Calculus 12

Calculus 12 – Unit 3 Self Reflection: Strengths, Stretches & Goals

Leave a comment

4) Describe a Strength that you think you have regarding what we have covered so far in Calculus 12. It could be about a specific curricular competencies or the core competencies.  

A strength I’ve developed is understanding and applying derivative rules, especially the product and quotient rules. I’ve also been good at self-learning and asking questions when I get stuck, which helps me stay on track.

5) Describe a Stretch (something that you still need to work on) regarding what we have covered so far in Calculus 12.  It could be about a specific curricular competencies or the core competencies. 

A stretch I still need to work on is graph analysis and visualizing how derivatives relate to slope and curve behaviour. I tend to rely on formulas more than intuition, so I want to get better at interpreting graphs without a calculator.

6) Describe a measurable Goal that you would like to achieve before the course is over. Include a description of how you plan to achieve this goal. 

A measurable goal I would like to achieve is getting at least 90% on the next test. I plan to reach this by doing extra practice problems, reviewing past quizzes, and focusing more on graph interpretation skills.

Grade 12, Physics 12

Equilibrium Project

Leave a comment

This project Jieun and I worked on involved a horizontal platform, an apple, a hanger,  a buret stand, and various weights to study the principles of torque and equilibrium. Materials used for the experiment included an apple, a persimmon, a lemon, a clothing hanger, a buret stand, two meter sticks stacked together, and a string. The objective was to find out if the system could achieve balance and analyze the torques acting on both sides of the fulcrum.

Through the experiment, I calculated the torques generated by the apple and the hanger with its attached fruits. For the left side, the hanger and fruits, I used the combined mass of the hanger and fruits and accounted for the perpendicular distance to the fulcrum. On the right side, I did the same for the torque of the apple based on its weight and its perpendicular distance from the fulcrum. These torques were compared to see if the system was at equilibrium.

One of the important results derived was that accurate measurements of distances and angles must be obtained to accurately calculate the correct value of perpendicular force and torque. The right side seemed to yield a greater torque initially; after adjustment of values and re-checking of measurements, it was concluded that the system was fairly at equilibrium. However, there were minor differences in the magnitudes of torque that could be due to experimental errors: slight changed in the position of the weights, dehydration of the fruits due to time, an inaccuracy in measurement of angles , or imprecise measures of distance.

Looking back at the experiment, I realized how critical it was to be precise in both he setup and analysis of a system. Even relatively small measurement errors can give rise to some easily identifiable discrepancies in results. The refining of the setup and re-checking of calculations helped me learn how forces, distances, and angles can inter-relate to produce equilibrium. This project reinforced my problem-solving and critical thinking skills because many times I had troubleshoot and adjust the system to make the theoretical calculations agree with the experimental results.

 

Download