Blog 6: Momentum

In this video the conservation of momentum is shown because the momentum of the first ball is transferred to the second ball once they collide.  Although the first and the second ball do not have the same kinetic energy (velocity) before and after the collision because energy is lost to friction and sound, the momentum of the of the total system is conserved throughout the collision. The mass of the two balls must be the same or very similar because they are the same size, same manufacturer and same material so mass is irrelevant in this example.  Therefore, the velocity of the first ball right before it hits the second ball must be equal to the velocity of second ball plus the first ball right after the collision because of conservation of momentum.  Physics is everywhere, even at McCully Bike.

Blog 5: Power

Since I fail at computers (I actually had to audit Java programming to not get an E and screw my GPA) I cant embed this video, but its super funny, so click on the link.(And after posting this I realize it doesn't even let you click, so highlight, control-c, or right click copy and open a new tab and watch it!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=182GMMxyuOk

I recommend skipping to 0:53 if you want to laugh.

In this video the boy experiences the power of roller coasters.  While the coaster is going up at the beginning its velocity is very slow, so it does the work very slowly as well, resulting in low power.  This is because Power=work/time, so the longer it takes the roller coaster to reach the top, the lower the power.  After the coaster reaches the top however and it makes its descent down, its velocity becomes very fast, so it does work quickly, increasing its power.  With so much power acting on him, the boy goes insane and yells for no reason.   The lesson here: don't try to answer questions about baseball on roller coasters, otherwise someone will tape you and you will be a laughingstock on youtube.  Power is fun!