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Physics in Context - 2nd Edition

Chapter 1: The Prime Movers


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Mechanical

Fluid

Electrical

Thermal


1.1 Force in Mechanical Systems

Introduction to Vectors
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/Class/vectors/u3l1a.cfm
An introduction to vectors: a measure that has both magnitude and direction.

Vector Direction Practice
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/morehelp/vectdirn
Practice problems with vectors having direction and magnitude shown by arrows.

Vector Addition
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/vectors/Lesson-1/Vector-Addition
Several methods to add two or more vectors to obtain the resultant vector.

Vector Addition Practice
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/morehelp/vectaddn/practice.cfm
Practice problems for addition of vectors

Newton Biography
http://www.newton.cam.ac.uk/newtlife.html
This page provides a short biography of Sir Isaac Newton.

Relative Velocity and Riverboat Problems
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/vectors/Lesson-1/Relative-Velocity-and-Riverboat-Problems
Application of vector addition to solve problems involving cross-winds and currents.

The Science of Demolishing a Building
https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/demolishing-a-building
This site discusses in a general, but interesting, way some of the complexities and occupational roles involved in the first step in many modern construction projects: demolition.

1.2 Pressure in Fluid Systems

Concrete Canoe Competition
http://www.concretecanoe.org/AboutCCorg/AboutCCorg.htm
This web site provides a wealth of information about the annual concrete canoe competition held annually in the U.S. Browse this site to learn about how concrete can float.

Submarines
http://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/engines-equipment/submarine.htm
Visit the series of pages at this site to learn how submarines are able to float, dive, navigate, and maintain control.

Archimedes of Syracuse
http://www-history.mcs.st-and.ac.uk/history/Mathematicians/Archimedes.html
This site provides a short biography of Archimedes as well as a summary of his achievments.

The Physics of Underwater Diving: Buoyancy Lesson
http://www.letstalkscience.ca/hands-on-activities/physics/how-do-scuba-divers-sink.html
This site includes a simple activity that demonstrates how neutral buoyancy is achieved by divers.

1.3 Voltage in Electrical Systems

Battery Basics
http://www.batterystuff.com/kb/articles/battery-articles/battery-basics.html
This page has an exhaustive discussion about how various types of batteries are made, tested, maintained, and so forth.

How Batteries Work
http://www.howstuffworks.com/battery.htm
This HowStuffWorks article is about batteries—from the basic concept at work to the actual chemistry going on inside a battery to what the future holds for batteries and possible power sources that could replace them.

https://www.saveonenergy.com/solar-energy/how-dry-cell-batteries-work/
This article, produced by an energy company advocate, includes nicely animated illustrations describing generally how batteries live and die, some can be recharged, and the future of battery technology.

How a Lithium Battery Works
http://www.cienciateca.com/stslibat.html
Check out the links on this page to find out all about lithium batteries, their construction, and uses. You can explore other parts of the site to see diagrams and specifications for batteries for specific uses such as implantable batteries for medical purposes.

Physics Tutorial: Static Charge
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/estatics/Lesson-2/Charging-by-Friction
The first of a series of web pages discussing static electricity: why it exists, how to produce it, and how it can be used, including some practice questions.

Static Electricity
http://schools.wikia.com/wiki/Static_Electricity
Static electricity lesson includes real-world applications and practice problems.

1.4 Temperature in Thermal Systems

About Temperature and Thermometers
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/thermalP/u18l1b.cfm
An introduction to temperature and how it is measured, including some practice questions.

Celsius Biography
http://www.astro.uu.se/history/Celsius_eng.html
This page provides a short biography of Anders Celsius.

Fahrenheit and Celsius Temperature Scales
http://www.mathsisfun.com/temperature-conversion.html
This site explains and includes a calculator for converting between the two common temperature scales, including some practice questions.