Random Tidbit(s)

If only Earth could be orbiting a start in this cluster:

Then we might actually have the means to visit other worlds. It this star cluster, called the Great Globular Cluster in Hercules, M13, hundreds of thousands of stars fit into an area about 150 light years across. Of course, the more you pack into an area of space, the greater the probability of catastrophic events, but I still like to imagine zipping around the galaxy exploring strange new worlds, like in Star Trek. In fact, that is pretty much the only thing I enjoyed about the recent feature film Avatar; the plot structure stunk and the storyline was disgusting, but I liked how the movie-makers were able to create a realistic feeling of space travel.

It is a very boring morning, hence the very random post. But in general I am excited to be graduating soon, and I look forward to this summer in preparation for college!

Something Cool

Take a close look at this picture of the sun:

Everything I Ever Learned In Physics

This isn't even the half of it! It's been a long haul.

s = x₁ - x₀
x = v_xt
v₁ = v₀ + at
x = v₀t + 1/2at²
x = 1/2(v₀ + v₁)t
v₁² = v₀² + 2ax
(In two dimensions use x & y components)
Net Force F = ma
F_g = Gm₁m₂/r²
F_N = mg sin(theta)
F_f = mu F_N
W = Fs
E_k = 1/2mv²
W = E_kf - E_k0
U_g = mgh
E = E_k + E_rot. + U_g + U_s + W_f + ... (Other forms)
E_f = E₀
P = W/t
P = Fv
J = Ft
p = mv
Ft = mv₁ - mv₂
m₁v_1f + m₂v_2f = m₁v₁₀ + m₂v₂₀
x_cm = (m₁x₁ + m₂x₂ + ...)/(m₁ + m₂ + ...)
v = 2*pi*r/T
a_c = v²/r
F_c = mv²/r
tan(theta) = v²/(rg)
v² = GM_p/r
T² = 4*pi²r³/(GM_p)
W_ap = mg + ma
s = r(theta)
v_T = r*omega
a_T = r*alpha
omega₁ = omega₀ + alpha*t
theta = 1/2(omega₁ + omega₀)t
theta = omega₀t + 1/2*alpha*t²
omega₁² = omega₀² + 2*alpha*theta
theta = omega*t
a_c = r*omega²
torque = Fr
x_cg = (W₁x₁ + W₂x₂ + ...)/(W₁ + W₂ + ...)
I = k*mr² (k tends to = 1/2, 2/5, etc.)
W_R = (tau)*(theta)
E_kR = 1/2I*omega²
P_R = I*omega
F = kx
U_s = 1/2kx²
x = Acos(omega*t)
v = -A*omega*sin(omega*t)
v_max = A*omega
omega = (k/m)^1/2
2*pi*f = (mgL/I)^1/2
rho = m/V
P = F/A
m^dot = dm/dt
A₁v₁ = A₂v₂
Q = Av
P₂ - P₁ = (1/2mv₂² + mgy₂) - (1/2mv₁² + mgy₁)
delta L = alpha*L₀*delta T
delta V = beta*V₀*delta T
Q = cm*delta T
Q = mL
delta U = Q - W
W = P*delta V
W = nRT*ln(V_f/V₀)
Q = Cn*delta T
e = W/Q_H
Q_H = W + Q_C
Q_C/Q_H = T_C/T_H
delta S = (Q/T)_R
f = 1/T
v = F*lambda
v = (T/m/L)^1/2
y = A*sin(2*pi*ft - 2*pi*x/lambda)
I = P/(4*pi*r²
decibels = 10*log(I/I₀)
f_o = f_s(v +- v_o)/(v +- v_s)
sin(theta) = lambda/D or 1.22*lambda/D
f_beat = f₂ - f₁
f_n = n(v/2L) n = 1,2,3,4... or n(v/4L) n= 1,3,5,7...
e = 1.60 x 10^-19 C
F = kq₁q₂/r²
k = 8.99 x 10⁹Nm²/C²
E = F/q₀
E = kq/r²
E = q/A/e_o
W_AB = EPE_A - EPE_B
V = EPE/q₀
V_B - V_A = -W_AB/q₀
V = kq/r
E = delta V/delta x
q = CV
k = E₀/E
C = ke_oA/d
E = 1/2CV²
I = delta q/delta t
V = IR
R = rho*L/A
rho = rho₀*[1 + alpha*(T - T₀)]
R = R₀*[1 + alpha*(T - T₀)]
P = IV
P = I²R
P = V²/R
R_S = Sum (R_n)
1/R_P = Sum (1/R_n)
C_S = Sum (1/C_n)
C_S = Sum (C_n)
F = qvB*sin(theta)
r = mv/qB
F = ILB*sin(theta)
torque = NIAB*sin(theta)
B = mu₀I/(2*pi*r)
B = Nmu₀I/(2R)
B = mu₀nI
c = f*lambda
c = (e₀mu₀)^-1/2
u = 1/2e₀E² + 1/(2mu₀)B²
E = cB
S = S₀cos²(theta)
theta i = theta r
f = R/2
1/d_o + 1/d_i = 1/f
M = h_i/h_o = -d_i/d_o
n = c/v
n₁sin(theta 1) = n₂sin(theta 2)
sin(crit. theta) = n₂/n₁
sin(theta) = m*lambda/d, m = 0,1,2,3...
sin(theta) = m*lambda/W, m = 1,2,3...
theta = 1.22*lambda/D
E_i - E_f = hf
L_n = n*h/(2*pi), n = 1,2,3,...
r_n = 5.29 x 10 ^-11n²/Z
E_n = -(13.6eV)Z²/n²
1/lambda = RZ²(1/n_f² - 1/n_i²)
E = nhf, n = 0,1,2,3,...
E = hf
K_max = hf - work function
p = h/lambda
E = mc²

Project For AP Statistics

In my statistics we won't be having a typical final exam. Our final project is a statistical study or experiment. I have barely even started thinking about it and it's due in about 12-15 days (by the end of school). I am frantically trying to come up with something original, but I'm not getting any great ideas. Something sciency, or even aerospacey would be preferable.

I'll keep thinking, but if anyone has any suggestions, I will gladly listen.

I Passed My Amateur Radio Exam!

Finally. I was so peeved when I missed it by one point last year. This time I made it with two points to spare. Phew! I'm now a licensed Technician class Amateur Radio operator!

The funny thing is that I almost passed the next exam, too (if you pass the first you can try for the next level without additional charge). I came within five points of passing the General exam, which is funny because I didn't know the answers whatsoever.

Now I can do telemetry, radio tracking, and all that fun stuff. (And maybe I'll Ham a bit too, we'll see.)

AP Week!

This coming week is going to be utterly insane. I have three AP tests in a row, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. Stats, Calc and Lit. The following Monday I have Physics. And then... Then I will break my record for a good night's sleep and sleep 15 hours.

Here's how I feel about my prospects:

Stats - 4
Calc - 5
Lit - 2, MAYBE 3
Physics - 4

My blog may fall silent for a week or so.

Details on my L1 HPR cert design are coming up. AFTER the AP.

Iowa State University!

I decided. Iowa State is it. I made up my mind, and mailed in the acceptance form.

It just means I'm going to have to scrimp and save this summer. $15k should be doable... but I sure hope it doesn't interfere with my certification attempts. I turn 18 this summer, so I included getting certified in my short list of Big, Fun, Scary Adventures for 2010.

1) Get L1 certified for high-power rocketry
2) Earn and save a lot of money applying for jobs, scholarships, and just being an entrepreneur.
3) Go to COLLEGE!!

How scary! I'm attempting two steps in my Ladder to Space in a single year.

Let me talk more about my college decision: Iowa State has everything going for it. It is the right compromise of $$$$, engineering prestige, and location. It has a wonderful campus, and has one of the best engineering programs in the country. Specifically, it has an excellent aerospace engineering program, even compared to Embry-Riddle. Being a state university, I am of the opinion that it has more resources available to it. For instance, Iowa State has a supersonic wind tunnel, whereas Embry-Riddle has only a subsonic one, up to about 200 mph.

I am content with my choice, and recognize that:

"The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." ~Proverbs 16:9

He sure does, and I'd rather go where He'd have me go than go where I think it would be best for me to go... if you get my meaning. Because, as somebody said (I don't remember who; you can comment if you know who): "You're only watching the train cars whiz by in front of you. God's up on the hill and he can see the whole train."

In conclusion...

Gulp.