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AP PHYSICS B HS LECJ
SYLLABUS 2011-2012
William Fesperman
Room 306
AP Physics is a college level course providing an introduction to the main principles of physics and
emphasizing the development of problem-solving ability. The course will cove Newtonian and fluid
mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and thermal, atomic and nuclear physics.
Knowledge of algebra and basic trigonometry is required for this course.
AP Physics meets 3 days a week (M, W, TH, F) for 50 minutes on Monday and 1 day for 45 minutes on
Tuesday and Thursday, in addition to extended lab and review sessions as needed. (Students are
encouraged to work with peers and/or tutors in completing homework and studying course
material. The course consists of 20 units (see “Course Outline” below) with a test at the end of
eachunit. Students are given a calendar of readings assignments, homework problem sets, labs and
tests. Students are expected to take notes while reading assigned chapters. The notes will be checked
prior to covering the material in class. The homework will be checked for completeness, not necessarily
accuracy. Late homework will not be accepted. Labs will be conducted about once every two weeks.
Formal lab reports will be written at the conclusion of each lab (see “Labs” below for more details). The
tests will consist of multiple choice and free response questions modeled after past AP Physics Exams.
Tests are worth 40% of thegrade while notes, homework and labs together are worth 40% of the grade.
Grading Breakdown
40% Tests, Quizzes
20% Procedures and Safety
20% Lab Communication and Scientific Analysis
20% Practice Assignments
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. To master all relevant topics in order to succeed on the College Board AP Physics B test.
2. To describe the motion of all objects, universally. Descriptions include definitions, mathematical
expressions, and graphs.
3. To suggest, from the description, a causality for motion.
4. To identify and apply quantities which are conserved, universally.
a. Momentum
b. Energy
5. To describe and quantify the characteristics of fluid mechanics.
6. To distinguish between heat and temperature as they relate to thermal expansion, and kinetic
molecular theory.
7. To provide a fundamental understanding of the elements of basic electricity and their roles in static
and current applications.
8. To identify the relationship between electricity and magnetism, and practical applications of this
relationship as the source of electromagnetic waves.
9. To identify the common characteristics of wave behavior, and apply and recognize those
characteristics displayed in water, sound, and light.
10. Use the Michelson Moreley experiment as a springboard to understanding the theories of relativity.
11. To describe modern atomic and nuclear theory and applications therein including the photoelectric
effect, and nuclear reactions.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Grading: This course will be graded by an accumulation of total points earned on the following
categories: Practice Work, Quizzes, Labs, and Tests.
Practice work is your completion of the problems we have discussed and assigned in class. All homework
assignments correspond to class lectures. Every time our class meets 2nd period, homework will be
checked. Homework is graded based on completeness and accuracy. If you are absent, it is your
responsibility to submit homework as soon as you return
Quizzes will also be administered at the start of every class. The material covered will be the problems
that we covered the previous class period
Lab activities and write-ups will address the objectives that are being covered in class in a practical form.
Each lab is unique in scope and procedure and will therefore constitute a different point value.
Tests will be given at the end of a chapter. The format of the test will be free response, and will attempt
to mimic the AP Test Format. Point values will be assigned based on a rubric, as the AP test is graded.
Tests will be weighted to constitute at least 30% of your overall grade.
The student grade is calculated by total points scored as a percentage of total points possible, and will
be weighted to approximate what he should expect to receive on that subject matter on the AP Test.
COURSE OUTLINE:
First Semester
1st Six Weeks
Measurement and Associated Topics
Vectors
Kinematics
Newton’s Laws of Motion
2nd Six Weeks
Work, Energy, Power
Systems of Particles, Linear Momentum
3rd Six Weeks
Circular Motion and Rotation
Oscillations and Gravitation
Galileo’s experiment, acceleration due to gravity on an incline
Projectile motion, initial speed and direction
Newton’s Laws, Atwood’s machine
Circular Motion and Rotation
Oscillations and Gravitation
AP practice exam
Second Semester
4th Six Weeks
Electrostatics
Conductors, Capacitors, Dielectrics
5th Six Weeks
Electric Circuits
Magnetic Fields
6th Six Weeks
Electromagnetism
AP exam review and test taking strategies
AP EXAM
FINAL