Download File ap course guidelines sep2015

AP PHYSICS 1 COURSE GUIDELINES
(Rev. SEP2015)
TEXT BOOKS:
Edwin R. Jones & Richard L. Childers (1999). Contemporary College Physics, 3rded. WCB/McGraw-Hill.
Greg Jacobs (2015). 5 Steps to a 5: AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based 2016, McGraw-Hill.
DESCRIPTION:
This is a college level, algebra-based physical science course, which represents two semesters of college
physics. The focus of this course is learning P.H.Y.S.I.C.S. – the Process of Heuristically Yielding Systemic
Indications of Cosmic Structure. Preparation for the AP Physics 1 Exam in May is the responsibility of
THE STUDENT.
GOALS:
1. Have fun learning about physics (physics is phun!)
2. Gain an understanding of the importance of physics in society and to examine physics in
“real life” contexts.
3. Expand individual and collaborative critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
4. Learn and understand the basic definitions and units used in the study of physical science.
5. Learn and understand the principles of physics and be able to apply them to solve problems
in science and engineering.
6. Pass the AP Physics 1 Exam with a score of 3 or higher, and earn college credit.
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING:
DOING Physics.
I firmly believe that the most important thing I can teach you is how to do physics,
rather than teach you about physics and have you learn to solve a bunch of problems. In order to
properly achieve this end, we will need to do lots of labs and challenges. Changes have finally been
made to the AP exam that reflect these values and allow us to focus on fewer topics in greater depth.
Thus, the size of the curriculum for the AP Physics 1 course is now manageable, compared to the old AP
Physics B course (discontinued in 2014). We should be able to cover all the requisite material, in time
for the AP 1 exam in May. 
HOMEWORK/TEST/QUIZ POLICY:
We only meet for one block every other day, so you will always have a minimum of two days to
complete assignments. This means, however, that we have less contact time together so it is vital that
you come to the next class prepared, i.e. homework/lab work completed. Do not be afraid to come to
me for help! I also encourage you to find a study buddy or two so that you can collaborate with
others on difficult assignments.
You must develop two things if you expect to do well in this course and take the AP exam in May for
college credit: a working knowledge of a set of physical relationships in nature and the ability to solve
problems and answer questions about those relationships.
I will collect your homework after we have gone over it, on the day it is due. Since you have at least
two days to do your assignments, I will expect them to be complete and ready to turn in, and I will check
them at the beginning of the period for completion. Homework grades will vary in point value,
depending on the size and complexity of the assignment. You will lose credit for the assignment if you
haven’t completed the assignment to my satisfaction when I check them.
Once I have checked the assignments, I will read off the answers to the problems, so that you may check
them. If you subsequently have questions about a problem, we will go over possible solutions for it.
Once everyone’s questions are answered, I will collect the assignment so that I can assess work quality
and provide feedback on your work if necessary.
There will not be a lot of tests and quizzes, and most will be take-home assignments, due to our limited
class time. I expect students to conduct tests and quizzes honorably, and I encourage you to use
resources such as reference tables and textbooks as little as possible, to help you become a more
independent problem solver. All tests will be collected and graded. Your midterm exam will be a lab
practical. I will give your team a challenge that will require you to incorporate knowledge of several
topics and relationships from the physics you learned in the first half of the year.
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Regular attendance is absolutely essential to being successful in this course. We only meet every other
day, for one period, and the AP exam is given in early May, so those of you preparing for it only have a
little over 8 months.
Missing class creates gaps in your learning which can endanger your success in the course.
I understand that many of you will have to miss class occasionally, due to illness, field trips, college
visits, etc. If you miss class due to illness, I expect you to see me as soon as you return to discuss what
you need to do to make up what you missed in class. If you will be out of class for any other reason, I
expect to be informed in advance, and students must obtain the work they will miss in class during their
absence.
Grace periods for homework, tests and quizzes will be equal to the amount of time you were absent.
You only get the grace period if two conditions are met:
1) Your absence was legally excused AND
2) You came to see me either before a known absence or the day after an unanticipated
absence.
NOTE: “the day after” is NOT the next time you come in for class. If you are absent on
a class meeting day, I expect to see you the next day, even though we won’t be
meeting as a class. This is a college course and I expect you to be responsible.
Make-up labs must be scheduled outside of regular class time, and I expect to collect any homework
assignments that were due the day you were absent.
If more than one class day goes by, and you have made no effort to find out what you missed, you will
forfeit your grace period, and receive a zero for whatever work you may have missed.
GRADING POLICIES:
(Marking Period)
Homework/Quizzes/Tests
Labs/Activities
Total


50%
50%
100%
(Course)
Marking periods
Midterm/Final Exam/ Project
Total
66.7%
33.3%
100%
NOTE: A local final exam will be given shortly after the AP B Physics exam in May, and a final project
will be completed by the end of the year, both of which account for ½ of the Final Exam/Project
grade.
Final Project:
Examples of Project Ideas (you may have a better one):
Mad Scientist — Plan, design and conduct an original physics experiment
that answers some central question, and share results with the class via
final video presentation or scientific poster.
Soda Bottle Rockets—you research construction methods, design, build
and launch an original soda bottle rocket. Groups choosing this option
will be responsible for producing a detailed, scaled diagram of their
rocket and a poste or video summarizing its performance and describing the
physics of how the rocket works.
ToysAmWe — You plan, design and build an original physics toy. Your group
must produce a poster or video which explains the physics behind the toy’s
operation, with some ideas for marketing the toy.
PTV — You develop and produce an instructional physics video based on
some phenomenon or experiment.
PMTV — You develop an original instructional physics song (that is conceptually correct) and produce a music physics video.
(Note: for Both PTV and PMTV options, groups must clearly demonstrate and
explain related physics concepts in the video, and provide a fully prepared script
for review prior to taping)
CONDITIONS:
1. You may work individually, in small groups or one large group.
2. The physical principles being examined by your project should be related to
the AP Physics B course curriculum.
3. Your projects should be safe, and include no dangerous or objectionable
components, acts or materials.
4. You may use whatever materials you have at your disposal and whatever
equipment I may have. We also have use of the school’s video camera, or
you may use your own.
5. You may conduct the experiment in whatever location seems most
reasonable, provided item 3 above is adhered to, and school functions will not
be unduly interrupted.
6. Prior to Regents week in January, you will turn in a Project Proposal
(description of the intended project). I will read the proposals and we will have
discussions about feasibility, size and scope, materials, timeline and safety
considerations.
7. Once I have approved the Proposal, you may begin working on
completing your project. You will have class time to work on your projects
once the final exam is completed in May.
8. Projects will be presented in June.
DEADLINES:
Proposals Due:
_________________________
Presentations:
_________________________
COURSE CURRICULUM:
Unit 1: Vectors and Math Review (1 week)
A. Mathematics Review
1. Unit Conversions
2. Algebra
Assignment: Problem set 1 – Mathematical Review
B. Vector addition
1. Graphical methods
2. Mathematical methods
Assignment: Problem set 2 – Vector Problems
Unit 2: Motion (2 weeks)
A. Linear Motion
1. Graphical Analysis of Motion
2. Derivation of Linear Motion Equations
Assignment: Problem set 3 – Linear Motion Problems
B. Projectile Motion
1. Horizontal projectile motion
2. Projection at an angle
Assignment: Problem set 4 – Projectile Motion Problems
Unit 3: Laws of Motion and Force (3 weeks)
A. Newton’s First Law
1. Static Equilibrium
2. Dynamic Equilibrium
B. Newton’s Second Law
C. Newton’s Third Law
Assignment: Problem set 5 – Newton’s Law Problems
D. Friction
1. Static Friction
2. Kinetic Friction
3. Applications
a. Inclined planes
b. Atwood’s machines
Assignment: Problem set 6 – Analyzing Free Body Diagrams
Unit 4: Uniform Circular Motion & Simple Harmonic Motion (1 week)
A. Simple Harmonic Motion
1. Horizontal and Vertical Circles
2. Masses on a Spring (horizontal & vertical)
B. Uniform Circular Motion
C. Applications
1. Frictional settings
2. Pendulum Motion
3. Gravitation and Circular Orbits (also Kepler’s Laws)
Assignment: Problem set 7 – Uniform Circular Motion/ SHM Problems
Unit 5: Work, Power, and Energy (2 weeks)
A. Work and Power
B. Potential Energy
1. Gravitational Potential Energy
2. Potential Energy of a Spring
C. Kinetic Energy and the Work-Energy Theorem
Assignment: Problem Set 8 – Work Power and Energy Problems
D. Conservation of Mechanical Energy
1. Conservative vs. Nonconservative Forces
2. Applications:
a. Roller Coasters
b. Atwood Machines
c. Springs (revisited)
d. Pendula
Assignment: Problem Set 9 – Conservation of Energy Problems
Unit 6: Momentum and Impulse (1 week)
A. Momentum and Impulse
B. Conservation of Linear Momentum
1. Internal Explosions (i.e. objects moved apart by a spring)
2. Elastic Collisions
a. One dimensional
b. Two dimensional
3. Inelastic Collisions
a. One dimensional
b. Two dimensional
Assignment: Problem set 10 – Momentum and Impulse Problems
Unit 7: Torque and Rotational Statics (1 week)
A. Torque
1. Translational Equilibrium
2. Rotational Equilibrium
Assignment: Problem Set 11 – Torque Problems
Unit 8: Electrostatics & Electric Fields (2 weeks)
A. Electrical Charge and Coulombs Law
B. Electric Fields
C. Electric Fields with Conductors
D. Electric Potential Energy and Electric Potential
Assignment: Problem Set 12 – Electrostatics and Electric Field Problems
Unit 9: Electricity and Electric Circuits (3 weeks)
A. Current, Voltage, Resistance/Resistivity & Ohm’s Law
B. Batteries and Internal Resistance
C. Electrical Power
Assignment: Problem Set 13 – Electricity Problems
D. Series Circuit Analysis
1. Schematic Diagrams
2. Equivalent Resistance
3. Kirchoff’s Voltage Rule
E. Parallel Circuit Analysis
1. Schematic Diagrams
2. Equivalent Resistance
3. Kirchoff’s Current Rule
F. Combination Circuit Analysis
1. Schematic Diagrams
2. Equivalent resistance
3. Applying Kirchoff’s Rules to Determine Component Parameters
Assignment: Problem Set 14 – Series/Parallel/Combination Circuit Problems
Unit 10: Capacitance/Capacitors in Electric Circuits (1 week)
A. Capacitance
B. Capacitors in Circuits
1. Capacitors in Series
2. Capacitors in Parallel
Assignment: Problem Set 15 – Capacitance/Capacitors in Circuits Problems
Unit 11: Magnetism and Electromagnetism (3 weeks)
A. Magnetostatics
B. Magnetic Fields
1. Right Hand Rule for a Straight Current-Carrying Conductor
2. Field around Two Parallel Current-Carrying Conductors
3. Right Hand Rule for a Loop/Coil
4. Electromagnets & Solenoids
C. Electromagnetic Force
1. Universal Right Hand rule
2. Moving Charged Particles in a Magnetic Field
3. Current-Carrying Wires in a Magnetic Field
D. Electromagnetic Induction
1. Magnetic Flux
2. Faraday’s Law & Lenz’s Law
3. Induced Electro-Motive Force (EMF)
Assignment: Problem Set 16 – Electromagnetism Problems
E. Applications
1. Motors
2. Generators
3. CRTs
4. Mass Spectrometers
5. Particle Accelerators
Unit 12: Waves, Sound & Light (3 weeks)
A. Wave Characteristics
B. Wave Phenomena (Mechanical Waves)
1. Reflection and Refraction
2. Interference and Principle of Superposition
3. Standing Waves and Resonance
4. Diffraction
5. Doppler Effect
C. Wave Phenomena (Electromagnetic Waves)
1. Reflection and Refraction
a. Snell’s Law
2. Dispersion
3. Polarization
4. Interference and Diffraction
5. Doppler Effect
D. Thin Film Interference
Assignment: Problem Set 17 – Wave, Sound and Light Problems
Unit 13: Geometric Optics (1.5 weeks)
A. Image Formation in Mirrors
1. Plane mirrors
2. Spherical mirrors
3. Focal Length and Radius of Curvature
B. Thin Lenses & the Thin Lense Equation
1. Converging Lenses
2. Diverging Lenses
Assignment: Problem Set 18 – Optics Problems
Unit 14: Modern/Atomic Physics (1.5 weeks)
A. Atomic Physics and Quantum Effects
1. Photon Theory and Planck’s Constant
2. Photoelectric Effect
3. Compton Scattering and X-rays
B. Atomic Energy Levels
1. Absorption/Emission Spectra
2. Interpreting energy Level Diagrams
C. Wave Particle Duality
1. de Broglie Wavelength
2. Davisson-Germer Experiment
Assignment: Problem Set 19 – Modern Physics Problems
Unit 15: Nuclear Physics (1.5 weeks)
A. The Standard Model
1. Matter Particles (Quarks & Leptons)
2. Force-Carrier Particles (Gluons, Photons, Bosons, Graviton)
B. Nuclear Reactions
1. Alpha Decay
2. Beta Decay
3. Gamma decay
4. Fission
5. Fusion
C. Mass-Energy Equivalence
Assignment: Problem Set 20 – Nuclear Physics Problems
Unit 16: Temperature and Heat (1.5 week)
A. Mechanical Equivalent of Heat
1. Phase Change
2. No Phase Change
B. Heat Transfer and Thermal Expansion
1. How Area and Thickness Affect Heat Transfer Rate
2. Linear Expansion
3. Volumetric Expansion
C. Thermal Processes
1. Conduction
2. Convection
3. Radiation
Assignment: Problem Set 21 – Temperature and Heat Problems
Unit 17: Kinetic Theory and the Ideal Gas Law (1 week)
A. Implications of Kinetic Molecular Theory (KMT) on an Ideal Gas
B. Boyle’s Law, Charles’s Law and the Combined Gas Law
C. Ideal Gas Law
1. Relating the Ideal Gas Law to Average Kinetic Energy
2. Relating Average Kinetic Energy to Temperature
3. Relating Internal Energy and Temperature
Assignment: Problem Set 22 – Kinetic Theory/Gas Law Problems
Unit 18: Thermodynamics and Heat Engines (1 week)
A. Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics
B. First Law of Thermodynamics
C. Special Processes and PV Diagrams
1. Adiabatic
2. Isothermal
3. Isochoric (Isovolumetric)
4. Isobaric
5. Interpreting a PV Diagram
D. Second Law of Thermodynamics
1. Entropy
2. Heat Engines
3. Carnot Cycle and Carnot Efficiency
Assignment: Problem Set 23 – PV Diagram/Heat Engine Problems
Unit 19: Fluid Mechanics (1 week)
A. Mass Density and Hydrostatic Pressure
1. Density and Specific Gravity
2. Pressure as a Function of Depth
3. Pascal’s Principle
B. Buoyancy
1. Buoyant Force
2. Archimedes’ Principle
C. Fluid Flow Continuity
1. Types of Flow (Laminar, Turbulent, Rotational, Irrotational)
2. Equation of Continuity
D. Bernoulli's Equation
Assignment: Problem Set 24 – Fluid Mechanics Problems