Applied physics – physics at work, Earth and sky, physics and the environment
PhysicsPhysics & the EnvironmentAges 15–16
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Sign in to playThree applied-physics topics in one simulation, switchable with the topic parameter. Physics at work: a lifting machine from construction, agriculture, or elevator work raises a load, and you compute the work A = mgh, the power P = F·v, and the machine's efficiency. Earth and sky: pick a latitude and a day of the year to watch the Sun rise, reach its highest point, and set across the sky dome, while measuring its altitude angle and the day length. Physics and the environment: Earth's energy balance, where changing the CO₂ level shows how the average surface temperature changes.
Lesson: Physics in occupations; Earth and sky; physics and environmental education
What it shows
This simulation brings together three short applied-physics models. In the first, a crane, an irrigation pump or a counterweighted elevator lifts a load at constant speed: the useful work is mgh, the useful power is P = F·v, and the efficiency H shows how much more energy the motor must supply. The second models the Sun's apparent daily path from the tilt of Earth's axis, giving the Sun's altitude and the day length for any latitude and date. The third is a one-layer energy-balance model linking atmospheric CO₂ to Earth's average surface temperature.
How to use
Use the tabs to switch topic. In Physics at Work, change the mass of the lifted load and press Switch machine to compare work, power and wasted energy for the three machines. In Earth and Sky, set the observer's latitude, drag across the sky to change the time of day, and press Switch day (solstices) to step through the solstices and an equinox. In Physics and the Environment, drag sideways or press CO₂ × 2 and read the new surface temperature.
Parameters you can change
- Current topic 1. Physics in occupations, 2. Earth and sky, 3. Physics and environmental protection
- Lifting machine Construction crane (75% efficiency), Irrigation water pump (60% efficiency), Counterweighted elevator (85% efficiency)
- Mass of the lifted load 50–5000 kg
- Observer's latitude (positive is north) -60–60 degrees
- Day of the year 1–365 days
- Atmospheric CO₂ concentration 280–1000 ppm
Questions to explore
- To lift the same load, why does the irrigation pump need more total energy than the counterweighted elevator?
- At latitude 40° north, how do the Sun's noon altitude and the day length compare between day 172 and day 355?
- According to the model, how much does the average surface temperature rise when CO₂ doubles from 280 ppm?
