Important information
Physics 444
Course Description:
The first trimester of physics is devoted to the study of motion and energy. The course will be an investigation of how objects move in one, two and three dimensions. In addition, Newton’s Laws of Motion are introduced and how they explain the interaction of objects in the world around us. Students will work independently and in groups. We will be using a variety of learning techniques including labs, research, class presentations, free writes, movies, study guides and tests.
The first trimester is divided into 3 units: Kinematics, Newton’s Laws, and Energy. During each unit, students will be assessed on their understanding of the concepts that have been presented through a Lab Practicum, a Quiz, a Test or Project and a Formal Lab report. These assessments will be based on the VT and National Standards.
Topics Include:
-Displacement, Velocity, Acceleration,
-Vectors
-Projectiles
-Uniform Circular Motion
-Centripetal Acceleration
-Graphical reasoning
-Newton’s 3 Laws
-Forces
-Free Body diagrams
-Friction (kinetic, static), Normal Force, Centripetal force
-Static Equilibrium
-Terminal Velocity
-Work
-Kinetic, Potential Energy, Conservative Forces
-Work-Energy Principle
-Mechanical Energy
-1st of Three Conservation Laws
-Conservation of Energy
-Power
-Linear Momentum
-2nd of Conservation Laws
-Conservation of Linear Momentum
-Collisions (elastic, inelastic)
-Impulse
-Center of Mass of Rigid Bodies (2 dimensions)
The Second trimester is also divided into 3 units: Gravity & Rotational Motion, Thermodynamics, Waves, Sound and Light, and Electricity and Magnetism. During each unit, students will be assessed on their understanding of the concepts that have been presented through a Lab Practicum, a Quiz, a Test or Project and a Formal Lab report. These assessments will be based on the VT and National Standards.
Topics Include:
-Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation
-Introduction to the Field Concept
-Gravitation Field
-The Radian
-Angular Velocity & Acceleration
-Torque
-Rotational Inertia,
-Newton’s Second Law for Rotation
-Angular Momentum
-Third Conservation Law
-Conservation of Angular Momentum
-Temperature, Heat, Thermal Equilibrium
-Conduction, Convection, Radiation
-Energy and Change of phase
-Oscillators
-Wave Descrioption
-Wave Motion
- Transverse, Longitudinal Waves
-Standing Waves, Doppler Effect
-Bow, Shock Waves
-Origin of Sound
-Sound in Air
-Speed of Sound
-Resonance
-Interference, Beats
-Electromagnetic waves
-Speed of light
-Polarization
-Color
-Reflection, Refraction, Diffraction,
-Optics, Ray diagrams
-Electric Charge & its conservation
-Voltage
-Series & Parallel Circuits
The Homework/Participation grade is a weekly check that reflects how well a student is doing with regard to participating in homework, labs, groupwork etc. The Final Exam will take place during finals.
Grading:
|
Student Assessment |
Percent of Grade |
|
10% |
|
|
Inquiry (Undertanding through writing) |
25% |
|
Problem Solving |
25% |
|
Scientific Inquiry (Lab Work, Lab Pracitum) |
25% |
|
Final Exam (Long Term Retention) |
15% |
Materials required for this class:
1. Textbook: Conceptual Physics, by Hewitt will be assigned the first week of class
2. 3-Ring Binder: Please bring a 1 or 1 ½ inch 3 ring binder JUST FOR THIS CLASS
3. Paper or note book: Put some paper in your 3-Ring
4. Pencil
5. Scientific Calculator
Other Information:
- 1. Attendance is important. Absences over six (6) per trimester can result in a loss of credit.
- 2. Homework will be given to review concepts learned in class. It will not be graded but students will be quizzed on the material.
- 3. Please do not hesitate to call or email me at any time.
- 4. 4. Graded work can be expected to be returned within 5 school days.
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