Download AP_Syllabus_10-11

SUITLAND HIGH SCHOOL
SCIENCE DEPARATMENT
AP PHYSICS B Syllabus
2010-2011
Description:
The Advanced Placement Physics B course is a college level and algebra-based course in general
Physics that includes both classical and modern physics. It covers the concepts on Newtonian mechanics,
fluid mechanics, thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and atomic and nuclear
physics. A knowledge of algebra and basic trigonometry is required for the course and the basic ideas of
calculus may be introduced in connection with a few physical concepts. The emphasis of the course is on
understanding the fundamental principles and concepts and the ability to apply these knowledge in problem
solving activities. Hence, various levels of laboratory work are given to enable the students to develop their
higher order thinking skills.
The AP Physics B course and examination is part of the Advanced Placement Program of the
College Board.
Goals:
1.
2.
3.
to understand the basic concepts of physics through problem solving activities in preparation
for the AP Physics B Exam.
to explain the physical world focusing on ideas that characterize physics as a human
enterprise rather than concentrating on isolated facts.
to express technical materials in written form, thereby reinforcing their expository skills.
Objectives:
1.
2.
3.
4.
To read and interpret physical information – verbal, mathematical, and graphical.
To describe and explain the sequence of steps in the analysis of a particular physical
phenomenon; that is:
a) describe the idealized model to be used in the analysis, including simplifying
assumptions where necessary.
b) state the principles that are applicable.
c) specify relevant limitations on applications of these principles.
d) carry out and describe the steps on the analysis, verbally or mathematically.
e) interpret the results, including discussion of particular cases of special interest.
To use basic mathematical reasoning-arithmetic, algebraic, geometric, or trigonometric, where
appropriate-in a physical situation.
To perform experiments and interpret the results of observations, including making an
assessment of experimental uncertainties. Specifically, students are expected to:
a) design experiments.
b) observe and measure real phenomena.
c) organize, display, and critically analyze data.
d) determine uncertainties in measurement.
e) draw inferences from observations and data.
f) communicate results, including suggested ways to improve experiments and
proposed questions for further study.
Classes:
The class meets 90 minutes daily. Each session generally begins with a problem review followed
by a short lecture or demonstration to introduce the new concepts. Then, the students start their new
assignment, which usually involves the application of critical thinking skills in order to solve problems
associated with the lecture/demonstration. Students are allowed to pair up and help each other. This gives
the instructor time to individually guide the students. Applications of concepts to real-life situations are
also given premium in every class period.
A target of 2 class periods biweekly will be devoted for laboratory work to strengthen the student
understanding of the concepts.
Textbook:
Giancoli, Douglas C., Physics: Principles with Applications, sixth edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ,
Prentice Hall, 2005.
References:
Cutnell, John D. and Kenneth W. Johnson, Physics, 6th ed. New York, John Wiley and Sons, 2003.
Sears, Francis W., Mark W., Zemansky, and Hugh D. Young, College Physics, 6th ed. Pacific Grove, CA,
Brooks/Cole Publishing, 2003.
Serway, Raymond, et. al., College Physics, seventh edition. Belmont, CA, Thomson Brooks/Cole. 2006.
Walker, James, Physics, AP edition, third edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ, Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007.
Materials:
Each student should provide the following supplies every class session:
textbook
notebook
pen or pencil
whiteboard markers and crayons
ruler
graphing paper
graphing calculator – While any graphing calculator may be used, a TI-83, TI-83 plus, or
TI-84 Plus is highly recommended. Instruction with TI-83 plus calculator will be
provided in class. Students are responsible for learning how to operate their own
calculators.
Optional supplies: white-out, tissue paper, paper towel
Topics:
I. Newtonian Mechanics
A. Kinematics
1. Motion in one dimension
2. Motion in two dimensions including projectile motion
B. Newton's laws of motion (including friction and centripetal force)
1. Static equilibrium (first law)
2. Dynamics of a single particle (second law)
3. Systems of two or more bodies (third law)
C. Work, energy, power
1. Work and work-energy theorem
2. Forces and potential energy
3. Conservation of energy
4. Power
D. Systems of particles, linear momentum
1. Impulse and momentum
2. Conservation of linear momentum, collisions
E. Circular motion and rotation
1. Uniform circular motion
2. Torque and rotational statics
F. Oscillations and gravitation
1. Simple harmonic motion (dynamics and energy relationships)
2. Mass on a spring
3. Pendulum and other oscillations
4. Newton's law of gravity
5. Orbits of planets and satellites (Circular)
II. Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Physics
A. Fluid Mechanics
1. Hydrostatic pressure
2. Buoyancy
3. Fluid flow continuity
4. Bernoulli's equation
B. Temperature and heat
1. Mechanical equivalent of heat
2. Heat transfer and thermal expansion
C. Kinetic theory and thermodynamics
1. Ideal gases
a) Kinetic model
b) Ideal gas law
2. Laws of thermodynamics
a) First law (including processes on pV diagrams)
b) Second law (including heat engines)
III. Electricity and Magnetism
A. Electrostatics
1. Charge, field, and potential
2. Coulomb's law and field and potential of point charges
B. Conductors, capacitors, dielectrics
1. Electrostatics with conductors
2. Capacitors and Parallel plates
C. Electric circuits
1. Current, resistance, power
2. Steady-state direct current circuits with batteries and resistors only
3. Capacitors in circuits (Steady state)
D. Magnetic Field
1. Forces on moving charges in magnetic fields
2. Forces on current-carrying wires in magnetic fields
3. Fields of long current-carrying wires
E. Electromagnetism
1. Electromagnetic induction (including Faraday's law and Lenz's law)
IV. Waves and Optics
A. Wave motion (including sound)
1. Properties of traveling waves
2. Properties of standing waves
3. Doppler effect
4. Superposition
B. Physical optics
1. Interference and diffraction
2. Dispersion of light and the electromagnetic spectrum
C. Geometric optics
1. Reflection and refraction
2. Mirrors
3. Lenses
V. Atomic and Nuclear Physics
A. Atomic physics and quantum effects
1. Photons and the photoelectric effect, Compton Scattering, X-rays
2. Atomic energy levels
3. Wave-particle duality
B. Nuclear physics
1. Nuclear reactions (including conservation of mass number and charge)
2. Mass-energy equivalence
Laboratory:
All lab experiments are “hands-on” activities requiring at least 2 class periods to finish. After the
lab activity, you are expected to come up with a formal lab report consisting of the following parts:
Problem/Question
Hypothesis
Experimental Procedure
Data/Observations
Calculations
Conclusion and Error Analysis
The following are the lab activities for the school year:
1. Significant Figures, Errors, and Uncertainty – measurement of the areas, volumes, and densities of given
solids and liquids
2. Vector Composition and Resolution – composition and resolution of forces using the force table
3. Uniformly Accelerated Motion – determination of the acceleration due to gravity
4. Newton’s Second Law of Motion – block attached to a cord that runs over a pulley and varying the mass
at the free end of the cord
5. Inclined Plane – measurement of the coefficients of static and kinetic friction
6. Conservation of Energy – verification of the conservation of mechanical energy using a modified
Atwood’s machine.
7. Projectile Motion – determination of the relationship between θ and range using a dart gun
8. Uniform Circular Motion – relationships among Fc, radius, period, mass, and speed
9. Simple Pendulum –measurement of the frequency and period of a simple pendulum and demonstration
of the independence of the mass of the bob to period and frequency
10. Hooke’s Law – determination of the elongation and spring constants
11. Density Using Archimedes Principle – measurement of the density and specific gravity of solids
and liquids
12. Ohm’s Law and Internal Resistance – showing the relationships among voltage, current and resistance,
13. Resistors in Series and Parallel – calculation of the voltage and current of resistors in series and parallel
14. Electromagnetic Induction – determination of the induced emf in a coil as a
measure of the magnetic field from an alternating current in a long straight wire
15. Resonance and Speed of Sound – measurement of the speed of sound in a column of air
16. Verification of the Laws of Reflection and Refraction – analyzing reflection
and determining the index of refraction of a material
17. Spherical Mirrors and Lenses - Experimental, geometrical and analytical
determination of the formation of images.
18. Wavelength of Light – measurement of the wavelength of a laser beam using a diffraction grating
Major Requirements:
Science Fair Project – Start Work: August 24 Due Date: December 15
Physics Carol – December 20
Film Critique – April 4
Portfolio of Lab Reports and Major Requirements – May 11
AP Physics B Test – May 9, 12:00 noon
Internet Connection:
school max – to monitor your performance in class. Grades are updated weekly.
homeworklive.com – to check your assignments and their due date
autoassign.com – to do a biweekly internet homework and submit online. (30 multiple-choice
questions patterned after the past AP exam questions)
Create one username for each of these sites to avoid confusion. Use the last four digits of your
student ID for your password.
Grading:
The following are the grading factors, and their percentages used to determine grades in the AP
Physics course:
Tests and Quizzes
40%
Lab Reports, Projects, and Portfolio
20%
Final Exam (Past AP Exam Questions)
20%
Internet homework and assignments
20%
Tests are given at the end of every unit with some quizzes given in between. Tests consist of
multiple-choice and free-response questions to simulate the AP exam. You are allowed to use AP reference
tables and calculators during the tests.
Problems given come from the textbook, review book, released AP Exams, and worksheets I
designed.
AP Physics B is not a spectator sport. Just like the athletes, training and exercise are crucial to
your success. As Sophocles once said, “One must learn by doing the thing; for though you think you
know it, you have no certainty, until you try.”