Exercises/Labs

Exercise 1: Weather Map and Station Models

Converting Temperatures: Convert the temperatures of the following (write equation at least once for each type of conversion):

1. 32 F to C:  (32-32)/1.8=0 C
2. 68 F to C: (68-32)/1.8=20 C
3. 90 F to K: (90-32)/1.8=32.2 and 32.2+273.15=305.35 K
4.  30 C to F: (30*1.8)+32=86 F
5. -40 C to F: (-40*1.8)+32=-40 F
6. -23 F to C:  (-23-32)/1.8=-30.5 C
7. -122 C to K: -122+273.15=151.15 K

Weather Map Symbols:

Air Masses:

Station Model Symbols:

1.     A barometric pressure of 1013.4 = 134

2.     A barometric pressure of 1002.4 = 024

3.     A barometric pressure of 982.3 = 823

4.     A barometric pressure of 995.3 = 953

5.     A barometric pressure of 1021.2 = 212

6.     Shorthand of 243 =1024.3

7.     Shorthand of 179 = 1017.9

8.     Shorthand of 207= 1020.7

9.     Shorthand of 824 = 982.4

10. Shorthand of 623 = 1062.3

11. Shorthand of 839 (Hint: record high) = 1083.9

12. Shorthand of 699 (Hint: record low) = 869.9

How do high and low pressure barometric pressure values correspond to weather conditions. That is, under what conditions might one expect to see very high barometer readings? How about record low?

• High barometric pressure values are associated with cold temperatures. Low barometric pressure values are associated with warm temperatures. 

Lab 1: Buoyancy

Our first lab, we went outside to experience the effects of buoyancy. We created a Cincinnati Fire Kite using newspaper (folded into a 3D shape). The goal was to set it on fire and then the heat would set the flaming paper into the air. 

• There was no success after 6 trials getting the fire kite to float upward. This was most likely due to poor execution. 

We also had two Chinese Lanterns to assist with this demonstration. 

• This was completed with greater success.

Successful Chinese Lantern soaring high over the footbridge as it achieves buoyancy.

Both are supposed to trap warm air inside a pocket of the kite and lantern. When they are heated up, the air inside expands and the cool air around it allows for the kite/lantern to float and rise into the air. This is also why we attempted this lab in February when it was colder outside, in hopes of better success.