The Physical Application of a Triangle Approximation Model

• Autores: Hongbo Fu, Wen Shi
• Localización: The Physics Teacher, ISSN 0031-921X, Vol. 62, Nº. 2, 2024, págs. 145-147
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • In this paper, three approximation laws related to a triangle are proposed, and a specific model is developed. First, when the apex angle of an isosceles triangle tends to zero, the bottom two angles of the triangle are each approximately 90°. Second, the two sides of this triangle are approximately perpendicular to the base. Third, the length of the base in the triangle is approximately the same as the arc length. This model can help teachers explain abstract mathematical limit processes in physical problems through the intuitiveness of geometric figures. We have applied this model to a series of typical physics examples, including centripetal acceleration in uniform circular motion, Ampere’s law, Young’s double-slit interference, and the electric potential of the electric dipole, to prove its validity and practicality.