Introduction to Physics

What is Physics? What does physics mean to you? Spend some time writing down what it means to you.

Now turn to a neighbor and share what you think physics is.

Share what you think physics is?

Physics is… Some examples of physics that most people think of: Large Hadron Collider Newton’s Cradle Rockets Bridges and Robots to name a few

What Physics really is…Physics is the branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy. Subjects include: Magnetism Electricity Light Pendulums MotionWe will focus on motion for the rest of the term

Some Vocabulary on Motion• Distance• How far an object has traveled• Example: Odometer

• Displacement• How far an object is from where it began• Example: The phrase “As the crow flies”

Some Vocabulary on Motion cont…• Speed• How fast an object is going• Example: Speedometer

• Velocity• How fast an object is going in one direction• Example: Driving 60 mph North

• Acceleration• The rate of change of velocity• Gravity

Poster of Vocabulary Terms Working with your group: Create a poster that defines the vocabulary terms in

your own words

Include a picture that helps explain the vocabulary terms

Be prepared to present your poster to the class at the beginning of next time

Before We leave Spend the next few minutes writing down what physics now means to you and include some examples