Department: Science
Understanding by Design
Course: AP Physics
Standard(s):
12.11.65 Understand that a magnetic field is generated around an electrical current and that the motion of a conducting
wire through a magnetic field generates a current through it. Understand that in some substances, such as metals,
electrons flow easily, whereas in insulating materials such as glass they can hardly flow at all. Semi-conducting materials
have intermediate behavior. At very low temperatures, some materials offer no resistance to the flow of electrons and
become superconductors.
Note: in this unit we'll study the flow of electrons, not the magnet aspects
12.11.66 Understand that an electrically neutral object has particles within it that are charged, but their charges balance
each other out.
12.11.80 Understand that the electrical force is a universal force that exists between any two charged objects. Opposite
charges attract, like charges repel. The strength of the force is proportional to the charges, and, like gravity, it is inversely
proportional to the square of the distance between the charged bodies.
12.11.81 Understand that between any two charged particles, the electrical force is vastly greater than the gravitational
force. Most observable forces such as those exerted by a coiled spring or friction may be traced to electrical forces acting
between atoms and molecules.
Stage 1: Desired Results
S
T
A
G
E
1
Understandings
Students will understand the origins of electrical charge, and know that electrons have negative charge and protons have
positive charge. Students will know the unit of charge is the coulomb, and that charge is quantized, it only comes in
discrete amounts. Students know that in an interaction charge is conserved
Students know that like charges repel and opposite charges attract. Students know the difference between conductors,
insulators, and semi-conductors. Students know how to charge objects by conduction, friction, or induction, and know
what ground or grounding is
Students understand Coulomb’s law, and see the relationship or similarities between Coulomb’s law and NULG.
Students understand the idea of fields, and specifically the electric field, and see the relationship between electric force
and electric field. Students can find and calculate the electric field due to a collection of point charges. Students know
what electric field lines are and can draw them in simple cases, and understand the relationship between conductors and
electric fields. Students can use Gauss Law in simple cases
Students understand how work and electric potential energy are related. Students know it takes work to move charged
objects relative to each other, and understand the relationship between electric potential energy and electric potential
Students also know what electric potential difference is. Students know an alternative energy unit, the electron volt (eV)
Students can find the electric potential due to a collection of point charges, and see the relationship between electric field
and equipotential surfaces
Students know what a capacitor is, understand what a dielectric material is, can calculate the capacitance of a parallel
plate capacitor, and can calculate the energy stored in a capacitor
Students understand what is meant by electromotive force, and know it is not a force, but a voltage. Students know how
Emf and conductors can make currents and circuits. Students know the difference between DC and AC
Students know and can use Ohm’s Law, know how to calculate resistance given resistivity, and know what is meant by
Ohmic materials
Students know how to calculate electric power, and can relate power, to voltage, current, and resistance
Students know about series wiring, and how to calculate equivalent resistance for series
Students know about parallel wiring, and how to calculate equivalent resistance for parallel
Students can solve simple and complex circuits using Kirchhoff’s Rules.
Students know how to calculate equivalent capacitance for series and parallel
Students understand the basics of RC circuits, can find the time constant, and understand graphically how capacitors
charge and discharge and how current vaires
Essential Questions
What is charge?
How does charge interact with other charge?
Can charge store energy?
How can I make charge do work for me?
Knowledge & Skill
Refer to Knowledge and Skills sheet
Stage 2: Assessment Evidence
S
T
A
G
E
2
Chapter test
Quizzes
Labs
Homework
Worksheets
Performance Task Summary
Rubric Titles
Laboratory Performance
Class Discussions
Class and Home Practice Problem Solving
Self-Assessments
Laboratory Performance
Class Discussions
Class and Home Practice Problem Solvings
Other Evidence, Summarized
Other assessment information will be obtained through
observations, classroom participation, class discussion and
interactions.
Stage 3: Learning Activities
S
T
A
G
E
3
Pertinent Chapters:
In Cutnell and Johnson, Chapters 18,19, and 20
Estimated pacing
15 days