The Physics Classroom » Lesson Plans » Algebra Based On-Level Physics » Forces in Two Dimensions

Forces in Two Dimensions - Lesson Plans

The lesson plans below include links to the specific resources on our website.

Teacher Guides for labs can be found here.

NOTE: All CalcPad problem sets are customized problem sets created specifically for this course. The links direct users to the Guest version. Task Tracker users should use the link on the Task Tracker page to the trackable CalcPad version.  

Day 1 of Forces in Two Dimensions

Lesson Plan
  1. Introduce unit: what happens when a force is NOT directly up, down, right, or left?
  2. Pair Practice: Another Angle on F-m-a Think Sheet
  3. Review vector addition and resolution
  4. Guided/Individual Practice: Adding and Resolving Forces Think Sheet
 
Homework/Announcements
  1. Reading: Physics Classroom Tutorial, Vectors - Motion and Forces in 2D: Lesson 3, Parts a and b
  2. Minds On Physics: Mission F2D1 on Vector Components



 

Day 2 of Forces in Two Dimensions

Lesson Plan
  1. Discuss equilibrium concept; do a sample equilibrium analysis; use Using Vector Components to Analyze Equilibrium SituationsThink Sheet
  2. Lab 1: Getting Hung up by Tension
  3. If time allows, start Minds On Physics: Mission F2D3 on Equilibrium Concepts
 
Homework/Announcements
  1. Reading: Physics Classroom Tutorial, Vectors - Motion and Forces in 2D: Lesson 3, Part c
  2. Minds On Physics: Mission F2D3 on Equilibrium Concepts


 

Day 3 of Forces in Two Dimensions

Lesson Plan
  1. Lab 2: Sign Hanging Lab
  2. Physics Interactives: Balance It! (do selected levels)
  3. If time allows, start CalcPad: Forces in 2-Dimensions 1 on Equilibrium Analysis
 
Homework/Announcements
  1. CalcPad: Forces in 2-Dimensions 1 on Equilibrium Analysis



 

Day 4 of Forces in Two Dimensions

Lesson Plan
  1. Physics Interactives: Go For the Gold (do selected levels)
  2. Introduce the idea of an angled force causing an acceleration along a horizontal surface; use the Using Vector Components to Analyze Accelerations along Level Surfaces Think Sheet; do selected Qs
 
Homework/Announcements
  1. Reading: Physics Classroom Tutorial, Vectors - Motion and Forces in 2D: Lesson 3, Part d
  2. Concept Builder: Solve It with Fnet = m•a and Vectors (Apprentice Level only)




 

Day 5 of Forces in Two Dimensions

Lesson Plan
  1. Review: angled forces causing horizontal accelerations; complete the Using Vector Components to Analyze Accelerations along Level Surfaces Think Sheet; do selected Qs
  2. Concept Builder: Solve It with Fnet = m•a and Vectors (Master Level)
  3. In time that remains, start CalcPad: Forces in 2-Dimensions 2 on Fnet = m•a with Angled Forces
 
Homework/Announcements
  1. CalcPad: Forces in 2-Dimensions 2 on Fnet = m•a with Angled Forces
  2. Reading: Physics Classroom Tutorial, Vectors - Motion and Forces in 2D: Lesson 3, Part e




 

Day 6 of Forces in Two Dimensions

Lesson Plan
  1. Lab 3: Inclined Plane Lab
  2. Discuss Inclined Planes; use Q#1-5 of Inclined Plane Analysis Think Sheet
  3. Do an Inclined Plane problem: Q#6 of Inclined Plane Analysis Think Sheet
  4. As time allows, do Minds On Physics: Mission F2D5 on Inclined Plane Concepts
 
Homework/Announcements
  1. Complete Minds On Physics: Mission F2D5 on Inclined Plane Concepts
  2. Concept Builder: Solve It! Inclined Planes (Apprentice Level)




 

Day 7 of Forces in Two Dimensions

Lesson Plan
  1. Do two Inclined plane problem: Q#7-8 of Inclined Plane Analysis Think Sheet
  2. Concept Builder: Solve It! Inclined Planes (Master Level)
  3. Lab 4: On a Roll Challenge Lab
 
Homework/Announcements
  1. CalcPad: Forces in 2-Dimensions 3 on Inclined Planes




 

Day 8 of Forces in Two Dimensions

Lesson Plan
  1. Concept Builder: Free-Body Diagrams for Inclined Planes
  2. CalcPad: Forces in 2-Dimensions 4 on Inclined Planes
  3. Short Unit Review
 
Homework/Announcements
  1. For Review: CalcPad: Forces in 2-Dimensions 5 on Review Problems
  2. Prepare for tomorrow's test
  3. Complete all unfinished work