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Nelson Education > School > Secondary Science > Physics 12 College Preparation > Teacher Centre > Web Links > Unit 1
 

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UNIT 1: MECHANICAL SYSTEMS

Click on a section below for related Web activities:

Chapter 1: Motion and Forces

1.5   Inertia and Newton's First Law of Motion                

1.8   Newton's Third Law of Motion           

1.9   Friction and the Coefficients of Friction
1.11 Controllling Friction

Chapter 1 Review

 

Chapter 2: Machines         

2.1   Simple Machines                  

2.3   Torque and Levers         

>2.7   Investigation: The Bicycle    

Chapter 2 Review  

 

Unit 1 Review              

Review questions   

 

 

 

CHAPTER 1: MOTION AND FORCES

1.5 Did You Know?

p. 36

The Interaction of Science and Technology

The invention and use of airbags is a good example of the interaction of science and technology. Seatbelts reduced injuries and deaths in traffic collisions, but there were still many serious injuries as a result of restrained passengers hitting hard surfaces such as the steering wheel during a collision. Automotive scientists developed the airbag to prevent these injuries. However, the initial solution was not perfect; for example, passenger-side front-seat airbags mean that a small child must never use the front passenger seat. Thus, the process of scientific research starts again, followed by more technological development.

Department for Transport-Air Bags

This Department for Transport site provides general information and advice regarding driver-side, passenger-side, and side airbags, the correct driving position, and other ways of minimizing injury during an accident.

Airbag Technology

This article explains the science and technology behind airbags, as well as the benefits and potential risks of airbags in vehicles.

Children and Airbags

This Canada Safety Council page describes the effectiveness and dangers of side airbags, proper restraint while driving, and whether or not airbags provide safety for children.

 

            

p. 37

Pedestrian Airbags

Airbags have greatly reduced the number of deaths and injuries for people travelling in cars. Now, a European manufacturer is testing airbags that reduce the number of deaths and injuries of pedestrians struck by cars. Like interior airbags, the exterior airbags are computer-controlled. As the car approaches a pedestrian, an infrared detector senses the heat radiating from the human body. A front-end airbag deploys at a speed that depends on the car's speed. If needed, a second airbag on the car's hood deploys, softening the pedestrian's landing.

             

Airbags on the Car's Exterior to Provide Pedestrian Protection

This article describes how Autoliv's new technology reduces pedestrian injuries and fatalities during accidents, and the science behind the Pedestrian Protection System.

             

Autoliv actively saving lives

This article provides pedestrian fatality and injury statistics, and information about pedestrian airbags. It also includes pictures of experiments performed to test the effectiveness of these airbags.

 

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1.8 Career Connection

 

p. 49

Aircraft engine technicians maintain aircraft engines by inspecting, dismantling, assembling, and testing them. After high school, you can take a two-year program with a Transport Canada-approved school to become an aircraft engine technician.

             

Aviation Technician-Aircraft Maintenance

This Canadore College site describes the Aircraft Maintenance Technician program. It lists the curriculum and career opportunities available to graduates of this program.

Centennial College--School of Transportation

This page describes the college diploma or certificate programs offered by Centennial College. Career fields include aviation technician, automotive technician, and autobody repair technician.

Career Matters-Drafting Technologists and Technicians

This site outlines the job description, required education, specific duties, and possible career opportunities for aviation technicians. It also provides a link that lists recommended high school courses students should take to prepare them for these careers.

 

 

Section Questions

p. 51

7. An "ion propulsion system" is a proposed method of space travel. It uses ejected charged particles, or ions. Research this system and describe how it relates to the third law of motion.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ion Propulsion

This page answers some important questions about ion propulsion, including the implications this technology has on space exploration.

The Incredible Ions of Space Transportation

This article describes the work of NASA scientists to develop ion propulsion systems. Learn about the principle behind an ion propulsion engine and how such engines are used to power rockets and space crafts.

 

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1.9 Did You Know?

 

p. 54

 

Designing Safer Roads

When ice forms on the road, there is little friction between tires and the road, which can cause the vehicle to skid. One of the most dangerous forms of ice is black ice , so called because drivers cannot see it on the black asphalt surface. Engineers are researching ways to warn drivers of icy conditions. In one design, sensors on roadside posts emit a flashing blue light when ice is detected, thus warning drivers.

Infrared Sensor Detects Black Ice

This article describes how infrared sensors are being used to alert drivers to the presence of black ice on roads.

Infrared Sensor Watches for Black Ice

This article describes how infrared temperature sensors are helping people drive safely and prevent accidents caused by black ice.

 

p. 55

 

7. What do you think is meant by the term aquaplaning ? Is it the same as hydroplaning ? What should drivers understand about these concepts? Research the concepts, and see if you are right. Explain your answer.

Tips for Driving in Rain-Smart Motorist

This page outlines tips on safe during on wet roads. It explains what happens during hydroplaning and precautionary measures to take to reduce the risk of an accident.

 

Hydroplaning Issue

This article describes the cause of hydroplaning, the importance of tire design in road safety, and what drivers can do to regain control when hydroplaning occurs.

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1.11 Career Connection

p. 59

A prosthetic technician makes artificial limbs using different materials, while an orthotic technician makes devices such as braces and splints. All devices are custom-made for individual patients.

               

Orthotic/Prosthetic Technician

This George Brown College Web site describes the admission requirements, application process, course requirements, and fees for the Orthotics/Prosthetics Technician program.

 

 

p. 61

Try This Activity

Tire Tread Ratings

Tires are rated according to the degree of traction they provide. The ratings are indicated on the sidewalls of the tires. Find out about traction ratings (AA, A, B, and C), treadwear ratings, and temperature ratings (A, B, and C). Check the labelling on the tires of several cars, and describe how safe you think these tires are. Follow the links for Nelson College Physics 12.

What Everyone Should Know About Tires

This site provides information about the Uniform Tire Quality Grading system, how to read the sidewall of a tire, and how to maintain safe tires.

Understanding UTQG Ratings

This article describes the Federal Government Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards, specifically the different tire grades for treadwear, traction, and temperature.

 

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Chapter 1 Review Questions

 

p. 63

 

28. Research the Internet and other sources to find out how buildings in earthquake-prone areas use a bearing support system. Describe, using an illustration, what you discover.

Skeleton System-An Approach for Construction of Rural Buildings in Earthquake-prone Areas

This article summarizes how bearing support walls and other construction practices are used in building houses in earthquake-prone areas.

 

System Helps Quake-Proof Buildings

This page describes a new building construction technique developed to reduce the destruction caused by earthquakes.

 

29. Research the evolution of skateboards from clay wheels to today's urethane wheels. Describe in a paragraph what you discover.

The Science and Art of Skateboard Design

This article provides a summary of the history of wheel innovations in skateboards, from clay to urethane.

 

A Look at Skateboard History

This page provides a brief history of skateboarding and the construction of skateboards.

 

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CHAPTER 2: MACHINES

2.1 Career Connection

 

p. 72

Employment opportunities for personal trainers-who require a solid understanding of biomechanics-include working in health clubs, rehabilitation centres and hospitals, community centres, and working with sports teams.

Canadian Personal Trainers Network

This site provides information about the Canadian Personal Trainers Network (CPTN), its mission, the CPTN Membership program, and how you can get certified as a personal trainer, wellness consultant, or exercise specialist.

Career Matters-Recreation, Sports & Fitness Program Supervisors & Consultants: Kinesiologists

This site outlines the job description, required education, specific duties, and possible career opportunities for kinesiologists. It also provides a link that lists recommended high school courses students should take to prepare them for these careers.

 

2.1 Section Questions

p. 77

7. Choose one of the following topics to research, and write a summary of what you discover. Relate your findings to simple machines.

(a) Early inhabitants of Easter Island (an island in the South Pacific, called Rapa Nui locally) used simple machines to move huge volcanic rocks. The inhabitants then carved these rocks into figures of heads.

(b) An estimated 4500 years ago, inhabitants of southern England transported huge stones to build stone circles such as the famous Stonehenge. Scientists are trying to recreate the trip using only simple machines.

 

Physical Science-Simple Machines, Work, Force, Energy, and Newton's Three Laws of Motion

This page provides information about the six main simple machines, how they operate, and ways in which they are used.

 

Easter Island Home Page

Learn about Easter Island, how and why its inhabitants carved and transported statues that exist on the island, and what remains of this culture.

Science Line-Simple Machines

This PBS site provides links to background information about simple machines, how they are used, and how scientists are trying to duplicate the movement of large structures similar to Stonehenge.

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2.3 Career Connection

 

p. 81

An understanding of torque and gear ratios is helpful to car service advisors, who must be able to relate the customer's car problems to the mechanics. Some training programs are very short and do not require post-secondary education.

Automotive Service Advisor Training Course

Learn about the automotive service advisor training course and how you can be certified in two weeks. Other related jobs include auto detailing, auto body repair technicians, auto body repair estimator, and business management.

 

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2.7 Did You Know?

 

p. 106

Bicycles Sales

For every 100 new cars sold in the world today, about 250 new bicycles are sold. Bicycles are popular for sports and leisure activities, but they are also used by the police and courier services in busy cities, and for transportation to and from work and school. In many highly populated areas, commuters use bicycles to get home from train and bus stations. Nearly one billion bicycles were sold worldwide between 1990 and 2000.

Earth Policy Institute: Bicycle Production Breaks 100 Million

This article provides data about world bicycle and automobile production over several years in different countries.

Earth Policy Institute: World Turning to Bicycle for Mobility and Exercise

This article describes the advantages of using bicycles instead of automobiles as a means of transportation. It also explains the statistics on bicycle sales in the past few decades.

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Chapter 2 Review Questions

p. 113

 

16. A zipper has three wedges. Only a small effort force is required to pull the tab up or down, pushing the teeth of the zipper together or pulling them apart. Without the wedges, pulling the teeth apart is extremely difficult.

(a) Research the invention of the zipper.

(b) Explain how the three wedges provide the mechanical advantage in this "machine."

 

How Zippers Work

This page describes the history of the zipper, how zippers work, information about hooks and wedges, and the physics behind this common structure.

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Unit 1 Review Questions

 

p. 120

30. The soles of different types of modern curling shoes are designed to have different coefficients of friction, depending on the shoe's function on the ice.

(a) State what you think the following terms mean: slider sole; gripper sole; half-sole slider; perimeter slider.

(b) Would you expect all players to wear a "slider" on the same foot? Explain your answer.

(c) Research curling shoes to check your answers in (a) and (b) above. What other design features of modern curling shoes help the players control friction?

BalancePlus Curling Shoes

This page describes the BalancePlus slider sole used on curling shoes and how this type of sole is different from a flat plane sole.

The Curling Store

This site describes the different types of curling shoes and how they perform.

The Slider Technology

This page explains the new design for the slider sole on curling shoes, and how this new technology affects delivery and distance of the slide.

 

 

p. 121

 

33. Skateboarding applies principles of torques and forces. For example, the manoeuvre called the "ollie" is a jump that allows the skater to move through the air while the skateboard appears to be attached to the skater's feet. Research this manoeuvre on the Internet. Describe how the torques and forces cause the motion observed.

             

Skateboard Science

This site provides a brief history of skateboarding, and the physics behind the "ollie" jumping technique, and other mid-air manoevres.

 

Skateboard Directory.com News: The Physics of the Ollie

This article describes the physics behind the ollie and other skateboarding tricks.

 

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