TOK PRESENTATION

PHYSICS VS INTUITION

Physics vs IntuitionWhat do we do in Physics?Observe the physical world and make

models to help us understand how the different parts interact.

Physical ModelsVisual Models

Physical ModelsVisual Models

Physical ModelsMathematical Models

Physical ModelsGraphical Models

Physical ModelsAnalogy

Why do we make these models?

To make predictionsSome examples

Why do we make these models?Flashing lights

Why do we make these models?Runners

Why not use intuition? What happens when you get hit by a water

canon?

We all know the answer but Physicists use laws to explain the answer

Newtons Laws of MotionNewtons 1st Law

The water is changing it's velocity when it hits the people so there is an unbalanced force acting on the water

Newtons 2nd LawThe size of the force is equal to the rate of change of the momentum of the water.

Newtons 3rd lawThere must be an equal and opposite force on the people

So the physicists can make a nice argument but don't tell us anything that we don't know.

The physicist can also make predictions. If there is more water the rate of change of

momentum will be bigger and therefore the force will be bigger.

We all knew that

When is intuition not enough?What happens when the rod below is

subjected to two Forces?

When is intuition not enough?What happens when the rod below is

subjected to two Forces?

When is intuition not enough? What happens to the balloon when car stops?

When is intuition not enough? What happens to the balloon when car stops?

So what do I teach?

How things work?No, a way of thinkingHow to use principles and laws to solve

problems rather than intuitionNon critical thinking?