Conceptual Understanding in Introductory Physics XXXIII: Drawing Systems

The instructor draw a random diagram showing an arbitrary number of interacting (e.g. gravitationally) entities (e.g. stars, asteroids, etc.) represented as numbered dots. The student is asked to perform the following tasks: Draw a system boundary such that the system experiences a net external force. Name each entity that contributes to this net external force. […]

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Matter & Interactions I, Week 13

As usual, I’m posting this the Monday after the week named in the title. This week was all about chapter 6: energy and the energy principle. This is where Matter & Interactions really shines among introductory textbooks. I remember as a student being so confused by sign conventions that I honestly never knew when to […]

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