Download AP Physics C: Mechanics

Mr. Bowen
AP Physics C
[email protected]
(512) 943-5100 ext. 7351
Overview of AP Physics C
This course in AP Physics C is taught as a second year course following the Pre-AP Physics course. It is
a challenging, college level course. The two subjects, Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism (E &
M) are taught over a two semester academic year using an alternating block schedule with ninety
minute class periods every other school day. AP Physics C: E & M is taught during the spring
semester. Because the course uses calculus in the conceptual development, AP Calculus is required
as a pre-requisite or concurrent enrollment.
Textbook:
Physics for Scientists and Engineers, 6th Edition
Company, 2008
Paul A. Tipler, Gene Mosca
W.H. Freeman and
Recommend Calculator: TI-83, TI-83 Plus
Grading Policy: all class assignments and notes are posted on my website
Laboratory Work – 23 ⅓ %
Most of the lab experiments are guided inquiry, i.e. the student is given an objective and a list of
equipment. Students design their own procedure, and after having been compared to a pre-existing
procedure, they collect and analyze data in their own methods. Data collection time is built into the
syllabus, however procedure development, data analysis, and laboratory reports are work to be done
outside of the classroom. Labs are either full or half class periods (90 minutes or 45 minutes),
however this is experimentation time, not including time discussing aspects or conclusions from the
labs. If thought necessary, post-lab quizzes are given to reinforce concepts and ideas shown by the
experiment. Labs are to be collected in a notebook or binder for their own records or reference in
future physics lab courses.
Tests – 46 ⅔ %
Tests are administered after each unit of material. Each test consists of 2 sections – 35 multiple
choice questions and 3 free response problems.
Daily Grades, Homework and Quizzes – 30%
Quizzes mostly consist of problems from the test, questions concerning a reading assignment, and
previous AP exam free response problems. Homework assignments are typically given from the
textbook.
Tutorial help: If you are having difficulty with assigned material, you should seek help as soon as possible.
Tutorials are held before and after school daily in my room (163) unless I have other duty, meetings, or
emergencies. Library Nights tutorials are after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:15 – 6:15. Additional
tutorials may be available upon request.
Course Outline
Fall Semester – Mechanics
1. Kinematics (including vectors, vector
algebra, components of vectors,
coordinate systems, displacement,
velocity, and acceleration) (18%)
a. Instructional Time: 3 weeks
b. Corresponding Text:
i. Chapter 2: Motion in 1
Dimension
ii. Chapter 3: Motion in 2 and 3
Dimensions
2. Newton’s Laws of Motion (20%)
a. Instructional Time: 3 weeks
b. Corresponding Text:
i. Chapter 4: Newton’s Laws
ii. Chapter 5: Applications of
Newton’s Laws
3. Work, Energy and Power (14%)
a. Instructional Time: 3 weeks
b. Corresponding Text:
i. Chapter 6: Work and Energy
ii. Chapter 7: Conservation of
Energy
4. Systems of Particles, Linear Momentum
(12%)
a. Instructional Time: 2 weeks
b. Corresponding Text:
i. Chapter 8: Systems of
Particles and Conservation of
Momentum
5. Circular Motion and Rotation (18%)
a. Instructional Time: 3 weeks
b. Corresponding Text:
i. Chapter 9: Rotation
ii. Chapter 10: Conservation of
Angular Momentum
6. Oscillations and Gravitation (18%)
a. Instructional Time: 3 weeks
b. Corresponding Text:
i. Chapter 11: Gravity
ii. Chapter 14: Oscillations
Spring Semester – E&M
1. Electrostatics (30%)
a. Instructional Time: 3 weeks
b. Corresponding Text:
i. Chapter 22: The Electric Field I:
Discrete Charge Distributions
ii. Chapter 23: The Electric Field II:
Continuous Charge Distributions
iii. Chapter 24: Electric Potential
2. Conductors, Capacitors, and Dielectrics (14%)
a. Instructional Time: 1 week
b. Corresponding Text:
i. Chapter 25: Electrostatic Energy
and Capacitance
3. Electric Circuits (20%)
a. Instructional Time: 3 weeks
b. Corresponding Text:
i. Chapter 26: Electric Current and
Direct-Current Circuits
ii. Chapter 31: Alternating Current
Circuits
4. Magnetic Fields (20%)
a. Instructional Time: 3 weeks
b. Corresponding Text:
i. Chapter 28: The Magnetic Field
ii. Chapter 29: Sources of the
Magnetic Field
5. Electromagnetism (16%)
a. Instructional Time: 2 weeks
b. Corresponding Text:
i. Chapter 30: Magnetic Induction
ii. Chapter 31: Alternating Current
Circuits
iii. Chapter 32: Maxwell’s Equations and
Electromagnetic Waves