harmonic motion, displacement, velocity and acceleration vary sinusoidally with time, but with different phases.
More details | Watch nowThe Longboard – speedometer
Jonathan describes his adventures with a longboard and some different methods of making a speedometer for it.
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Carefully distinguish mass and weight. Hooke's law quantifies deformation. Contact forces have normal and frictional components.
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