Re: math in physics classes

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1 total messages Started by Lowell Herr Thu, 17 Jun 1993 02:10

#2038

Author: Lowell Herr
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 1993 02:10

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Judy,

        I do not use calculus in my first level physics courses.  If I
were to do this I would cut my classes in half.

Now about vectors.  For beginning ideas, I use component vectors.  Why
make it difficult for students.  When we are working with non-right
triangles we do move into the Law of Sines and Law of Cosines.  If I
recall, PSSC pushed accurate drawings further reducing the math.  Not a
bad place to start and then work toward the more abstract math approaches.

From what you said in your message, you are not on the wrong track.

Lowell Herr
The Catlin Gabel School

On Wed, 16 Jun 1993, Judy Ng wrote:

> To all high school physics teachers:
> Our math chairperson expressed to my assistan principal that I
> do not use  " HIGH MATH" in my
> teaching physics.  I think she means calculus.  Also, when we
> were doing vectors and two dimension kinematics, she told me
> that I should not teach students the resolution of vectors into
> x and y components but rather use Law of sine and cosine.

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