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Date: 11/29/2012
By: Filano
Subject: Re: formula
Hi Caleb!
I always love when a former student has a physics question! You are always and forever a student of mine, even if you're no longer a student of mine...so don't worry. :)
You will need to use the formula, F net = m x a (in other words-- net force = mass x acceleration). You'd first need to convert pounds (a weight measurement) to kilograms (a measurement of mass). 1 lb = 0.453592 kg.
Because you don't already know the acceleration, you can test different accelerations within the formula and then see if you can get a realistic human or man-made force (in Newtons (N), of course). Do some research on recorded accelerations of footballs thrown by quarterbacks ...they throw within a 100 yard space. The ball is not 8lbs though, so you'd have to consider that as well. You might start by figuring out the current output force of the trebuchet. You'd have to place an 8 lb object in the trebuchet and determine it's acceleration once it is launched (the velocity of the object starts at 0 m/s). The formula for acceleration is (final velocity - original velocity) / time. Measure how fast it is going by the time it hits the ground. You can loosely determine this by dividing the distance it travels by the amount of time it is in the air. That is still not be super accurate because you are only getting the average speed rather than the speed it is traveling each second it is in the air. There are so many things you could consider, including trajectory, air resistance, and gravitational pull as it relates to the mass of the object. Phew! That's alot!
I could keep going on and on... the long answer is complicated and involves calculus. If you want to do this "loosely"...figure out the current acceleration of the trebuchet (as you build it), and then revise the construction of the trebuchet as best as you can to increase or decrease the force as needed.
OF COURSE YOU SHOULD HAVE PARENTAL SUPERVISION FOR AN EXPERIMENT LIKE THIS!! Promise me you will have parental supervision! :) If you do not, I in no way, shape or form condone you doing this experiment. It can be dangerous and parental support is necessary.
Come see me at school to let me know your thoughts on how to proceed!
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Date: 11/21/2012
By: Priyanka R.
Subject: science test on ecobulary
Mrs. filano i was absent during science on 11/20/12, so can i take the test tomorrow during lunch? or in science? (tomorrow is 11/21/12, a half day)
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Date: 11/29/2012
By: Filano
Subject: Re: science test on ecobulary
Yes :)
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Date: 11/20/2012
By: Lindsey T.
Subject: Quiz
Hi Ms.Filano,
I have some questions about the quiz tomorrow would it be fine if I came in during lunch on 11/20/12? I will also stop by your class room if I dont hear back or if I dont get a chance to check master science later.
Thanks,
Lindsey T.
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Date: 11/29/2012
By: Filano
Subject: Re: Quiz
Sorry Lindsey...as you know, I was out on the 20th. I will speak with you about your quiz and see where we can go from there.
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Date: 10/30/2012
By: Hunter Harris
Subject: test
When is the test????????????????????????????????????
????????????????????
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Date: 11/02/2012
By: Filano
Subject: Re: test
The test is on Friday, 11/9. Your unit test study guide is due on 11/7.
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Date: 11/05/2012
By: kenichi
Subject: Re: test
its on friday
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Date: 10/30/2012
By: Hunter Harris
Subject: Study Guide
HI Mrs.Filano
My mom said i was supposed to study for science but i didnt have a study guide i think you forgot to hand them out 8th period.
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Date: 11/02/2012
By: Filano
Subject: Re: Study Guide
Hi Hunter,
The study guide was supposed to be given out on the 30th, but the emergency school closings pushed us back 2 days. Study guides were given out on November 1 instead.
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