Download GREENSBURG SALEM SCHOOL DISTRICT

GREENSBURG SALEM SCHOOL DISTRICT
COURSE SYLLABUS
COURSE TITLE: Physics I
GRADE(S): 10, 11, and 12
PREREQUISITE(S): “C” or better in Algebra II or a higher level math
REQUIRED TEXT(S) AND MATERIALS: Holt Physics; calculator; 3-ring binder; pencils
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This academic course covers the topics of graphical analysis of motion, vector resolution,
motion in one and two dimensions, work, power, energy, electrostatics, electric field theory, circuit analysis,
magnetism, waves, and basic optics. Students will work individually and in groups to complete laboratory
investigations and problem solving exercises.
LEARNER OBJECTIVES/COMPETENCIES:
I. Mechanics
A. Linear Motion
1. Distinguish between distance, velocity, and acceleration.
2. Given (or measuring) three of the following: initial velocity, final velocity, acceleration, time
of travel, and displacement, find the remaining two variables.
3. Describe the motion of a moving object using words, models and mathematical symbols
4. Analyze the principles of velocity and acceleration as they relate to free fall and other types of movement.
B. Graphing Linear Motion
1. Describe the motion of a moving object by reading or drawing graphs of displacement, velocity, and
acceleration.
2. Use slope and area of displacement, velocity, or acceleration graphs to determine features of other
graphs.
C. Newton’s Laws
1. State and explain Newton’s Laws of Motion and defense inertia.
2. Apply Newton’s second law to determine the force, acceleration, or mass of an object.
3. Given a force, identify the reaction force and explain why they do not cancel.
D. Other Forces and Vectors
1. Distinguish between scalar and vector quantities and give examples of each.
2. Use the parallelogram method or tail-to-tip method to find the resultant of two or more vectors.
3. Given a vector, resolve it into horizontal and vertical components.
4. Draw vector diagrams for velocities, forces, and displacements.
5. Describe and calculate the effect of friction on a stationary and on a moving object
6. Define center of gravity and locate the center of gravity of a given object.
7. Define torque and determine forces necessary to maintain equilibrium.
E. Projectile Motion
1. Describe the changes in the horizontal and vertical components of a projectiles’ velocity.
2. Describe the horizontal, vertical, and component forces acting on a projectile.
3. Given (or measuring) three of the following: initial velocity, final velocity, acceleration, time of
travel, and displacement, find the remaining two variables for a projectile.
F. Circular and Simple Harmonic Motion
1. Define centripetal and centrifugal acceleration and force and explain the differences.
2. Determine an object’s centripetal force and acceleration and describe the resulting motion.
3. Describe the resulting motion of an object if the centripetal force acting on it ceases.
G. Momentum
1. Define momentum and impulse and the relationship between the two quantities.
2. Distinguish between an elastic collision and an inelastic collision.
3. Give examples of how both force and time affect the change in momentum.
4. Given three of the following variables: force, time of impact, mass, and velocity, calculate the unknown.
H. Energy, Work, and Power
1. Distinguish between mechanical energy, potential energy, and kinetic energy.
2. State the law of conservation of energy and use to describe energy transfer situations.
3. Define work in terms of energy.
4. Determine the amount of work done by measuring the force and distance moved.
5. Determine the amount of power required by measuring the work and the time.
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II. Electricity and Magnetism
A. Electrostatics
1. Describe static electricity in terms of attraction, repulsion and sparks.
2. Explain, from the point of view of electron transfer, how an object becomes a.) positively charged
or b.) negatively charged and relate this to the net charge.
3. Describe how and if insulators and conductors can be charged with and without contact.
4. Describe the relation between the electrical force between two charged objects, their charge, and
the distance between them.
B. Electric Fields
1. Describe how the strength of an electric field at two different points can be compared and drawn
using electric field lines.
2. Describe how the direction of an electric field at a point is determined.
3. Distinguish between electric potential energy and electric potential (voltage).
C. Current and Ohm’s Law
1. List and describe the conditions for flow of electric charge.
2. List and describe the factors that determine the resistance of a wire or other material.
3. Relate the electric power used by a device to current, voltage and resistance.
D. Electric Circuits
1. Demonstrate an understanding of series and parallel circuits through design and construction.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of resistance, current and electromagnetic force through measurement.
3. Describe the effects of conductors, resistors, capacitors and insulators on electrical force.
E. Magnetism
1. Relate the motion of electrons within a material to the ability of the material to become a magnet.
2. Interpret the strength of a magnetic field at different points near a magnet from the pattern formed
by iron filings.
F. Electromagnetic Fields
1. Identify the relationship of electricity and magnetism as two aspects of electromagnetic force.
2. Describe the magnetic field produced by a current-carrying wire, and give examples of how the
field can be used and can be made stronger.
III. Light
A. Waves
1. Relate a drawing of a sine curve to the crest, trough, amplitude, and wavelength.
2. Describe and use the relationships between frequency, period, velocity, and wavelength.
3. Distinguish between transverse and longitudinal waves and give examples of each.
4. Define a standing wave and describe how it occurs.
5. List and describe wave properties.
B. Basic Properties of Light
1. Evaluate wave properties of frequency, wavelength and speed as applied to light through various media.
C. Light Reflection and Mirrors
1. Given the direction of light striking a reflective surface, predict the path of the reflected light.
2. Distinguish between what happens to light when it strikes metal surfaces and water.
D. Light Refraction and Lenses
1. Given the direction of light striking a transparent surface, predict the path of the refracted light.
2. Describe the process of total internal reflection.
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