This piece was written in response to the prompt: In 250 words describe an event or person that has made and impression on you.
Today a decrepit tree house hangs at the far end of the lawn. The floor is falling down, the roof beam is broken; the structure is listing heavily. It seems neglected, desolate. Years ago, it was a hive of activity, under construction daily. Two boys, about eight years old, eagerly awaited the return of their father, so they could begin straightening nails and searching for wood. One day, with the sun just setting, the base framing nearly in place, these boys could be heard begging, “Just 20 minutes more, just 10,” alas, supper was ready and assembly must wait for another day. Later, on the day that roofing would be started, eager for an early start, the lads brought hammers and other assorted tools to the construction site, and began preparing for work. Every minute of construction was highly valued; each day the work greatly anticipated. I was one of these boys, and I truly adored this project. Though never actually finished, there came time when we decided this project was completed. There was an upwelling of happiness for a project well accomplished. Only the roofing sheet metal and some of the nails were purchased, amplifying the delight of accomplishment. After that initial sense of achievement, the house’s novelty wore off. Occasionally, we would play at this house, fending off imaginary foes; bravely and heroically conveying spear-shaped termination to these phantoms over-running our mighty fortress. However, it lost its appeal, the excitement of construction, the discovery of new challenges. It was increasingly overlooked, when, last spring, I noticed the floor was falling down… I have always, and always will, enjoy the doing, the building, the learning of a thing, not only the result itself.
It was quite moving and refreshing to see you write something with such a deep level of emotion. The writing is so engaging, that I was pulled right into this world and could see and experience everything right along side the narrator. In this, I can truly hear your voice and this is an example of what I meant, all that time ago. (Sorry, had to delete last comment and edit it for mistakes.)
This is a lab report I wrote about two weeks ago. Some of the formatting might be a little confusing, as transferring from Word to the Blogger post does not work well as far as Tables and the like go.
Analysis of Work Objective: This lab attempted to explain the relation of force, work, and energy. By taking out as many variables as possible, the researchers were given a clearer look at this relationship. Using only a board with a known coefficient of fiction, and a pulley-mass-block system, the relation between force and work/energy can be examined. To find work in, only the tension and distance are needed, to find tension, only acceleration needs to be tested. The masses can be weighed, and the distance measured. Using a given mass, height, coefficient of fiction, time, and angle, it is possible to find work. This is done by adding the work of friction, of kinetic energy, and of gravitational potential energy (w_in=f_in d_acts=μmg(cosθ )d+1/2 mv_F^2-1/2 mv_O^2+mgh). The coefficient of kinetic friction is assumed as 0.2, the mass is added with marked masses, the time is measured, and the angle is calculation with trigonometry. The work done can also be calculated by letting Workin equal the tension times the distance (w_in=ty). Tension can be found by subtracting the acceleration of the block from the acceleration due to gravity (T=m_H g-m_H g). Y (height) is measured. Therefore, the lab is looking to compare the results of Win and Wout. With this, the deviation can be found. Equipment list: one board, one pulley, one set of masses, one ruler, one rod set, one length string, one block, one timer, one book, one triple-beam balance (for weighing the block). Equipment setup: The rods were setup so that the board could be rested across a horizontal rod. The board was attached to this horizontal with a clamp. The pulley was attached to the end of the board, with the string fed over it. The string was attached at one end to a block on the board, and to the hanging masses. The block was aligned with the end of the board for each test, to assure the same distance was traveled (and therefore the work of friction was the same). The book was placed on the ground to absorb the impact of the falling mass. The timer was set within easy reach. (See Sketch).
Procedure: 1. The rods and board were setup. The angle of the board was calculated (25.95 degrees). The block was loaded with 0.5795 kg masses. While the block was held stationary, 0.4 kg were was attach to the hanging string. 2. The timer was started, at the same time the block was released. 3. When the hanging mass hit the book, the timer was stopped. The time was recorded. 4. Parts 2 and 3 were repeated many times to increase the accuracy of timing. 5. The angle of the board was increased to 31.6 degrees. 6. Parts 2-4 were repeated. 7. With the same larger angle, the mass hanging, 0.4 kg, was increased to 0.6 kg. 8. Parts 2-4 were repeated. Results: Part Y (m) Time (s) Length (m) μ Angle (degree) Work Out (J) Work In (J) PE (J) KE (J) 1 0.905 2.32 0.905 0.2 25.95 3.266279 3.425968 2.044476 0.297964 2 1 7.127778 1 0.2 31.6 3.710077 3.9044 2.555595 0.03785 3 1 1.283333 1 0.2 31.6 5.089101 5.154 2.555595 1.416874
Analysis: What, How, Why did it happened the way it did. What made the error(s)… The Objective was to find if there was deviation between the Win and Wout, in other words, the difference between μmg(cosθ )d+1/2 mv_F^2-1/2 mv_O^2+mgh and Ty. In “ideal” situations, there would be no noted difference. Indeed, there is no difference, because energy is conserved; however, there are many ways that energy is used and not all were accounted for in this lab. There is therefore unaccountable (at this point in the Physics class) deviation. There is also accountable deviation, which will be discussed. As can be seen in the results, there is a deviation of approximately 0.16J in the first part, 0.19J in the second, and 0.074J in the third. These results are reasonable, except for the second one. The most problematic area of this lab is the estimation of a coefficient of friction, swiftly followed by the inaccuracy of the timing method. As the angle increases, and the acceleration increases, it makes sense that the deviation would decrease, as seen in the third part. Timing errors would increase with faster moving masses, but the effects of the coefficient of friction would decrease. As the time that the mass was falling increases, as in part two, the accuracy of timing can increase; but the coefficient of fiction plays a much larger roll. Since the estimation of the coefficient of friction is less accurate then the timing, it follows that the part of the experiment that deals with the coefficient of friction more, is more inaccurate. Also contributing to these differences could be friction with the air. The results, in nearly all cases, seem to be accurate. There were no glaring discontinuities. The much larger time for the second part looks somewhat out of place, but put in-context with the rest of the part, it falls into place.
This is an essay I wrote some months ago; it was written for an Environmental Science class. I posted it on the " ATA Literature" Blog; but the tread I posted on has since been removed.
On Beech Forests
I find myself in a forest inhabited mainly by deciduous trees, Beeches in fact. It is getting late in the year and there is naught but a goose flying overhead. A jay flaps by, calling in a musical, harsh way. I am near to a body of water, the former Green River now dammed; I watch as a brave Kingfisher darts above the cold water in search of its next mean meal. The geese land for the night. I listen to their conversations, undoubtedly the bird’s calls are this, as they settle in the dark of a fall evening, midway through their pilgrimage to warmer lands. The leaves of the Beech, golden, clinging, fall later than they ought. They seem unwilling to relinquish their grasp, on summer, on their home, on life. Eventually they fall, carpeting the ground in gold. These leaves make a distinct crunch underfoot; occasionally they light up the winter with their precious, unmistakable color. This may be their raison d’être; they lighten the solemn tones of winter. Or, perchance, they endeavor to hide the fruits of their labors from those that would eat these nuts. However, these seeds have, in large part, already fallen by the time the leaves make their final descent. In time, the leaves of the Beech mingle with those more colorful, yet proportionally more transient, elements of the Maple. They degrade over the seasons, making a home for the Mice in the winter, while they remain composed; those Mice that move the seeds, that ambulate the building blocks of the next generation of Beeches, a pattern immemorial. A Beech forest is light and open, often with little underbrush, making it a wonderful place to walk or sit and look, and listen, and be. The joy of a Beech forest is likely to be one of those pleasures stolen from us in the near future. Stolen by gluttony, by unconsciousness, by want. What will this area look like in two hundred years, you ask? What will anything look like in Fifty years even? Observe, the change in the last two hundred years, it is enormous. Think, this change is exponential. What will this area look like in two hundred years, you ask? What will happen, all depends on how quickly humanity changes. How quickly does one reverse gluttony, stem want, and teach all of the dangers to the world. I think this takes some time. However, it has been shown that, with the right reasons, these can be done quickly. What will this area look like in two hundred years, you ask? All depends on human “nature”.
This piece was written in response to the prompt:
ReplyDeleteIn 250 words describe an event or person that has made and impression on you.
Today a decrepit tree house hangs at the far end of the lawn. The floor is falling down, the roof beam is broken; the structure is listing heavily. It seems neglected, desolate.
Years ago, it was a hive of activity, under construction daily. Two boys, about eight years old, eagerly awaited the return of their father, so they could begin straightening nails and searching for wood. One day, with the sun just setting, the base framing nearly in place, these boys could be heard begging, “Just 20 minutes more, just 10,” alas, supper was ready and assembly must wait for another day. Later, on the day that roofing would be started, eager for an early start, the lads brought hammers and other assorted tools to the construction site, and began preparing for work. Every minute of construction was highly valued; each day the work greatly anticipated.
I was one of these boys, and I truly adored this project. Though never actually finished, there came time when we decided this project was completed. There was an upwelling of happiness for a project well accomplished. Only the roofing sheet metal and some of the nails were purchased, amplifying the delight of accomplishment.
After that initial sense of achievement, the house’s novelty wore off. Occasionally, we would play at this house, fending off imaginary foes; bravely and heroically conveying spear-shaped termination to these phantoms over-running our mighty fortress. However, it lost its appeal, the excitement of construction, the discovery of new challenges. It was increasingly overlooked, when, last spring, I noticed the floor was falling down…
I have always, and always will, enjoy the doing, the building, the learning of a thing, not only the result itself.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIt was quite moving and refreshing to see you write something with such a deep level of emotion. The writing is so engaging, that I was pulled right into this world and could see and experience everything right along side the narrator. In this, I can truly hear your voice and this is an example of what I meant, all that time ago.
ReplyDelete(Sorry, had to delete last comment and edit it for mistakes.)
This is a lab report I wrote about two weeks ago. Some of the formatting might be a little confusing, as transferring from Word to the Blogger post does not work well as far as Tables and the like go.
ReplyDeleteAnalysis of Work
Objective:
This lab attempted to explain the relation of force, work, and energy. By taking out as many variables as possible, the researchers were given a clearer look at this relationship. Using only a board with a known coefficient of fiction, and a pulley-mass-block system, the relation between force and work/energy can be examined. To find work in, only the tension and distance are needed, to find tension, only acceleration needs to be tested. The masses can be weighed, and the distance measured.
Using a given mass, height, coefficient of fiction, time, and angle, it is possible to find work. This is done by adding the work of friction, of kinetic energy, and of gravitational potential energy (w_in=f_in d_acts=μmg(cosθ )d+1/2 mv_F^2-1/2 mv_O^2+mgh). The coefficient of kinetic friction is assumed as 0.2, the mass is added with marked masses, the time is measured, and the angle is calculation with trigonometry. The work done can also be calculated by letting Workin equal the tension times the distance (w_in=ty). Tension can be found by subtracting the acceleration of the block from the acceleration due to gravity (T=m_H g-m_H g). Y (height) is measured. Therefore, the lab is looking to compare the results of Win and Wout. With this, the deviation can be found.
Equipment list: one board, one pulley, one set of masses, one ruler, one rod set, one length string, one block, one timer, one book, one triple-beam balance (for weighing the block).
Equipment setup: The rods were setup so that the board could be rested across a horizontal rod. The board was attached to this horizontal with a clamp. The pulley was attached to the end of the board, with the string fed over it. The string was attached at one end to a block on the board, and to the hanging masses. The block was aligned with the end of the board for each test, to assure the same distance was traveled (and therefore the work of friction was the same). The book was placed on the ground to absorb the impact of the falling mass. The timer was set within easy reach. (See Sketch).
Procedure:
1. The rods and board were setup. The angle of the board was calculated (25.95 degrees). The block was loaded with 0.5795 kg masses. While the block was held stationary, 0.4 kg were was attach to the hanging string.
2. The timer was started, at the same time the block was released.
3. When the hanging mass hit the book, the timer was stopped. The time was recorded.
4. Parts 2 and 3 were repeated many times to increase the accuracy of timing.
5. The angle of the board was increased to 31.6 degrees.
6. Parts 2-4 were repeated.
7. With the same larger angle, the mass hanging, 0.4 kg, was increased to 0.6 kg.
8. Parts 2-4 were repeated.
Results:
Part Y (m) Time (s) Length (m) μ Angle (degree) Work Out (J) Work In (J) PE (J) KE (J)
1 0.905 2.32 0.905 0.2 25.95 3.266279 3.425968 2.044476 0.297964
2 1 7.127778 1 0.2 31.6 3.710077 3.9044 2.555595 0.03785
3 1 1.283333 1 0.2 31.6 5.089101 5.154 2.555595 1.416874
Part (cont.) Velocity (final, m/s) Mass Hanging (kg) Mass Block (kg) Acceleration (m/s2) Total Energy (J) Tension (N) Ht (m)
1 0.78 0.4 0.5795 0.336 2.34244 3.7856 0.36
2 0.278 0.4 0.5795 0.039 2.593445 3.9044 0.45
3 1.55 0.6 0.5795 1.21 3.972469 5.154 0.45
Equations: V_F=V_o+at, a=2y/t^2 (from x=v_0 t+1/2 at^2), ∆KE=1/2 mv_F^2-1/2 mv_O^2, G.P.E.=mgh, w_out=f_in d_acts=μmg(cosθ )d+1/2 mv_F^2-1/2 mv_O^2+mgh, T=m_H g-m_H a, w_in=Ty w_in=w_out.
Sample Calculations:
a=2y/t^2 , a=(2(1))/〖7.13〗^2 , a=2/50.84, a=0.039 m/s2.
G.P.E.=mgh, G.P.E.=(0.5795)(9.8)(0.45), G.P.E.=2.6J.
∆KE=1/2 mv_F^2-1/2 mv_O^2, ∆KE=1/2 (0.5795+0.4) 〖(0.278)〗^2-0, ∆KE=0.038J.
T=m_H g-m_H a, T=(0.4)(9.8)-(0.4)(0.039), T=3.92-0.0156, T=-3.91N.
W_in=Ty, W_in=(-3.9)(-1) W_in=3.9
w_out=f_in d_acts=μmg(cosθ )d+1/2 mv_F^2-1/2 mv_O^2+mgh, w_out=((0.2)(0.5795)(9.8) 〖(cos〗〖31.6)〗 (1) )+(1/2 (0.5795+0.4) (0.278)^2-1/2 (0.5795+0.4) (0)^2 )+((0.5795)(9.8)(0.45) ), w_out=1.117+0.038+2.556, w_out=3.71J
Analysis:
What, How, Why did it happened the way it did. What made the error(s)…
The Objective was to find if there was deviation between the Win and Wout, in other words, the difference between μmg(cosθ )d+1/2 mv_F^2-1/2 mv_O^2+mgh and Ty. In “ideal” situations, there would be no noted difference. Indeed, there is no difference, because energy is conserved; however, there are many ways that energy is used and not all were accounted for in this lab. There is therefore unaccountable (at this point in the Physics class) deviation. There is also accountable deviation, which will be discussed. As can be seen in the results, there is a deviation of approximately 0.16J in the first part, 0.19J in the second, and 0.074J in the third. These results are reasonable, except for the second one. The most problematic area of this lab is the estimation of a coefficient of friction, swiftly followed by the inaccuracy of the timing method. As the angle increases, and the acceleration increases, it makes sense that the deviation would decrease, as seen in the third part. Timing errors would increase with faster moving masses, but the effects of the coefficient of friction would decrease. As the time that the mass was falling increases, as in part two, the accuracy of timing can increase; but the coefficient of fiction plays a much larger roll. Since the estimation of the coefficient of friction is less accurate then the timing, it follows that the part of the experiment that deals with the coefficient of friction more, is more inaccurate. Also contributing to these differences could be friction with the air.
The results, in nearly all cases, seem to be accurate. There were no glaring discontinuities. The much larger time for the second part looks somewhat out of place, but put in-context with the rest of the part, it falls into place.
This is an essay I wrote some months ago; it was written for an Environmental Science class. I posted it on the " ATA Literature" Blog; but the tread I posted on has since been removed.
ReplyDeleteOn Beech Forests
I find myself in a forest inhabited mainly by deciduous trees, Beeches in fact. It is getting late in the year and there is naught but a goose flying overhead. A jay flaps by, calling in a musical, harsh way.
I am near to a body of water, the former Green River now dammed; I watch as a brave Kingfisher darts above the cold water in search of its next mean meal.
The geese land for the night. I listen to their conversations, undoubtedly the bird’s calls are this, as they settle in the dark of a fall evening, midway through their pilgrimage to warmer lands.
The leaves of the Beech, golden, clinging, fall later than they ought. They seem unwilling to relinquish their grasp, on summer, on their home, on life. Eventually they fall, carpeting the ground in gold. These leaves make a distinct crunch underfoot; occasionally they light up the winter with their precious, unmistakable color. This may be their raison d’être; they lighten the solemn tones of winter. Or, perchance, they endeavor to hide the fruits of their labors from those that would eat these nuts. However, these seeds have, in large part, already fallen by the time the leaves make their final descent.
In time, the leaves of the Beech mingle with those more colorful, yet proportionally more transient, elements of the Maple. They degrade over the seasons, making a home for the Mice in the winter, while they remain composed; those Mice that move the seeds, that ambulate the building blocks of the next generation of Beeches, a pattern immemorial. A Beech forest is light and open, often with little underbrush, making it a wonderful place to walk or sit and look, and listen, and be.
The joy of a Beech forest is likely to be one of those pleasures stolen from us in the near future. Stolen by gluttony, by unconsciousness, by want. What will this area look like in two hundred years, you ask? What will anything look like in Fifty years even? Observe, the change in the last two hundred years, it is enormous. Think, this change is exponential. What will this area look like in two hundred years, you ask? What will happen, all depends on how quickly humanity changes. How quickly does one reverse gluttony, stem want, and teach all of the dangers to the world. I think this takes some time. However, it has been shown that, with the right reasons, these can be done quickly. What will this area look like in two hundred years, you ask? All depends on human “nature”.