Download Topics: Measurement, Vectors, Graphic Analysis, One

PISCATAWAY TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS
COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Title: Honors Physics
2015-2016
Textbook:
College Physics, Serway, Faughn and Vuille
Teacher:
Mr. Vilmos Kiraly
[email protected]
Course description:
Full year course: Grades 11 and 12 for 6.0 credits
Honors Physics is a lab and lecture course that meets 6 periods per cycle. The Honors
Physics course is intended for science oriented students who plan on taking the maximum
number of science units in high school. This rigorous inquiry-oriented course is quite
demanding, is rapidly paced and stresses problem solving skills. Using an applied
mathematical approach, students will be taught fundamental concepts of motion,
mechanics, sound, light, wave motion, electricity, magnetism, relativity, and quantum
mechanics.
Course Schedule: Scope and sequence
Approximate Time Frame
First Semester:
Marking Period One
September through November
Topic
Topics: Measurement, Vectors, Graphic Analysis, Oneand Two-Dimension Kinematics, Dynamics.
Marking Period Two
November through January
Specific Content:
Definition of Physics
Units and Dimensions
Data collection, significant figures
Graphic representation and addition of vector quantities
Vector resolution
Using trigonometric functions to resolve and add vectors
How to graph lab data to identify mathematical
relationships
How to identify and express constant velocity and
acceleration
How to express and identify distance - time and velocity
– time relationships graphically
The equations of motion in one and two dimensions
Projectile Motion
Newton’s Laws of Motion
Forces
How to utilize free-body diagrams to analyze motion
Topics: Circular Motion and Gravity, Work and Energy,
Impulse and Momentum.
Specific Content:
Describing motion in a curved path: application of both
kinematics and dynamics
Applications of circular motion to planetary motion and
gravity
Definition of work, Simple machines, The work –
energy theorem
Gravitational potential energy, linear kinetic energy,
rotational kinetic energy, Hooke’s Law, and elastic
potential energy
The Law of Conservation of Mechanical Energy
Non-mechanical forms of energy
The impulse – momentum theorem
Collisions and the law of conservation of momentum
Types of collisions
Second Semester
Marking Period Three
February through April
Marking Period Four
April through June
Topics: Rotary Motion, Wave Motion, Light and Optics,
Electric Forces and Fields, Electrical Energy and
Potential Difference
Specific Content:
Rotary Kinematics, Dynamics and Energy
Simple Harmonic Motion
Wave properties
Wave behaviors: rectilinear propagation, reflection,
refraction, diffraction and interference
Physics of Sound
The electromagnetic spectrum, the wavelength of light
The speed of light
The Law of Reflection
Refraction, Snell’s Law
Diffraction, Young’s Law
Topics: Electric Current and Resistance, Electrical
Circuits, Magnetism, Relativity, Quantum Mechanics
Specific Content:
Coulomb’s Law, Static electricity
Electrical potential due to point charges
The volt, capacitance,
The ampere, Ohm’s Law, Drawing circuit diagrams,
Series and parallel circuits
Magnetic fields, Electromagnetism
Speed of Light
Special Relativity and its Consequences
Equivalence of Mass and Energy
Blackbody Radiation
Wave-Particle Duality
Uncertainty Principle
Atomic Spectra
Class Rules:
1. All Piscataway High School rules and regulations as noted in the official
student handbook apply.
2. Arrive on time and leave the classroom in order with more knowledge or skills
than you came in with.
3. Be courteous and respectful toward classmates and teacher.
4. Proceed promptly from alphabetically assigned seats to group work and vice
versa.
5. No food or drinks are allowed including water.
Laboratory Rules:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Do not start before you are instructed to do so.
When asked, you must wear safety goggles.
Keep the work area clean and neat.
Use extra caution when working with electrical equipment
Use extra caution when working with hot plates and other heating devices.
Report all accidents to the instructor immediately.
Do not perform unauthorized experiments.
Materials required: Notebook, pencil, scientific calculator and a three ring binder.
Marking Period Grading Policy:
Test and Quiz: 65%
Lab reports: 25%
Homework: 10%
Make up for missed quizzes and test papers will have to be done within one week. Make
up for missing lab reports will have to be done after school by appointment only.
Full Year Course Grading Policy:
Marking period
Marking period
Marking period
Marking period
Final exam:
1:
2:
3:
4:
22%
22%
22%
22%
12%
This syllabus is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion if conditions change.
If any adjustments are made, students should receive an updated version during the
school year.