Environmental Physics II

Physics of the Mundane

Adam Johnston

(Note: We will be walking/hiking outside.)

We will take a hike outside.  While on this hike, note as many examples of forces (including torques) as possible.  As you list these forces, note the following:

A.              What is the source(s) of the force(s)?

B.              Are the forces balanced or unbalanced?  If they are balanced, note which forces cancel each other out.  If they are unbalanced, note the effect of this net force.

C.              What is the long term effect of this force?  If the forces are balanced, will they always be so?

Remember that these forces may be very large, very small, or in between.  It=s easy to miss many of these.

Also, at some point you should address the following problem.  This is the main purpose of today’s experience:

Estimate the amount of force required to keep a branch attached to a tree.  Use a decent sized branch (no twigs) for your calculation.  (Show your measurements, calculations and assumptions.)  When in doubt, Fermi it out! (

To complete the above task, you have some tape measures, and you also have a block of wood that weighs one pound.

You may work together in teams, in pairs or individually.  The primary purpose of this activity is to come to the (frightening) realization that physics is everywhere.  You may also want to work on completing this outside of class, since our 50 minute time period is limiting.