Question

physics happens around us all of the time, but it can sometimes be difficult to notice because physics doesnt stand out; its ordinary. for this assignment, i want you to explain how the principles and concepts that we are discussing in class can be found in your daily life. connecting concepts to real world examples will also help you remember the concepts, which is a crucial aspect of learning.
assignment
identify an example of physics happening in your life, focusing on the concepts that we have been discussing in class this week:

• describe the situation.
• what were you doing?
• what object or event were you observing?
• identify the physics concept involved from one of the topics we discussed this week, for example:
• velocity
• acceleration
• scalars and vectors
• explain the connection.
• how does the physics concept apply to your example?
• use your own words and aim for clarity rather than technical perfection.
• reflect briefly on your example.
• why did this example stand out to you?
• did understanding the physics change how you see it?
• what would be the next step to form a deeper understanding of the physics involved?

Explanation:

1. Describe the situation: I was riding my bicycle to the grocery store, and I noticed that when I stopped pedaling, the bike gradually slowed down and came to a stop, even on a flat road. I was observing my bicycle's motion as it decelerated without pedaling.
2. Identify the physics concept: The concept involved is friction (a force related to motion resistance, tied to the week's motion-focused topics).
3. Explain the connection: Friction acts between the bicycle's tires and the road, and also in the bike's wheel bearings and chain. When I stop pedaling, this friction opposes the bike's forward motion, reducing its speed until it stops. It's a contact force that works against the direction of the bike's movement.
4. Reflect on the example:

• This example stood out because it's something I do nearly every day but never thought deeply about the physics behind it.
• Understanding the friction involved makes me notice how different surfaces (like wet vs. dry pavement) affect how quickly the bike stops, changing how I perceive my daily rides.
• To deepen my understanding, I could test how the bike slows down on different surfaces, measure the time it takes to stop from a set speed, and compare the results to see how friction varies with surface type.

Answer:

Situation Description:

• I was riding a bicycle to a grocery store, then stopped pedaling.
• I observed the bicycle gradually slowing to a stop on a flat road.

Physics Concept:

Friction (motion resistance force)

Connection Explanation:

Friction between the bike's tires and road, plus internal friction in bearings/chain, opposes the bike's forward motion. This force reduces the bike's speed over time until it stops, directly acting against the direction of movement.

Reflection:

• It stood out as a daily, unexamined action.
• I now notice how surface conditions affect the bike's stopping speed, changing my perspective on routine rides.
• Next step: Test stopping time on different surfaces (dry pavement, wet pavement, grass) from a fixed speed to compare friction effects.