Assignment: Unit 2 Lesson 1
1.
Describe an energy transformation that can be used to produce electrical energy.
Generation of Magnetic Field: Within a magnetic field, a wire coil rotates due to
mechanical energy input. Electromagnets or permanent magnets can produce this
magnetic field.
2. A worker moves a box with a mass m along a warehouse floor. What variables
determine the amount of work done on the box by the worker? Be specific.
Mass of the box, frictional forces, force applied by worker and moving
distance.
3. Airbags are a type of safety device installed in vehicles to protect passengers from injury
in a collision.
a. Explain how energy transformations are used in airbags to protect passengers
from injury during a collision.
Propeller ignition occurs when sensors identify sudden deceleration during a
collision. The airbag quickly inflates as a result of this chemical reaction,
which also transforms kinetic energy into thermal and mechanical energy,
reducing the force of impact on passengers.
b. What are some of the limitations of airbags as a safety device?
It offers limited protection and passengers are still at risk of injury. Also important
is the sensor, which will do very little if inflated at the wrong time. Besides that, it
is a single use devices.
4. Write the proportionality statement relating the variables that are defined in bold, and
sketch the corresponding graph for each case.
a. The gravitational potential energy of a person walking up a flight of stairs doubles
when the height of the stairs doubles.
b. The kinetic energy of a car depends on the square of its speed.
c. The acceleration of a particle triples as the applied force increases by a factor of
three.
5. Compare the costs and benefits of operating a laptop computer using its battery versus
using an electrical outlet. Include at least one social impact, one environmental impact,
and one economic impact.
Using a laptop on battery power allows for portability and energy independence, which
enhances flexibility in a range of situations. However, there are drawbacks, such as a
shorter battery life and eventual replacement costs. On the other hand, using an
electrical outlet guarantees continuous power and reliable performance but is
dependent on a robust infrastructure and increases energy use and utility costs. In
addition to its positive social effects like increasing mobility; both alternatives have
negative effects on the environment and the economy, such as increased utility bills
and the production of electronic trash.
6. A digital balance scale is often used to measure the mass of an object. What sources of
error would you minimize when attempting to determine an object’s mass?
When using a digital balance scale to measure mass, reduce mistakes as much as
possible by situating things properly, confirming that there are no inaccuracies,
calibrating the scale, managing the surrounding environment, and treating objects
gently.