Physics!

Physics so far has been interesting but challenging for me. It is cool to know that everything around me is related to physics in some way. I enjoy the labs and classwork we do to enforce the material we are learning. However, I find that even though I do understand the concepts, solving physics problems is a bit of a challenge. Sometimes on homework problems, I don't know how to approach a problem or where to begin.

I want to do well in this course and I know it is going to take a lot of work to do so. As the first quarter draws to an end, I'm a bit hesitant about where my grade is going to fall. Not only that, but as the year continues on, physics is going to be more difficult. My goals for the rest of the year in physics is to study hard, try to improve in my quizzes and tests, and come in for extra help if I don't understand something.

As of right now, I feel like I can do better in terms of my performance. The image that conveys my state of mind in physics is a growing plant. At first a plant is hard to grow because it needs the right amount of nutrients and sun-light. I am in the beginning stages of a growing plant. Physics may be difficult at first, but it will get better by setting goals for myself and gradually making improvements. At the end of the year when I look back to the beginning of the year, I'll see how much I've grown. Despite the challenges, physics is fun class.

Round About I Go

One of my hobbies that I enjoy doing is riding my bike. If I have free time, I usually ride around my neighborhood. I have to say that it's one of the best ways to exercise. The breeze and sunshine just make riding so much more fun. You enjoy the scenery while burn some calories.

Try riding your bike this week, it definitely is worth it.

There is physics in riding a bicylce. First of all, a gravitational force pulls the bicycle to the earth. Gravity has an effect on the rider and bicyle. If travelling uphill, gravity works as a force against the rider (force equals mass times gravity) so the rider must put more force on the petals to keep the momentum going. Momentum is equal to mass times velocity. The acceleration of a bicycle is called centripetal acceleration. The wheels of a bicycle move in a forward direction due to centripetal acceleration pointing toward the center of the wheels. More force is needed to move a smaller wheel a certain distance compared to a larger wheel. The weight of a bicycle also determines how much force needs to be applied to move the bicycle. The more the bike weighs, the more force is needed to work the petals of the bicycle. This is one reason why cyclists who compete in bicycling marathons have bicycles that weigh very light. Light bikes allow them to use little force to travel a greater distance. Another concept of physics found in bicycling is friction. Breaks increase the amount of friction on the wheels and cause the bicyle to slow down or stop. Smooth ground surfaces have less friction which create less force needed to accelerate the bicycle.

Every aspect of bicycling contains something related to physics. Hurrah for physics!!!