This site is maintained to update Ateneo de Iloilo students (and other physics buffs out there) on concerns pertaining Physics. For comments and reactions, rants and raves, please contact Engr. Herman "Sir H" Lagon, Ph.D. at h_lagon@yahoo.com or 0920-2294759. Remember these: Never waste time and space; Always be three moves advance; Let God be your center of gravity; Do Magis; Be a person for others; Do things with the end in mind; Sharpen your ax regularly. We are what we want.
VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO KNOW IN ATENEO DE ILOILO HIGH PHYSICS
Monday, February 27
Quiz 4-10 (multiple choice)
Problem Set 5
SIP Draft
Tuesday, February 28
Exam Review (Faith and Integrity)
Special Quizzes
CEM Diagnostic Test in Physics (Justice)
February 27-March 2
Consultation with Physics Teacher (as per appointment)
March 2: D-DAY (Fourth Quarter Examination)
***
Fourth Periodical Examination
Study Guide
SCIENCE 4 (PHYSICS)
Teacher: Engr. Herman M. Lagon, Ph.D.
I. MULTIPLE CHOICE
Instruction: Write the letter with the best answer on the sheet provided. Use capital letters. Use of calculator is allowed.
The Concepts/Names/Terms below are the topics included in the Exam.
1. absolute zero
2. acceleration
3. adhesion
4. air friction
5. alpha particle
6. analysis of charts
7. analysis of graphs
8. AND logic gates
9. Archimedes’ principle
10. average molecular kinetic energy
11. basic units: m/s; kg.m; kg.m/s; kg.m/s2; kg.m2/s2; kg.m2/s3
12. Bernoulli’s principle
13. beta particle
14. black hole
15. boiling and freezing points
16. Boyle’s law
17. buoyancy
18. capillarity
19. center f gravity
20. centripetal force
21. charges
22. charging by rubbing
23. Charles’ law
24. cohesion
25. cold fusion
26. composition of vectors
27. computation of acceleration
28. computation of circular motion
29. computation of component vectors
30. computation of current, voltage and resistance
31. computation of electric bill
32. computation of electric power
33. computation of free fall
34. computation of frequency and period
35. computation of kinetic energy
36. computation of mass and weight
37. computation of potential energy
38. computation of projectile motion
39. computation of pulleys
40. computation of speed
41. computation of speed of sound via echo
42. computation of temperature scales
43. computation of transformers
44. computation of vectors
45. computation of velocity
46. computation of virtual image in a plane mirror
47. computation of work
48. computation using law of acceleration
49. concave lenses
50. concave mirror
51. condensation (heat)
52. conduction
53. conductors, insulators, semiconductors, superconductors
54. convection
55. convex lenses
56. convex mirror
57. Coulomb’s law
58. deduction
59. diffraction
60. direct variable
61. dispersion
62. double-walled thermos bottle
63. elasticity
64. electromagnetic force
65. electromagnetic waves
66. electron
67. energy conservation
68. energy transfer
69. equilibrium, dynamic
70. equilibrium, static
71. evaporation (heat)
72. free fall
73. friction
74. gamma ray
75. Gay-Lussac’s law
76. generation
77. global warming
78. gravitation
79. gravitational force
80. half life
81. heat absorption
82. heat release
83. how rainbow appears in the sky?
84. hydrostatic pressure
85. ideal gas law
86. identification of wavelength and points of the wave that are in-phase
87. impulse
88. induction
89. inertia
90. infrared
91. interaction
92. interference
93. inverse variation
94. Law of Acceleration
95. Law of Equal Areas
96. Law of Inertia
97. Law of Interaction
98. Law of Momentum conservation
99. Law of Universal Gravitation
100. laws of planetary motion
101. laws of string
102. light
103. loads of unequal weights on a seesaw
104. measuring units
105. microwaves
106. mirage
107. momentum
108. negative acceleration
109. negative uniform motion
110. neutron
111. nuclear fission
112. nuclear fusion
113. nuclear power plants
114. nuclear reaction
115. ohm’s law
116. Pascal’s principle
117. photoelectric effect
118. photon
119. pitch of a guitar
120. polarization
121. positive acceleration
122. positive uniform motion
123. power and work
124. pressure
125. projectile motion
126. radiation
127. radiation, alpha
128. radiation, beta
129. radiation, gamma
130. radio waves
131. range
132. reaction rate in burning materials
133. reflection
134. refraction
135. relationship between atomic number, z, the mass number, a, and the number of neutrons, n, in a nucleus
136. relationship between wavelength and frequency
137. relationships and variations
138. resistance in a wire
139. resistance in a wire
140. scientific method
141. simple pendulum
142. speed
143. speed of light traveling in vacuum, solid, liquid, gas
144. speed of light vs speed of sound
145. speed of sound in solids, liquids, gas, and vacuum
146. speed of sound vis-à-vis temperature
147. strength of an electromagnet
148. strong nuclear force
149. surface tension
150. the stability of an object
151. thermal expansion
152. transformations of energy
153. transformer
154. transmission
155. transmutation
156. uniform circular motion
157. UV rays
158. valence electrons
159. variable, constant
160. variable, controlled
161. variable, dependent
162. variable, independent
163. variable, strenuous
164. vector resolution
165. vectors
166. velocity
167. weak nuclear force
168. weight in elevator
169. why is the sky blue?
170. X-rays
II. ESSAY
Designing a house
2 days to go!
Never waste time and space!
Engr. Herman M. Lagon, Ph.D., Physics Teacher, All Rights Reserved. February 24, 2012.
SCHEDULES TO CONSIDER IN PHYSICS
(AS OF PM OF FEBRUARY 21)
• WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22: Quiz 4-8 (Multiple Choice)
• WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22: Deadline of Investigative Project Draft
• WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22: Deadline of Problem Set 4: Problem Solving
• WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22: Special Quizzes for Quizzes 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4, 4-5, 4-6, and 4-7 (Testing Room; 3 p.m.-5 p.m.)
• CEM IN PHYSICS STARTS
• THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23: Investigative Project Defense Starts (Group 1 first, and so on; 15 min-defense per group with SIP Poster; Criteria same as Debate Reporting)
• THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23: Deadline of Debate Documentary YouTube Video Views
• FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24: Quiz 4-9 (Problem Solving)
• FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24: Deadline of Problem Set 5: Problem Solving
* * *
MAJOR THINGS EXPECTED IN INVESTIGATIVE PROJECT REPORTING AND POSTER MAKING
(a) Introduction – includes the title of the investigation briefly stated, the names of the writers, the purpose for which the report is submitted, the date the research was completed.
(b) Introduction – contains what motivated you to do the investigation or some background information
(c) Aim(s) – state exactly what you set out to investigate. If more than one, number them.
(d) Procedure, observations and deductions- the body of your report. This should include
i. Clear explanation of what you attempted to do
ii. Description of materials used
iii. Any hypotheses you set up and you went about testing them
iv. Difficulties you encountered and how you overcome them
v. Qualitative and quantitative observations made
vi. Analysis of data and observations
vii. Conclusions made at various stages
(e) Summary of findings – here you should draw together the conclusions made at various stages, restating the findings, the limitations and possibly further associated research suggested.
(f) Realizations and reflections (very important)
Note: SIP poster, visual aids, video presentations, and the use of LCD multimedia would be a big help in the reporting. Reporting will be in 15 minutes, while the Q and A portion will be another 10 minutes. All debate rules and reporting instructions still apply in this case. Reporting sequence will be from Group 1 up to Group 10 each class.
What does the teacher expect from the SIP poster?
• Acceptability of the poster dimension and material used (1/2 illustration board and covered with plastic for protection).
• Stability (It must be folded into three vertical folds to be able to stand on its own—please see illustration)
• Legibility from about 1 or 2 meters away
• Attractiveness and Neatness of the Poster
• Conciseness and Brevity of the Report
• Organization of the Information in the Report
What are the parts of the research poster?
The content is same as that of the SIP Reporting only that it is more brief, concise, straightforward, capsulized, artistic, and with added pictures like the one but not limited to the sample above.
SIP Poster is to be passed finally on Monday, March 5, 2012.
* * *
LIST OF REMINDERS IN PERFECTING THE SCIENCE INVESTIGATIVE PROJECT WRITTEN OUTPUT
(Ateneo de Iloilo-style)
Generic Reminders
1. FOLLOW THE SCHOOL’S SCIENCE RESEARCH FORMAT.
2. DOUBLE CHECK YOUR GRAMMAR.
3. Margining: 1 ½ inches for left, and 1 inch for the rest of the sides.
4. Follow generic intro in all chapters. Visit p6withsirh.blogspot.com.
5. Use Arial 11 in all texts, including tables and graphs.
6. Except for Abstract and Resume (which is single spaced), use 1 ½ spacing.
7. Left and right justify every page.
8. Avoid elongation of word or phrase spaces due to left-right justification. Try to use Enter command.
9. Avoid contractions (e.g. it’s, aren’t wouldn’t, herman’s). This is a formal paper; hence, words to be used must also connote formality and convention.
10. In all pages, always maximize paragraphing. Meaning, avoid overcrowding the paragraph. Use only one to three sentences a paragraph. Divide your ideas into paragraphs.
11. Except for the acknowledgement, the rest of the pages must be written in third person form.
12. Use “two (2)” not just “two” or “2.” For numbers more than nine (9), use figures instead.
13. Every time a source is said or noted, describe in detail what this source is all about. Do not just say “According to www.abc.com” or According to Lagon.” These sources must be described to prove that they are worth quoting or noting.
14. All pictures and graphs must be text-wrapped. All of them must also have captions Inquirer style. They must also follow the margin and must be placed in not-so-crowded spaces.
15. Tables and pictures must not be cut into pages. They must be printed or shown in “wholes.”
16. Everything must be left and right (full block) justified.
17. NO space in between paragraphs. Use “paragraph-line spacing” command to solve this perennial tech-neophyte problem.
18. Except for acknowledgement and recommendations, the rest must be written in past tense.
19. Do not use all caps in table titles and classifications.
Approval Sheet
20. Follow the Approval Sheet format of the most recent passed Investigative Projects.
21. Last Day of Science Investigative Project Consultation: Friday, March 2, 2012 (Testing Room). Consultation is through appointment basis.
22. Deadline of Tangible Output in Investigative Project: Monday, March 5, 2012
23. Deadline of Narrative Report for Investigative Project: Monday, March 5, 2012
24. Deadline of Hard Bound Investigative Project Written Output: Wednesday, March 7, 2012
25. Note that hard binding takes at least three days to do, hence, by late February, 2012 all papers for binding must already be in the binding outlet by then; strictly, no paper shall be bound without the signed approval sheet)
Abstract
26. Abstract must provide an overview of the study’s purpose, method, results (conclusions) and implications (in that order).
27. Must only use at most two pages (one page is more recommended). It should follow the sequence of the investigation but must be written with utmost brevity and conciseness.
28. Everything said must be done in full summation (not cut and pasted, not “Chaptered”) and in past tense.
29. Discussions must be in paragraph form (avoid enumerating things).
30. Use single spacing (this single-spacing rule is only true for Abstract and Resume, the rest must be using 1 ½ spacing).
31. Note that people doing research check the Abstract first, and so this part of the paper must be given due time, depth, and effort.
32. Note that during the Exhibit and Defense Proper on January, 2011, the Abstract will be printed in bigger font (illustration board) for everybody to read and scrutinize.
Acknowledgement
33. Written in first person basis.
34. Thank the teacher first, then others in the middle, and lastly but most importantly, God Almighty. (Occupy the whole page, as much as possible)
35. Gratitude to be given in detail. Avoid generalized salutations or motherhood statements.
36. Use complete names (not just titles or surnames) of persons to thank with. If possible, explain their work or describe who they are in detail.
Table of Contents
37. Be sure of the alignment and margining. Use tab in aligning the numbers.
38. Follow the format used by the most recent batch.
Chapter 1 (Introduction)
39. All must be written in present tense (first and second quarters) and in past tense (for the third quarter), and in third person (including the rest of the chapters) basis.
40. Since the introduction to the study is a sort of a Rationale, it should answer the question, “how and why did the group decide to choose the topic?” This must be written in at most five paragraphs (the shorter but more concise the better).
41. Scope and Delimitation of the Study is divided into two: the first paragraph/s discussing the coverage of the study (here you may include the different concepts and devices covered, among others) and the second paragraph/s discussing the things that are not covered anymore by the study and the reasons why they are not included anymore. Limitations such as time, cooperation and effort are not acceptable. There might be other things that can cause slight inaccuracy or trouble in the investigation (and measurements) but initiatives to minimize the inaccuracy or trouble must be cited here.
42. Recheck hypotheses. There are still variables in some groups that are not measurable or are vaguely written.
43. All independent and dependent variables must be defined in the Definition of Terms.
44. Kindly give focus to the operational definition. Variables, especially the tangible ones, must be described in full using all senses possible.
Chapter 2 (Review of Related Literature)
45. Divide text into sub topics. Division may be based on hypothesis or any major subtopics covered in the study.
46. NEVER write anything here that the group does not understand (or does not use) at all. Avoid technical references, unless they are understandable and can be simplified.
47. Use formal third person writing (no “let us,” “we,” or “that you.”).
48. Be mindful of having a good closure or ending.
49. This is vital: Everything discussed here must be parallel to, related to or discussed again in Chapter 4 (Results and Analyses).
50. The more the related literatures and related studies, the better. Minimum of seven pages.
51. Big graphs, tables, or important pdf files (like that of important previous studies taken from the net) must be included in the appendix and not in Chapter 2.
52. In getting a reference, say: “According to Herman Lagon, lead scientist of the Department of Science and Technology, …” This is also true in website or book references.
53. References or interview from local experts on the field of study is highly encouraged.
Chapter 3 (Methodology)
54. In second quarter, use present progressive tense for verbs since the investigation is still to be done. However, use past tense for verbs since the whole investigation was already done.
55. Make more detailed, specific, and blow-by-blow procedures. Write it as if you are making instructional guide to a grade six pupil.
56. Do not clog the procedures into one paragraph.
57. It would help if the textual procedures shall be accompanied by some graphics to facilitate better understanding.
58. Before the tables and graphs are presented, always make due introduction first (e.g. Below shows the table …).
59. Chapter 3 includes only the procedures and the materials. Do not insert here the analysis or results of the group yet.
60. Be conscious in giving the exact units, measurements and values, and in using the right tools, materials or instruments. Assume always that your instructions will be followed by younger students and so it must be as detailed, clear and idiot-friendly as possible. (To check, ask a younger student to read your procedures. If he or she can follow it, then it is ok. But if he or she can’t understand it well, then revise your work.)
Chapter 4 (Results and Analyses)
61. Specific experimentation (the procedure) is not supposed to be thoroughly described here. Instead, focus on the results and analyses of the data.
62. Remember the sequence per hypothesis:
1. Introduction of the hypothesis and table (“In Testing of Hypothesis 1 which states that, ‘xxxxxxxxxxxxxx,’ the following are the data gathered.”),
2. Table (all tables must be labeled or captioned based on the variables it describes),
3. Textual description of the table (“The table shows that…”),
4. Introduction of the line graph (“Below is the graph formed by the data described earlier.”)
5. Line Graph (you may add a bar graph if necessary; all graphs must be labeled or captioned based on the variables it describes),
6. Textual description of the graph which also includes the group’s analysis, inferences and assumptions (“The graph shows that…”)—this is one of the most important parts of Chapter 4,
7. Related Literatures (“The analysis showed conflicting {or similar) opinion/result with that of the same or similar experiment conducted by xxx last xxx which…”).
63. Not so important sub-tables and sub-graphs must be inserted as one of the Appendices (you may place “See Appendix xx for further details on this” or “Appendix xx shows…”).
Chapter 5 (Conclusions and Recommendations)
64. Do not use “accepted” or “not accepted.” Rather, use “rejected” or “not rejected.” The reason for this is that due to some experimental limitations, we can only reject but not totally accept our hypotheses.
65. Like in Chapter 4, use inferences and assumptions (as much as possible) in every rejected or not rejected hypothesis in a more summarized way.
66. Never forget your general conclusion (that summarizes your conclusions) placed after the Conclusions.
67. Recommendations must focus not on “suntok sa buwan” things. Meaning, they must be real-life and can-be-done recommendations. This also covers recommendations to future investigators. It is nice to say that they must avoid procrastination and stuff but the central focus must be on what are the other investigations can they perform to further the search for knowledge in the study that you have now (e.g. innovations and other more creative, daring but plausible tests).
Bibliography
68. Add more book references. Say 10 or more book references, 15 or more internet references, and 5 or more unpublished (investigative project or research) materials.
69. Model Citation for Journals (Investigative Projects and other Theses or Researches):
Lagon, Herman M. and Escobanez, Primo T. (2009). A Study on Cold Fusion. An Investigative Project in Physics IV of the Ateneo de Iloilo High School Department. pp. 45-47.
70. Model Citation for Internet:
Lagon, Herman (1995). An Overview (Abstract) of the Possibility of Cold Fusion Experiments in High School Laboratories. Retrieved December 5, 2009 from www.h_bomb/abl.html
* Note that the website is not underlined here. If the website does not have a known author, then say:
www.h_bomb/abl.html, a website that is dedicated to explain the possibility of doing experimentations on cold fusion in the school laboratory setting. This internet page is being maintained on a regular basis by a group of scientists called The Enlightened Physics Scholars that is based in Germany. Retrieved December 5, 2009.
71. Model Citation for Books:
Lagon, Herman and Hawking, Stephen (2009). Fieldwork Methodology in the Making of Homemade H-Bombs. (2nd Edition). Manila: Macmillan Publishing. pp. 23-25.
Photo Gallery
72. Follow Inquirer style captioning.
SHOOTING TEST. The investigator stretches the string of the bow as far back as possible to check if the tension in the string can affect the range of the arrow if released from the stretched bow. (Jyska Kuan Ken)
73. Note in the sample above that the title is capitalized and in bold letters while the sentence next to it is in present tense. The (Jyska Kuan Ken) notes the person who photographed the picture. The captioning must be done in third person (not personal, expressional or slang) basis.
74. In the final printout, the picture must be colored printed, unstretched (but may be cropped), and only two to three pictures are placed per page.
75. Do not include pictures and captions that have no sense at all. Candid and more focused pictures are strongly advised.
76. Avoid pixilated, unclear, small, and poorly-lighted pictures.
Resume
77. Single spaced (only for Resume and Abstract) and more detailed. It must complete all the data required, especially the projects conducted and the other personal data (e.g. achievements of individual member).
78. Follow the format of the most recent batch of investigative projects.
Appendices
79. Financial Report must follow the format used by the most recent batch of investigative projects.
Note: Each group must assign a style person. He or she must be the one to take charge with the final summarization or editing of the work to ensure fluidity of thoughts and uniformity of style. We use the blue-colored hard-bound cover. The cover page follows the text of the title page.
PHYSICS PROBLEM SOLVING STUDY GUIDE
For Problem Solving Quizzes
Teacher: Engr. Herman M. Lagon, Ph.D.
All Rights Reserved.
Name: ________________________________ Year and Section: _______________
IDENTIFICATION
Identify the concepts, or names of the items described or blanked.
VECTORS
Pythagorean Equation: c2=a2+b2
For the angle, θ=tan-1opp/adj
sin=opp/hyp
cos=adj/opp
tan=opp/adj
Cosine Law: c2=a2+b2-2abcosθ
note that the angle θ here is the angle formed by sides a and b (it is the angle that faces side c
A,B,C, angles of triangle
a,b,c, sides of triangle
Sine Law: a/sinA=b/sinB=c/sinC
Methods to solve vector problems:
Component Method
Graphical Method
Parallelogram Method
Polygon Method
Pythagorean Method
Trigonometric Method
MOTION
v=d/t
v, speed, m/s
d, distance, m
t, time, s
v = d / t
v, velocity
d, displacement
Average Speed, vave
vave = total distance covered/total tine distance was covered
Mother Formulas (Acceleration and Free Fall)
a = (vf-vi)/t
d=vit+at2/2
2ad=vf2-vi2
a, acceleration, m/v2
vf, final velocity
vi, initial velocity
ts = tr + tb
ts, stopping time
tr, reaction time (UM)
tb, braking time (UAM)
ds = dr + db
ds, stopping distance
dr, reaction distance (UM)
db, braking distance (UAM)
Free-falling body (from rest)
d = ½ gt2
vf = gt
g, acceleration due to gravity; -9.8 m/s2 is the value of g at sea level (may be higher if it goes nearer to the Earth, lower if it goes away from Earth)
Free-falling body (thrown down)
vf = vi +gt
vf2 = vi2 +2gd
d = vit + ½ gt2
Note: If a body is thrown upward, the body slows down (constant decrease of velocity) until it reaches the highest point where the body will have a zero velocity. It will then move down (constant increase of velocity) until it stops as it hits the ground. The g is always negative even if the body is thrown upward.
Projectile Motion
Case 1 Projectile (body is thrown horizontally):
For motion along x (UM),
vx = dx/t
R = dx = vxt
t = dx/vx
t=dx/vx
For motion along y (UAM)
vfy = gt
dy = ½ gt2
vx, speed, m/s
dx, range, m
vfy, final speed, m/s
dy, height, m
t, time, s
UM, uniform motion
UAM, uniform accelerated motion
Case 2 Projectile (body is thrown at an angle):
vix = vicosθ
viy = visinθ
vix, initial horizontal velocity, m/s
viy, initial vertical velocity, m/s
vi, initial velocity, m/s
θ, angle that the projectile is thrown with respect to the ground
R = vi2cos2θ/2g
tup = viy/g = visinθ/g
h = viytup + ½ gtup2
R, range, m
tup, time it takes to go up to the highest height, s
h, altitude or the highest height, m
g, acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s2 at sea level—in positive form if formula R = vi2cos2θ/2g is used, if g is negative, then use formula R = -vi2cos2θ/2g)
When projectile is thrown at 450, R = vo2/g
(Note: At 450, the range of the projectile is at its longest. If the angle is less than or more than 450, then it will have the same range as its complementary angle.)
FORCE AND MOTION
F = ma (second law of motion)
F, net force acting on an object; net force is the unbalanced force, N, that assumes similar direction with that of the acceleration of the object
m, mass, kg
a, acceleration, m/s2
For equilibrium to happen,
Summation of Fy is zero
where Fy are set of vertical forces which conventionally assumes those going upward to be positive and those going downward to be negative
Summation of Fx is zero
where Fx are horizontal forces which conventionally assumes those going upward to be positive and those going downward to be negative
Summation of Moment is zero
where M are set of torques or moments of inertia which conventionally assumes those going clockwise to be positive and those going counter clockwise to be negative (M or Torque = F x lever arm)
W = mg
W, weight, N or kg m/s2
g, acceleration due to gravity (-9.8 m/s2 at sea level on Earth)
m, mass, kg
Weightlessness
Upward force = Downward force
Friction
f = µFn
f, frictional force, N
µ, coefficient of friction, no unit
Fn, normal force
MOMENTUM AND COLLISION
Impulse
I = Ft
Momentum
P=mv
I = P, hence, mv = Ft
P, momentum, kg m/s
I, Impulse, kg m/s
F, force, N
m, mass, kg
v, velocity, m/s
Conservation of Momentum
Momentum before = momentum after collision
TOPPING AND TURNING
Typical Two-Man Seesaw
F1d1=F2d2
d, lever arm, m
F, force or weight, N
UNIFORM CIRCULAR MOTION
v=2πr/t
ac=v2/r
Fc=mv2/r
v, speed, m/s
r, radius (may be length of string), m
t, time for one revolution, s
ac, centripetal acceleration, m/s2
m, mass, kg
Fc, centripetal force, N
Third Law of Planetary Motion
T2=R3
T, time it takes for one revolution, s
R, average distance of the planet from the sun, m
Law of Universal Gravitation
Fg = Gm1m2/r2
Fg, gravitational force, N
G, gravitational constant, 6.67 x 10-11 N.m2/kg2
m1, m2, masses between two objects, kg
g = GmE/r2
g, acceleration due to gravity
mE, mass of the Earth, kg
r, center-to-center distance between masses, m
SOLIDS AND FLUIDS
Hooke’s Law
F = kx
F, deforming force, N
k, constant of proportionality
x, deformation, m
Stress=F/A
Stress, Pa or N/m2
F, deforming force, N
A, cross-sectional area over which the force is distributed, m2
Strain=Δl/lo
Strain, no unit
Δl, change in length, m
lo, original length, m
Y=Flo/AΔl
Y, Young’s Modulus of Elasticity, N/m2
Thermal Expansion
Linear expansion
ΔL = αLoΔT
Volumetric expansion
ΔV = βVoΔT
Gas expansion (Charles’ Law)
T1/V1=T2/V2
α, coefficient of linear expansion, /0C
β, coefficient of volumetric expansion, /0C
T, in Kelvin
ΔL, change in length, m
ΔV, change in volume, m3 or mL
ΔT, change in temperature in Celsius
Lo, initial length, m
Vo, initial volume, m3 or mL
Other Gas Laws
Boyle’s Law
P1V1 = P2V2
(pressure and volume are inversely proportional)
Gay-Lussac’s Law
P1/T1 = P2/T2
(pressure and temperature are directly proportional)
FLOWING MATTER
P=F/A
P, pressure, Pa
F, force, N
A, cross-sectional area, m2
Hydrostatic Pressure
P=ρgh
P, hydrostatic pressure, Pa
ρ, density of the fluid, kg/m3
g, acceleration due to gravity
h, depth of the point of consideration in the fluid, m
density
ρ=m/V
(please see list of equations of volume in last part of this reviewer)
Normal atmospheric pressure
1 atm = 1.013 x 105 Pa = 76 cm of Hg or 760 mm of Hg = 760 torr
Absolute pressure = Gauge Pressure + Atmospheric Pressure
Pascal’s Principle
F2=F1A2/A1
F2, output force, N
F1, input force, N
A2, output area, m2
A1, input area, m2
Archimedes Principle
Buoyant force = Weight of the fluid displaced
BF = ρgV
BF, buoyant force, N
ρ, density of the fluid, kg/m3
g, acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s2 at sea level)
V, volume of displaced fluid, m3
Note: fluid may be in gas or liquid form
If BF< Weight of the object, the object sinks
If BF = Weight of the object, the object floats
If BF > Weight of the object, the condition does not exist (maximum BF is max weight of object)
ρ of water = 1000 kg/m3
ρ of sea water = 1030 kg/m3
ρ of sea mercury = 14000 kg/m3
ρ of sea gasoline = 680 kg/m3
specific gravity = density of the object/density of water
R = vtA/t = vA
R, rate of flow of the fluid through pipe
vt, distance traveled, m
A, cross-sectional area of the pipe
v, speed of flow of fluid
WORK, POWER, AND ENERGY
W = Fd
W, work, Joule, J, kg m2/s2
F, Force exerted, N
d, distance travelled, m
P = W/t = Fd/t = Fv
P, power, watt, kg m2/s3
t, time that the work is done
GPE = mgh
GPE, gravitational potential energy, J (sometimes taken simply as PE)
m, mass, kg
g, acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s2 at sea level)
h, height of the object from the ground, m
KE = ½ mv2
KE, kinetic energy, J
v, velocity, m/s
Total Mechanical Advantage = PE + KE
MACHINES
MA = Output force / Input force
MA, mechanical advantage
Lever formula
Fout/Fin = Lin/Lout
F, force
L, lever arm
(Note: this is to be taken like the seesaw)
AMA = Fout/Fin
Actual mechanical advantage
IMA = Lin/Lout
Ideal mechanical advantage
For inclined plane,
IMA = L/h
h, height of the inclined plane, m
L, length of the inclined plane, m
For screw,
IMA = 2πR/pitch
R, radius if the screw, m
pitch, distance between adjacent threads (corrugated part) in the screw, m
Efficiency = Output work/Input work x 100
Efficiency = AMA/IMA
HEAT AND THERMODYNAMICS
0C = 5/9 (0F-32)
0F = 9/5 (0C) + 32
K = 0C + 273
0R = 0F + 460
Absolute zero = 0 K = -273 0C
-400C = -400F (only value equal to both scales)
0C, Centigrade or Celsius
0F, Fahrenheit
0R, Rankine
K, Kelvin
H = mcΔT
H, heat, J
m, mass of the substance, gram, g
c, specific heat of the substance, cal/g.0C
ΔT, difference in temperature, 0C
Specific heats
water, 1.00 cal/g.0C
ice, 0.50 cal/g.0C
wood, 0.42 cal/g.0C
copper, 0.09 cal/g.0C
Latent Heat
Hf = mhf (melting or freezing)
Hv = mhv (vaporization or condensation)
Latent heat of fusion, hf, of water, 80.0 cal/g
Latent heat of vaporization, hv, of water, 540 cal/g
Method of Mixtures
Hgained = Hlost
THERMODYNAMICS
ΔU = Q + W (first law of thermodynamics)
ΔU, change in internal energy, J
Q, heat transferred
W, work done
Mechanical equivalent of heat = work/heat
or
W=Q x ΔU
Kinetic Molecular Theory suggests that the higher the temperature of the molecules, the faster that the molecules move and vice versa.
WAVES
f = 1/T
T = 1/f
v = d/t
v = λ/T
v = fλ
f, frequency, Hz
T, period or the time it takes in one revolution, s
λ, wavelength, m
d, distance
Pendulum
T = 2πx square root of L/g
T, period or time it takes for one oscillation, s
l, length of the pendulum, m
g, acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s2 if at sea level)
Doppler effect (one case)
f = fs {(vs/(vs+v)}
f, frequency of sound heard by the listener as the source is moving toward him
v, velocity of the source
fs, frequency of sound
vs, velocity of sound
SOUND
λ = vt
β = 10 logI/Io
v = 331 + 0.6T
λ, wavelength or distance travelled, m
β, sound intensity level, dB
I, intensity of a given sound
Io, threshold of hearing
v, speed of sound, m/s
T, temperature in Celsius
t, time, s
Laws of Strings:
Law of length
f1/f2 = l2/l1
(The shorter the string, the higher the frequency or the pitch)
f1, frequency of the string with length l1
f2, frequency of the string with length l2
Law of diameter
f1/f2 = d2/d1
(The shorter the diameter of the string, the higher the frequency or the pitch)
f1, frequency of the string with a diameter d1
f2, frequency of the string with a diameter d2
Law of tension
(The higher the tension in the string, the higher the frequency or the pitch)
f1, frequency of the string that corresponds to tension t1
f2, frequency of the string that corresponds to tension t2
Law of density
(The lower the density of the string, the higher the frequency or the pitch)
f1, frequency of the string that corresponds to tension t1
f2, frequency of the string that corresponds to tension t2
Please review other formulas on resonance, sound produced by columns and strings (see textbook)
LIGHT AND OPTICS
E = hf
E, energy of each quantum, J
f, frequency of the light source, Hz
h, Planck constant, 6.626 x 10-34 J.s
Law of refraction of light
sin i/sin r = v1/v2
v1, speed of light in the first medium, m/s
v2, speed of light in the second medium, m/s
i, angle of incidence
r, angle of refraction
Index of refraction of air, 1.0003; flint glass, 1.63; ice, 1.31; water, 1.33; diamond, 2.42.
Lens Equation
1/f = 1/di + 1/do
f, focal length, the distance of the focus from the center of the lens
di, distance of the image from the center of the lens, m
do, distance of the object from the center of the lens, m
M=di/do = hi/ho
M, magnification of the image, M
hi, image height, m
ho, object height, m
Size of objects and images in a plane mirror and lenses
So/do = Si/di
So, size of the object
Si, size of the image
Lens power
P = 1/f
Focal length = ½ radius of curvature
Illuminance = luminous flux / area
ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM
Coulomb’s Law
Fe = kq1q2/d2
Fe, electrostatic force, N
k, proportionality constant, 9 x 109 N.m2/C2
q1q2, charges of two objects, coulomb, C
Charge of 1 electron = -1.60 x 10-19C
Number of electrons in 1 C = 6 x 1018 electrons
Like charges repel, unlike charges attract each other
Intensity of an electrostatic field (N/C), IE = F/q
F, electrostatic force, N
q, charge, C
V = ΔPE/q
V, voltage or potential difference, V
ΔPE, change in electric potential energy, J
q, charge, C
I = q/t
I, current, A
q, charge, C
t, time, s
Ohm’s Law
V = IR
V, voltage or potential difference or emf, V
I, current, A
R, resistance, Ω
P = VI
P = I2R
P, power, Watt
V, voltage, V
R, resistance, Ώ
I, current, A
W = Vq
W = I2Rt
W, work needed to move a unit charge from one point to another, J
I, current, A
R, resistance, Ω
t, time, s
E = Pt
E, energy, J
T, time, s
P, power, W
Cost of Energy Used = Energy Consumption (kWh) x cost per kWh
Laws of Resistance:
Law of nature of material
R=ρL/A
R, resistance, Ώ
ρ, resistivity, Ώ.m
L, length of wire, m
A, cross-sectional area of the wire, m2
Law of length
R1/R2 = l1/l2
(The current flowing through a wire will be reduced if the wire were made longer, using the same power source)
Law of diameter
R1/R2 = d22/d12
R, resistance in the conductor, Ω
d, diameter of a conductor
Law of temperatures
R = R0 (1 + αT)
R0, resistance of the metal at 00C
α, temperature coefficient of resistance
T, temperature in 0C
Series Circuit
Itotal = I1 = I2 = I3
Rtotal = R1 + R2 + R3
Vtotal = V1 + V2 + V3 …
Itotal=Vtotal/Rtotal
Parallel Circuit
Vtotal = V1 = V2 = V3
Itotal = I1 + I2 + I3 …
1/Rtotal = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 …
Transformers
V1/N1 = V2/N2
V1, primary voltage, V
V2, secondary voltage, V
N1, number of primary turns/coils
N2, number of secondary turns/coils
F = qvB sinθ
F, magnetic force, N
q, charge of the moving particle, C
v, velocity of the moving particle
B, magnetic field strength, T (tesla)
F=IlB
F, magnitude of force
l, length of a conductor, m
I, current, A
B, magnetic field strength, T (tesla)
Faraday’s Law
έ = -NΔΦ/Δt
N, number of loops of wire
ΔΦ, Φ2-Φ1, amount of change of the magnetic flux, W
Δt, time when flux change
C=q/V
C, capacitance, F (farad)
q, charge, C
V, potential difference of voltage, V
MATTER AND ENERGY
Mass of a proton = 1.67 x 10-27 kg
Nuclear fusion
light nucleus + light nucleus
heavy nucleus + energy
Nuclear fission
0n1 + fissionable material
fission fragments + neutrons + energy
E = mc2
c, speed of light, 300 000 km/s or to be exact, 299 792.458 km/s
E, energy, J
m, mass, kg
Photoelectric Effect
E = hf = Φ + ½ mv2
E, energy required to remove an electron from a metal
h, Planck’s constant (6.62 x 10-34 J.s)
f, frequency of the incident light, Hz
m, mass of the elected electron, kg
v, velocity of the elected electron, m/s
Φ, work function, J
Compton Scattering
Initial energy = final energy
hf0 = hf + ΔKE
hf0, initial photon energy
hf, final photon energy
ΔKE, KE gained by electron
De Broglie Wavelength, λ
λ = h/(mv)
h, Planck’s constant
mv, momentum of the photon
Atomic Number and Mass Number
A = Z + N
Z, atomic number or the number of protons in nucleus
N, neutron number or number of neutrons in nucleus
A, mass number or total number of nucleons (protons and neutrons)
Sample Half Life:
If half life of a 100 g substance is 1 day,
After first day: mass left is 50 g
After second day: mass left is 25 g
After third day: mass left is 12.5 g
After fourth day: mass left is 6.25 g
… and so on.
The rest of the mass decayed and turned into other forms of mass or energy.
GENERIC FORMULAS
slope = rise/run
slope = (y2-y1)/(x2-x1)
Variations
a α b, direct proportionality (positive slope)
a α 1/b, indirect proportionality (negative slope)
a α b2, direct square proportionality (positive slope, parabolic)
a α 1/b2, inverse square proportionality (negative slope, parabolic)
Circumference of a circle = 2πr
Lateral surfaces
ACylinder = 2πrh
ASphere=4πr2
Areas
square = a 2 
rectangle = ab 
parallelogram = bh 
trapezoid = h/2 (b1 + b2) 
circle = π r 2 
ellipse = π r1 r2 
Volumes
cube = a 3 
rectangular prism = a b c
irregular prism = b h 
cylinder = b h = π r 2 h 
pyramid = (1/3) b h 
cone = (1/3) b h = 1/3 π r 2 h 
sphere = (4/3) π r 3 
ellipsoid = (4/3) π r1 r2 r3 
Conversion Factors
1 inch = 2.54 cm
1 yard = 3 feet
1 kg = 2.2 lbs
1 hectare (ha) = 10000 m2
1 kg = 1000 ml of pure water
1 hp = 746 W
1 h = 3600 s
1 mile = 1.61 kilometers
1 cal = 4.19 J
1 rad = 0.01 J/kg
Significant Figures
Examples:
23.00 (4 sf), 0.60 (2sf), 20.10 (4 sf), 400 (1 sf), 32.010 (5 sf), 0070, (1sf) 2030 (3 sf). 0.00020 (2 sf)
Scientific Notation
Examples:
200 000 000 (2 x 108)
0.000 000 45 (4.5 x 10-7)
17 days to go!
NEVER WASTE TIME AND SPACE.
Engr. Herman Lagon, Ph.D.
Physics Teacher
All Rights Reserved.
PHYSICS FORMULAS
(Second Academic Period)
Chapter 8: Uniform Circular Motion
Constant Speed, v, m/s
v = 2πr/t
r, radius, m
t, period, s
Centripetal Acceleration, ac, m/s2
ac=v2/r
Centripetal Force, Fc, N or kg m/s2
Fc=mv2/r
Third Law of Planetary Motion
T2=R3
T, period (time it takes for one revolution)
R, average radius
Law of Universal Gravitation
Fg=Gm1m2/r2
m1, m2, masses of two objects, kg
G, gravitational constant, 6.67 x 1011 Nm2/kg2
Fg, gravitational force (attraction), N or kg m/s2
Chapter 9: Elasticity
Hooke’s Law
F = kx
F, force, N
x, length of elongation, m
k, constant
Stress
Stress = F/A
Stress, N/m2 or Pa (pascal)
F, force, N
A, cross-sectional area, m2
Strain
Strain = ΔL/L
ΔL, change in length, m
L, original length, m
Young’s Modulus of Elasticity, Y
Y=Stress/Strain
Chapter 10: Flowing Matter
Pressure
P=F/A
P, Pressure, Pa or N/m2
Hydrostatic Pressure, P or Pgauge
P=ρgh
ρ, density, kg/m3
g, acceleration due to gravity, m/s2
h, depth, m
Density, ρ
ρ=m/V
m, mass, kg
v, volume, m3
Specific Gravity a.k.a. Relative Density
sp. gr.= ρs/ρh2o
ρs=density of substance, kg/m3
ρh2o=density of water, 1000 kg/m3
Value of Atmospheric Pressure, Patm
1 atm=1.013 x 105 Pa=760 mm of Hg
Absolute Pressure, Pabs
Pabs=Pgauge+Patm
Pgauge, hydrostatic pressure, Pa
Patm, atmospheric pressure, Pa
Pascal’s Principle
F1/A1=F2/A2
F, force, N
A, contact area, m2
Bernoulli’s Principle
P1v1=P2v2
P1,P2, pressure, Pa
v1, v2, velocity of fluid, m/s
Archimedes’ Principle
BF=ρgV
BF=Wair-Wfluid
BF, buoyant force, N
V, volume of the fluid displaced, m3
Wair, weight of substance in air
Wfluid, weight of fluid displaced
Chapter 11: Work, Power, and Energy
Work, J or N.m or kg m2/s2
W=Fd
F, force, N
d, distance traveled, m
Power, W or J/s or kgm2/s3
P= W/t
P=Fd/t
P=Fv
t, time, s
v, velocity, m/s
Note: 1 hp = 750 W
Gravitational Potential Energy, GPE,
J or kg m2/s2
J or kg m2/s2
GPE=mgh
m, mass, kg
g, acceleration due to gravity, m/s2
h, height with respect to the ground, m
Kinetic Energy, KE
J or kg m2/s2
KE=mv2/2
J or kg m2/s2
v, velocity, m/s
Velocity of Free-Falling Body, vf, m/s
vf=vi+at
vi, initial velocity, zero if it starts from rest, m/s
a, acceleration due to gravity, 9.8 m/s2 at sea level on earth
t, time, s
Chapter 12: Machines
Mechanical Advantage, MA
MA=Output Force (in N)/Input Force (in N)
Ideal Mechanical Advantage, IMA
IMA=L/h
L, length of inclined plane
H, height of banking
Efficiency, E, %
E=Output Work (in J)/Input Work (in J)
E=AMA/IMA
AMA, Actual Mechanical Advantage
Chapter 13: Heat and Temperature
Temperature Scales
oC=5/9(oF-32)
oF=9/5(oC)+32
K= oC+273
oR= oF+460
oC, Centigrade
oF, Fahrenheit
oR, Rankine
K, Kelvin
Note: 1 cal=4.19J
Heat, Q, Joule
Q=mkΔT
k, specific heat, J/(kg.oC)
ΔT, change in temperature, oC
Latent Heat
Q=mhf
hf, latent heat of fusion, J/kg
Chapter 14: Thermodynamics
Law of Conservation of Energy or First Law of Thermodynamics
ΔU=Q+W
Chapter 15: Waves
Frequency, f, Hz
f=1/T
f=v/λ
f=number of revolution/T
T, period, s
v, wave velocity, m/s
λ, wavelength, m
Period, T, s
T=1/f
Average Speed, v, m/s
v=d/t
v=λ/t
v=f λ
d, distance, m
t, time, s
λ, wavelength, m
Chapter 16: Sound
Velocity of Sound, v, m/s
v=d/t
d, distance, m
t, time, s
Velocity of Echo, vecho, m/s
vecho=2d/t
Intensity of Sound, β, dB
Β=10logI/Io
I, intensity of given sound, dB
Io, threshold of hearing, db
Ateneo de Iloilo students face e’quake as planned
\

ATENEO DE ILOILO-SMCS
High School Department Science Program
Pison Avenue, San Rafael, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
PHYSICS PROBLEM SOLVING STUDY GUIDE
For Problem Solving Quizzes
Teacher: Engr. Herman M. Lagon, Ph.D.
All Rights Reserved.
Name: ________________________________ Year and Section: _______________
IDENTIFICATION
Identify the concepts, or names of the items described or blanked.
VECTORS
Pythagorean Equation: c2=a2+b2
or c = ![]()
For the angle, θ=tan-1opp/adj
sin=opp/hyp
cos=adj/opp
tan=opp/adj
Cosine Law: c2=a2+b2-2abcosθ
or c = ![]()
note that the angle θ here is the angle formed by sides a and b (it is the angle that faces side c
![]() |
B
a
c
θ=A
b
A
A,B,C, angles of triangle
a,b,c, sides of triangle
Sine Law: a/sinA=b/sinB=c/sinC
Methods to solve vector problems:
Component Method
Graphical Method
Parallelogram Method
Polygon Method
Pythagorean Method
Trigonometric Method

y z
θ
x
x = z cos θ
y = z sin θ
z = ![]()
x

y
θ
y = z cos θ
x = z sin θ
z = ![]()
Special condition (concurrent forces):


![]()
T1 T2
T1y T2y
![]()
![]()
![]()
θ1 θ2
T1x T2x
W
Since θ1 = θ2, T1 = T2
T1 = T2 = W/(2sinθ)
MOTION
v=d/t
v, speed, m/s
d, distance, m
t, time, s
v = d / t
![]()
v, velocity
![]()
d, displacement
Average Speed, vave
vave = total distance covered/total tine distance was covered
Mother Formulas (Acceleration and Free Fall)
a = (vf-vi)/t
d=vit+at2/2
2ad=vf2-vi2
a, acceleration, m/v2
vf, final velocity
vi, initial velocity
ts = tr + tb
ts, stopping time
tr, reaction time (UM)
tb, braking time (UAM)
ds = dr + db
ds, stopping distance
dr, reaction distance (UM)
db, braking distance (UAM)
Free-falling body (from rest)
d = ½ gt2
vf = gt
vf = ![]()
g, acceleration due to gravity; -9.8 m/s2 is the value of g at sea level (may be higher if it goes nearer to the Earth, lower if it goes away from Earth)
Free-falling body (thrown down)
vf = vi +gt
vf2 = vi2 +2gd
d = vit + ½ gt2
Note: If a body is thrown upward, the body slows down (constant decrease of velocity) until it reaches the highest point where the body will have a zero velocity. It will then move down (constant increase of velocity) until it stops as it hits the ground. The g is always negative even if the body is thrown upward.
Projectile Motion
Case 1 Projectile (body is thrown horizontally):
For motion along x (UM),
vx = dx/t
R = dx = vxt
t = dx/vx
t=dx/vx
For motion along y (UAM)
vfy = gt
dy = ½ gt2
vfy = ![]()
v=
