Satisfying application of physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a physics lab test simulating a bungee jump, where participants describe their experiences and approaches to achieving a specific goal in the experiment. The focus is on the application of physics concepts such as force, spring constants, and energy calculations in a practical setting.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their method of calculating the spring constant using F=-kx and determining the elastic potential energy with Pe=1/2kx^2 to achieve the goal of dropping an egg without it touching the floor.
  • The same participant shares their calculations and results, detailing the measurements and formulas used to find the necessary string length for the experiment.
  • Another participant expresses appreciation for the lab experience, indicating a preference for practical applications of physics.
  • A later reply mentions a personal milestone of declaring a major in physics, suggesting a connection between the lab experience and their academic path.
  • One participant reflects on their own lab experiences, noting that while some setups worked well, others were overly complicated and relied on chance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of practical lab experiences in physics, though there are differing opinions on the complexity and reliability of various setups in their own experiences.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the accuracy of measurements and the effectiveness of the setups are not explicitly stated, and the discussion does not resolve the varying degrees of success in lab experiments.

Who May Find This Useful

Students interested in physics labs, educators looking for examples of practical applications of physics concepts, and individuals considering a major in physics may find this discussion relevant.

leftyguitarjo
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Today, I completed a lab test in my physics test, and received the highest grade in the class. The goal was to simulate a bungee jump. We had to make the payload, an egg in my case, get as close to the floor as possible without touching. To do this, you get a rubber band, and would then calculate a length of non-elastic string to attach to it. Our goal was within 3cm. The catch? you only get one try. I first got a large rubber band, and suspended it from a fixed arm about 2m off the floor. I measured the displacement of the rubber band, and use a force gauge to measure the force. I used those numbers in F=-kx to find the spring constant. I then found the elastic potential energy with Pe=1/2kx^2. I then took the weight of the egg, in Newtons, and calculated the string length with P(elastic)=P(egg) and got .5m. My egg, dropped from the same point that the rubber band was attached to the support, was dropped, and promptly sprang back upon reaching 3cm almost exactly.:approve:Just to sum up my work:
F=kx
9=13.84(.65m)

P(elastic)= 1/2kx^2
2.96= 1/2(13.84).65^2

2.96=mgh

2.96=.6(9.8)h

h=.5m
 
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Very, very good! That's the kind of physics "lab" that I like.

Zz.
 
ZapperZ said:
Very, very good! That's the kind of physics "lab" that I like.

Zz.

thank you very much.

and BTW, I just met with my college course adviser for the first time today. I am "in", and I'm majoring in physics!
 
leftyguitarjo said:
thank you very much.

and BTW, I just met with my college course adviser for the first time today. I am "in", and I'm majoring in physics!

Great job!

I've had a few similar labs that just *worked* but most of these consist of overcomplicated setups that just manage to work, pure fluke.
 

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