Mechanical Physics
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Law of Angular Momentum Conservation in Physics
The law of conservation of angular momentum gives physicists a powerful problem solving tool to predict the effects of changing moment of inertia on angular velocity.
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Figure Skating & Angular Momentum Conservation
Figure skaters use the physics law of conservation of angular momentum to control their spins. Adjusting the arms changes the moment of inertia and angular velocity.
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Centripetal Forces and Centrifugal Effects
Inward centripetal forces keep objects moving in circular paths. Outward centrifugal effects are not real forces. They are caused by an object's inertia.
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Understanding Physics of Inertial Forces
Inertial forces are not really forces. They are effects that feel like forces but arise from Newton's inertial law in a reference frame that is accelerating.
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Understanding the Derivation of Escape Velocity
The minimum speed needed to escape from the gravitational field of a star, planet, or moon is the escape velocity. Escape velocity derives from conservation of energy.
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Is There Gravity on the Moon or in Space?
Newton's law of gravity says there is a gravitational force between any two objects in the universe and this force weakens with distance but extends infinite distances.
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What Is a Kilowatt-Hour on Electric Bills
Many people may wonder what kilowatt-hours are when they receive their monthly electric bills. Kilowatt-hours are a unit of energy.
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Understanding Physics Collision Problems
Collisions problems are an important class of problems in physics. Momentum is conserved in all collisions. Kinetic energy is only conserved in elastic collisions.
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Fun Classroom Demonstrations for Newton's Laws
A few of many possible classroom demonstrations that illustrate Newton's laws and excite kids about learning physics.
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Understanding Physics Conservation of Momentum
Momentum is the mass times the velocity. In the absence of external forces, the total momentum of an isolated system must be conserved and remain constant.
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Basic Physics of Rocket Propulsion
Rocket propulsion from toy water rockets to the space shuttle can be understood in terms of either Newton's third law or the law of conservation of momentum.
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Understanding Kepler's Third Law
Kepler's third law of planetary motion is a mathematical relation between orbital periods and distances. It allows astronomers to measure masses of celestial objects.
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Understanding Kepler's Second Law
Kepler's second law of planetary motion, expressed in terms of equal areas and equal times, means that the planets change speeds as they orbit the Sun.
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Kepler's First Law
Kepler's first law of planetary motion radically changed our views of the cosmos by saying that planets had elliptical orbits.
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Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion
Using Tycho Brahe's laboriously collected data on planetary positions Johannes Kepler discovered three laws of planetary motion and revolutionized astronomy.
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Energy and Power in Physics
In physics power is the rate at which energy is used or work is done. The average power is the energy divided by the time.
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Understanding Work in Physics
In physics work has a very specific definition that is different from the everyday definition. A force must be applied over a distance.
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Understanding Potential Energy
Potential energy is the energy of position resulting from any conservative force.
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Geosynchronous Satellite Orbits
Communications satellites often use geosynchronous orbits because they remain stationary above the same location on Earth.
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Understanding Kinetic Energy
Kinetic energy is the energy of motion. The work energy theorem is a powerful problem solving tool. Heat or thermal energy is random kinetic energy.
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Resonant Orbits and Saturn's Rings
The Voyager space probe to Saturn revealed incredibly detailed unexpected structure in Saturn's rings. Resonant orbits of Saturn's moons help cause this structure.
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Shepherd Moons & Planetary Rings
The Voyager space probe to Saturn revealed incredibly detailed unexpected structure in Saturn's rings. Shepherd moons help cause this structure.
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Why Do Earth & Planets Orbit Sun?
With his laws of motion and gravity Newton resolved the heliocentric vs. geocentric controversy and explained what causes orbits.
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Newton's Laws for Kids - Gravity
Isaac Newton discovered three laws of motion and the law of gravity to explain motions observed on Earth and in space. Gravity acts between everything in the Universe.
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Newton's Laws for Kids - Overview
Isaac Newton discovered three laws of motion and the law of gravity that explain motions observed on Earth and in space.
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