Aaron+L.

=Aaron L's Physics Page =

=KE, PE, and Conservation of Energy Reflection; 9/27/09= The three main concepts above, Kinetic Energy, Potential Energy, and the Conservation of Energy, are all a type of one kind of energy; mechanical. Potential Energy is a type of energy that is stored and ready for use or work. An object in motion, produces Kinetic Energy. And this change from Kinetic to Potential Energy can be placed under the idea of Conservation of Energy. If the potential energy of a ball is conserved while using kinetic energy, then it is clear that there is a conservation of energy. Examples of Kinetic Energy include acoustic or radiant. Types of Potential Energy are things like food and fossil fuels. An entire system of these three types of energy is the idea of a dam. Simply, the water has potential energy as it sits behind the dam, if released it can be used to create electricity, which creates kinetic energy, that can be used in people's and buisness's. Which is a conservation of energy. (article, pg. 111). Basically, neither exists or can be created without the other. =Systems Reflection; 9/20/09=

According to physicists, and as defined by the articles, a system is "any object, or set of objects that we wish to consider." It is very pleasing to see that this is the answer after the lively discussion we had in class, because I always believed that a system could be anything, anything that exists. Which fits exactly into the definition given by numerous physicists. The definition also included something about interaction and the words "can and might". I think that my definition holds the hand of the given definition quite well.

There is a concept of an "isolated" and "closed" system. These two things are important when it comes to considering the conservations of mass and momentum. The laws of conservation of mass and momentum can only be applied in situations where a closed/isolated system is actually closed or isolated from the rest of the environment or universe. It all boils down to that when mass conservation is being observed, a closed system is necessary so that mass cannot be created or destroyed by an outside source. And then when conservation of momentum is being studied, an isolated syste must be used so that no "net force" from outside will influence the study.

Systems are an interesting concept because they can be completely originated from thought. There are several different ideas that circulate on the idea and it was interesting to read some actual thoughts and definitions by physicists.

=Clock Lab Reflection; 9/13/09=

For the past week in Physics, we have focused completely on this project. The project outlined the basic focus to built a pendulum, with a spring or string, that would keep time accurately for 60 seconds with a percent accuracy less than 20%. The process was simple. My group tested with different weights at the same consisted time, and adjusted the weight to better match the time we were looking for.

The process for designing and testing our clock was very simple to the scientific method for very simple and key reasons. From observations before starting the initial experiment, my partner and I discussed the fact that a lower weight will mean a lower frequency, and a higher weight will mean a higher frequency. And from that, we came up with a prediction. From there, we jumped straight into performing the experiment and collecting data. From the data, we used that to complete the problem at hand, and prove that what we originally thought was true, really was. And this cycle, this progress, is very similar to the scientific method we have discussed.

The process was different than the scientific method for a few key reasons. One being, we did not make a hypothesis prior to testing the experiment. We were more interested in testing a few different ideas, other than one specific idea. Also, we have not extended the project into the stages of theories or laws, just because it it didn't seem necessary or relative to the assignment.

The experiment was both fun and interesting because it didn't have a defined set of rules to follow, instead there was room to move and do what we wanted to, and test what we wanted. The results for my group were great ones, which were consistently within less than 2%. And the experiment would be a format I would hope to repeat.

Discussion Questions; 8/31/09
__6. Describe the steps of the scientific method?__ The scientific method is a way of testing a preconception with determined steps to reach a goal. It include four steps, which are more like train stops in an endless loop. They are...identifying patterns, hypothesis, prediction, and observations experiments data. Each of the four things can originate from an original preconception that you as a scientist have before hand.

__7. Describe the roles of hypotheses theories, and predictions in the scientific method.__ This group, hypotheses, theories, and predictions are what make up the scientific method. Each has the important role of helping to lead to the next thing. Predictions can lead to hypotheses, which leads to a theory, which can lead to more predictions. Not only does one step help the others, but each has it's own special purpose. Predictions are the most basic and original thoughts of a query. A hypothesis is a more researched, developed, and understandable statement about what you want to know. And a theory is a tested, proven statement. They all work together to create the very important scientific method.

__8. Describe the difference between an observation and an experiment.__ An observation is a more than one thing. One, it is something that you see. It can also be something that you see, and causes you to ask how? or why? An experiment is something that the scientist puts together, formats, or creates to help test an observation. An observation is the stepping stone before you reach an experiment. It is what spurs the idea for an experiment, and can often influence what you include within your experiment, or what you leave out.

__9. Why might the term //scientific cycle// be a good substitute for__ //__scientific method?__// Instead of using the word method, cycle, in my opinion, does fit much much better. Method has the connotation of a set number of steps that you have to follow. Whereas using a cycle, is more of a circle, with no end and no beginning. Which means, you can immerse yourself with an experiment without even having a hypothesis. There are no rules for where to begin and expecially where to end. A cycle allows for a system where you can keep going, without ever going. And just to continue asking questions.


 * ==Scientific Method; 8/30/09 ==

__Describe the authors view of the scientific method.__
===This article discussing the complexities of the scientific method, gives the reader an insight into just how important it is. The author discusses many points ranging from the differences between observations and experiments to the definition of a law. Each point the author makes, helps to further the point that the scientific method is important. === ===The author brings the reader through each step very subtly, and in the final paragraphs, brings each step together to explain the solid importance of the method. It's quite obvious that the authors view on the scientific method is that it is a never-ending cycle. A never-ending cycle that does not have a beginning, a middle, or an end. === ===//"There is no 'right' place to enter the cycle. Scientists can (and have) started their work by making extnsive observations, but they can also start with a theory and test it." // (page 8; Science Through The Day) ===


===The above quote is only one of the several quotes that could be used to describe the authors believe that the scientific method is a method of fluidity. A method that does not have a set of steps that you are required to follow, instead their is a circle of steps, and any step can be the beginning and every step can the be the end. ===

That is the authors view point of the scientific method, and I think it is a good one.
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 * ==Online Use; 8/30/09 ==

My experience online with tools such as wikispaces is mild, but not highly experienced. I know my way around things like Facebook, Myspace, etc., so this type of online website is quite simple and easy to use.

Outside of school, I have full internet access. I have my own laptop that I use to do all my work, and if that fails my dad has a computer I can use. Apart from the occasional loss of cable that knocks out our internet, my access to the internet is always available whenever I need it.

This type of tool for a class, in my opinion, works great. You don't have to worry about the risk of printing errors, and it is convient for wherever you have interent. The most valuable aspect of this tool will most likely be the fluidity between home and school. All work that I do for this class will be able to be accessed from school and home, and it is easy for both me, and my teacher to access.

I also do forsee some problems, including loosing work if the website goes down, or someone doing their work online and then the work is lost in some freak internet error (which happen quite frequently)

But I believe, if used correctly, this tool will be quite useful for all students. ||

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