Identify The Classical Physics Principle In A Two-Page Paper

In A Two Page Paper Identify The Classical Physics Principles Contain

In a two-page paper, identify the classical physics principles contained within the following scenario. Explain how these principles connect to work done by Galileo or Newton. Finally, consider the different fields in which Galileo and Newton did research, and give an example of one of these fields in use in your life. For instance, Newton developed the field of optics. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you are using Newton's physical optics theories every day.

Aside from glasses or contacts, how do the theories of Newton or Galileo affect you in your daily life? Mandy took a trip to Rome, Italy. She gazed out over the open ocean 20,000 feet below as her airplane began its descent to her final destination. She could watch the Sun setting in the west. Over the Eastern horizon peeked a full moon, just rising, displaying its cratered face.

As the plane neared the ground, Mandy could not help but think that she was in a giant metal object hurtling through the sky. Without the specific shape of its wings, the plane would fall to the ground no differently than a large metal projectile.

Paper For Above instruction

The scenario described involves several fundamental principles of classical physics, particularly Newtonian mechanics, optics, and gravitational theory. These principles not only help explain Mandy’s observations during her flight but also demonstrate how the work of Galileo and Newton remains relevant in modern life.

Firstly, Newton’s laws of motion are central to understanding the movement of the airplane. According to Newton’s First Law, an object in motion remains in motion at a constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force. As Mandy observes the plane descending, this principle is evident: the airplane continues its forward motion due to inertia. Newton’s Second Law, expressed as F = ma (force equals mass times acceleration), explains how the engines generate thrust to accelerate or decelerate the plane and how gravity pulls it downward. The Third Law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction; this explains lift generated by the airplane’s wings. As the wings interact with the air, they produce an upward force that counteracts gravity, enabling the plane to descend slowly and safely.

The shape of the airplane’s wings is a practical application of Bernoulli’s principle, a concept grounded in fluid dynamics—a subfield of classical physics that Newton did not specifically develop but which builds on his laws. Bernoulli’s principle explains how the faster airflow over the curved upper surface of the wing reduces pressure, creating lift. Without this principle, the airplane would not be able to stay airborne, and Mandy would not be able to fly. Thus, classical physics governs the fundamental forces involved in flight, and Newton’s laws underpin these phenomena.

Next, the scenario involves optical principles, particularly those related to the Sun and Moon. Newton’s work in optics, especially his theory of light as composed of particles or corpuscles, explains the behavior of sunlight and moonlight as they interact with Earth’s atmosphere and surfaces. The phenomenon of the setting Sun and rising moon involves light refraction, reflection, and dispersion—principles rooted in optics. When Mandy observes the sunset and moonrise, these observations involve how light travels through varying atmospheric densities, bending (refraction) to produce the colors she sees and the apparent positions of celestial bodies. Newton’s theories of optics also underpin much of the modern understanding of telescopes and lenses used in astronomy, allowing us to observe distant celestial objects in detail.

Furthermore, the concept of gravity, as formulated by Newton with his law of universal gravitation, explains why Mandy’s airplane remains roughly 20,000 feet above sea level. Gravity acts as an attractive force between the Earth and the airplane, pulling it downward. The airplane’s engines and wing design counteract gravity temporarily, but ultimately, gravity dictates the rapid acceleration if the plane were to lose lift. This widespread influence of gravity affects many aspects of daily life, from the motion of objects we drop to the orbits of satellites and the tides driven by lunar gravity.

In conclusion, the classical physics principles of Newton's laws of motion, gravity, and optics are deeply embedded in our daily experiences. Newton’s work in mechanics and light continues to influence technology, transportation, and our understanding of the universe. Whether it’s the flight of an airplane, the behavior of sunlight, or the gravitational interactions that keep satellites in orbit, the legacy of Newtonian physics is evident and indispensable in the modern world.

References

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