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Leana Tran
Semester Project

1. Star Identification

1 2 3 4
Name Coalsack Acrux (Alpha Alpha Centauri Beta Centauri
Nebula Crucis) A
Figure 1 Southern Cross Constellation

Distance from 600 321 4.37 350

the Earth
(light years)
When the light 600 321 4.37 350
left the star
(years)
Size compared Radius: 30-35 14 1.1 10.5
to the Sun light years.
(Solar Masses
Bigger)
Luminosity Contains 10% x25,000 x1.5 x41,700
of the
brightness
that surrounds
the Milky Way.
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Part 2
Equation 1: E = mc2

1. The variable E is Energy, M is Mass, and C is the Speed of Light. This means that
energy equals the mass of an object multiplied by the speed of light squared.
2. C is the speed of light, so the value of C is (2.99 x 108). This would mean C2 would
equal (8.98 x 1016).
3. Yes. A large change of energy leads to a change in mass and can be converted with
E
the ratio of E = mc2. Or one unit of mass equals c
2

4. It is true. A small amount of mass can provide quite a lot of energy. In order to see
how much energy a certain amount of mass has, you multiply it by C2, which is a
huge number.

Equation 2: d = gt^2/2 d = distance g = acceleration of gravity t = time

5. The second statement, objects fall at the same speed (if no air resistance) and
weight doesnt matter, is correct. If you drop a ten pound bowling ball and a twenty
pound watermelon off of a 50 ft building, they will land on the ground at the same
time if we neglect air resistance. The reason behind this is the object with the
heavier mass would seem to fall faster, but the larger inertia counteracts the mass
at the same ratio of 9.8, the acceleration of gravity.
50 = (9.8 x t)2/2 100 = (9.8t)2 10 = 9.8t t = ~1.02 seconds

Equation 3: v = gt v = velocity g = acceleration of gravity t = time

6. The second statement, objects fall at the same speed (if no air resistance) and
weight doesnt matter, is correct. The acceleration of gravity is the same on every
object. The force is different, but the inertia makes acceleration the same.
7. The biggest reason why it took us so long to discover that objects fall at the same
speed is because we werent able to test the acceleration of objects without air
resistance. In the moon video, the hammer and feather are in freefall since there is
no air resistance on the moon.
8. The physical property that makes two objects of different size fall at the same rate
is called Inertia.

Equation 4: e = 1 - Tcold/Thot

9. Yes. If we make it Tcold = 0 then the equation would be e = 1 - 0 which equals 1,

meaning full efficiency.
10.No. Once there is heat in the engine, the heat energy radiates out, making it
impossible for Tcold to remain 0.
11.No. Unless if Tcold = 0, it doesnt matter how high we increase Thot because there
will always be a value being subtracted in the equation. It can however be as close
to 100% efficiency as possible as Thot approaches infinity.
12.No. There is no heat hot enough that can provide 100% efficiency.
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13.No. The temperature in a burning engine isnt stable enough, and any type of
burning gas isnt 100% efficient. If there were any gas that was 100% efficient,
there would be no exhaust coming from the engine.

Part 3
Learning about a Law of Physics
Archimedes Principle states that the weight of the displaced water whether it be
fully or partially submerged is equal to the
buoyant force (Figure 2). The buoyant force is the
pressure applied on the object by the solution.
Real life examples could include a boat floating on
top of water. The boat will displace enough water
until it represents its own weight. An ice cube
could be another example of Archimedes
principle. As an ice cube is placed into a cup of
water, the ice cube will float because it is less
dense compared to the water. Ice is less dense
than water because of its structure of hydrogen
bonds, lowering the density. The ice cube is equal
to the weight of the water that it displaces.
Figure 2 Archimedes' Principle

Everyone could also test Archimedes principle in their own bathtub! Note the
level of water as you stand in the tub versus sitting down in the bathtub, the water
level will change. The object, you in this scenario will always displace water equal to
your own volume. Below is a video of how Archimedes discovered the principle.
Video: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/mark-salata-how-taking-a-bath-led-to-archimedes-
principle#review
The Archimedes Principle allows you to find out what the density is. To
calculate the density, density = mass/volume. For example: A small piece of wood
weighs 2 grams and displaces 4 milliliters of water. 2 g / 4 ml = 0.5 g/ml.
Part 4
Explanation of Fermis Paradox and possible resolution
A paradox is a statement that contradicts itself. Fermis Paradox was named
after Enrico Fermi. The Fermi Paradox was about extraterrestrial life, and how they
never visited Earth. There was lack of evidence for extraterrestrial civilizations out
there in the universe. We cannot prove that they do not exist. As Enrico Fermi would
say, Where is everybody?
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The Great Filter (figure

3), written by Robin Hanson
described humanitys
evolutionary route. The filter
indicates each evolutionary
step that occurs starting out
with the star system,
reproduction, Life on Earth,
and barriers that we will need
to overcome. There were 3
hypotheses that formed
around the Great Filter theory.
The first hypothesis was
that humanity has passed the
Great Filter. We were able to
accomplish what nothing else
Figure 3 Fermi's Paradox has been able to do, cross
the Great Filter. Now we are
left with each other in the
universe. Meaning all other species died before reaching the Great Filter.
The second hypothesis, tells us that we just barely passed the filter with the
necessary conditions.
The third hypothesis states that humanity has not crossed the barrier. We have to
overcome another barrier before becoming an advanced civilization. Chances of
that happening are very slim.

Another hypothesis could be that there could be life on beyond Earth because
new discoveries and technologies are being made. NASA did find a planet, the size
of earth that may be habitable (Kepler-186f). When NASA searches for life outside of
our solar system, they look for similar characteristics that Earth possesses.
Discoveries like this make people wonder is
there really life outside of Earth? March of 2014,
Habitable Exoplanets Catalog was able to
identify 20 planets that were suitable for life. Equation 1 Drake's Equation

We can also use Dr Frank Drakes equation to

estimate how many detectable civilizations are out there in our galaxy. The equation
was created in 1961. This equation could be used to help us understand the
universe around us. Finding life outside of earth could help us better understand
Drakes equation.
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Reflective Writing
This signature assignment took a lot of time to complete, but it has spiked my
interest in physics. Physics is not a simple subject to understand. I have learned it is
a subject that needs constant practice. Sometimes we are too busy living our
everyday lives to even pay attention to the role physics play in our lives.
After studying some of the material from this course, I look around every day
and try to link my everyday activities with physics. At Primary Childrens, when we
take kids down to do an x-ray, broken bones are a result of physics. Vital signs that
indicate blood pressures and other measurements represent medical physics.
The Life Flight helicopters at Primary Children's Hospital are powered by fuel.
Planes gather their concept from Bernoullis principle. The wings of the airplane
have to be a certain shape and dimension to successfully operate. Cars also use
Bernoullis concept, by having spoilers. Spoilers give racing cars better traction. In
order for the plane to successfully operate to get patients, it must include four
forces: lift, gravity, thrust, and drag. Every day, I am noticing something different
that I can link with physics.
Almost everyone can point out that Albert Einstein was the one that
discovered the famous E = mc2. Not everyone truly knows what it means,
including me. Recently, with this assignment I have learned what each variable
represents. E stands for the units of energy. M stands for mass. c2 represents the
speed of light squared. Einsteins equation explains that the relationship between
mass and energy is equivalent. Using the First Law of Thermodynamics, energy
cannot be destroyed or created.
This assignment has basically summed up most of what we have been
learning about and more. I am able to reflect on how much I know now compared to
when I started physics. I was always scared of physics, the older kids would always
tell me how hard it was and reading their long story problems made me nervous.
One thing that I learned about physics is that you have to try again. You dont fail
unless you give up. It is just through steps of trial and error.
The most challenging part of the assignment was trying to find out more
about the stars. It was fascinating to learn about, but I had to do a lot of research
especially with Coal sack Nebula. I have noticed that a lot of the principles of
physics help explain principles of Chemistry. A career in engineering consists of
physics. I remember the first few weeks of class looking at the rubric for this
assignment. It just seemed to difficult. I am glad I am able to relate back and realize
how far I have gotten in physics. It has been so much easier to understand just from
going through the materials over and over again, watching videos, having others
explain it, and more.
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