Physics Semester 1 Review

Uugh, I can't believe that the first semester is already over and that it's only been three weeks. It feels as though we have spent months in this class and yet hardly any time at all. That's probably because we learned so much these past three weeks.

In Unit 1, we learned about accuracy and precision, conversions/stoichiometry, scientific notation, and the different types of graphs. We mostly focused on the graphs and the different relationships their variables have with each other, which was helpful, since we're still using that knowledge now while making graphs.

In Unit 2, we began learning about kinematics. We learned about motion maps and how to draw them, and about scalar and vector quantities. We also learned about the difference between distance and displacement, speed and velocity, what acceleration is, as well as about the three graphing rules.

In Unit 3, we learned more about acceleration. We learned how to draw Distance vs. Time graphs, Velocity vs. Time graphs, Acceleration vs. Time graphs, as well as how one graph could help us draw another one. We also learned about the DAT, VAT, and VAD equations and how to use them, as well as what steps to take while solving the equations.

In Unit 4, we learned about projectiles. We learned about how to draw diagrams of projectiles and how to draw graphs. We also learned that when making graphs, the two axes are independent. We also learned how to use the DAT, VAT, and VAD equations to find whatever factors we needed. These problems were complicated at first, but became a lot easier with practice.

In Unit 5, we learned all about forces in equilibrium and how to use vectors. We learned the bureku technique, which allows us to break up diagonals on free body diagrams in order to find the information we need. We also learned what force is, which is a push or pull and is a vector quantity, as well as a couple types of force. Lastly, we learned Newton's three laws of physics, which provide us with a greater understanding of why things act the way they do.

In Unit 6, we focused on Newton's second law, which states that Fnet=ma. We learned how to draw and do problems that involve acceleration, which we didn't know how to do in the previous lesson. We also learned more about friction, and how there are two different types: static and kinetic. Static friction is stationary motion, while kinetic friction is moving friction. We also learned how to find the force of friction, which is equal to the coefficient of friction times the normal force. The coefficient of friction is pretty much based on the stickiness of the object.


In all honesty, I absolutely love this class! Mr. Blake makes learning interesting by adding in jokes and relating to us, unlike other teachers, who would just talk at us without waiting to see if we understand. I think the pace of this class is almost perfect, if not a little fast sometimes, but I don't really think there's any way that can be fixed, since we have so much to cover in so little time. I also like how I am beginning to look at things outside of class and being able to relate what they are doing to what we are learning in physics.

Most of the stuff we learned I understand decently, but units 5 and 6 are definitely the two units that I struggled the most with. I have a hard time doing the bureku technique as well as drawing free body diagrams, since I find them so confusing. However, the reason that I have such a hard time with units 5 and 6 could just be because we only learned them this week, and we didn't have enough time to practice. Either way, I'm really looking forward to another fun 3 weeks of physics!!