12 A/B Physics
Teacher: Farhan Osman Elmi
Course title: 12th Grade Physics
Course description:
Physics is everywhere. Everything around you, big or small, can be described by using laws of
physics. The goal of physics is to describe the physical world. During this academic year, 12th
grade physics is going to math-based course that meets five days per week where you learn
scientific basics , kinematics, vectors, Newton’s laws, projectiles, circular motion, work and
energy, electricity, and light . You will be able to describe the relationship between impulse and
change in momentum; differentiate between elastic and inelastic collisions. Skills you will
develop are translating word problems into equations, analyzing and solving problems and
interpreting scientific data.
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Unit Overviews:
Scientific Basics
 scientific methods
Kinematics and uniform acceleration
 Kinematic equations, Scalar, vector, distance displacement, velocity, speed, acceleration.
Vectors
 Vector notation, adding and subtracting vectors, vector components
Newtons Laws
 Newtons 1st 2nd and 3rd laws
Projectiles
 1 and 2-D Projectile motion,
Circular Motion
 Uniform circular motion and centripetal force
Work and Energy
 Work, work-Energy theorem, mechanical energy, thermal energy, conservation of energy,
springs and elastic energy, Hooke’s energy, and gravitational potential energy
Momentum and Collisions
 Momentum, impulse, elastic and inelastic collisions.
Thermal Physics
 Temperature, heat and conduction.
Introduction to Electricity and Static Electricity
 Review of atomic chemistry, introduction to electric charge, static charge coulomb’s Law
electrostatic force circuits, current, voltage, Ohm’s law, series and parallel circuits.
Optics (Light)
 Early concepts of light, electromagnetic waves, visible light, refraction, refraction of
light, reflection of light.
Grading Components
10% - Participation
15% - Homework
20% - Quizzes
15% - Tests
10% - Labs/Projects
15%- Mid-Term
15% - Final
Grading Information and Expectations
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To earn participation grade students are expected to actively participate in class. Students
have the opportunity to earn three participation points every session. Coming to class on
time, actively participating in class, and respecting your teacher and classmates worth one
point each.
If projects are done in groups, each group is expected to have productive team members
who contribute equally towards the outcome of the group work.
Late submission of the homework is not allowed; however, submitting projects late is
possible but will be subject to a grade penalty of 10% per hour.
Students are to bring notebook, pen or pencil, and a calculator to class.
Be prepared to make up tests, quizzes, and homework or any other assigned work upon
your return from a brief absence. Any missed work must be made up within five (5) days
starting the day you return unless arranged otherwise. For example if you miss three days
of class due to an illness, you have 5 days to turn in your work starting from the day you
come back
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Ask lots of questions and seek extra help as soon as you feel the need.
My office hours are 2:30-3:30 Sundays and Mondays, so please use them or make an
appointment.
Resource
Text book: Nelson-Physics
Physics website: http://phet.colorado.edu
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/
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Disclaimer Information on this syllabus is subject to change. Students will be notified if changes
are made