During this first semester in physics, we covered a lot!! The first unit we covered was on 1-deminsional and 2-demensional kinematics. Kinematics is the study of motion. Following our kinematics unit, we practiced graphing kinematic related problems. The second unit we covered dealt with Forces and Motion. We were instructed to memorize Newton's 1st, 2nd, and 3rd laws. The equation to find force is Fnet = ma or the Net Force = mass x acceleration. I learned that the unit for force is called a "Newton" or kg m/s^2. I felt like the PA’s for this unit covered so much and we did so many practice problems. But, I think all that practice paid off. After all of this, the most memorable lesson I took from this unit is WEIGHT IS NOT MASS!!! Weight = mg (: Momentum was the next unit we covered. The equation for momentum reads p = mass x velocity and its unit of measurement is kg m/s. We were continuously reminded that Momentum in = momentum out, meaning that momentum cannot be created nor destroyed, it can only change forms. The unit of momentum also tied into our unit on energy, which also followed a similar law of conservation. The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created nor destroyed, it can only change forms. I learned about the potential energy of gravity, the potential energy of a spring, and kinetic energy. I learned about the equations used to find each of these components. Throughout this semester, I really learned a lot and I hope that second semester is filled with many more fun lessons.
