Physics Course Syllabus Instructor: Cell: Kare Voicemail: Email: Mr. Tim Lunney 626-260-6253 (after 6:00 please) 626-442-1160 ext. 460 coachtim23@hotmail.com “This most beautiful system [The Universe] could only proceed from the dominion of an intelligent and powerful ‘Being’” – Sir Isaac Newton What Is Physics? The science of matter and energy and of interactions between the two, grouped in traditional fields such as acoustics, optics, mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism, as well as in modern extensions including atomic and nuclear physics, cryogenics, solid-state physics, particle physics, and plasma physics. The Course The overall purpose of this class is to motivate and inspire you to excel in learning new material and prepare you for a future in the field of science and technology. The scope of this class entails lecture and classroom activities to emphasize important theoretical background of physical phenomena. But the class goes far beyond that! Learning how things work and becoming a problem solver is key to your future potential and will be nurtured in both the classroom and laboratory. The amount of reading and the quality of work expected will be comparable with that of a college level course. The class provides a basic overview of the many topics within physics, including mechanics, thermodynamics, vibrations and wave phenomena, optics, electromagnetism, relativity, and quantum mechanics. You will probably find this course demanding, but hopefully you will also find it rewarding and even fun. Students will have the opportunity to learn through classroom, laboratory and real life experience the importance of physics in our everyday lives. Overall Learning Objectives – Upon completion of this course, students will have the opportunity to achieve the following: • Demonstrate an understanding of scientific principles and concepts through such activities as calculations, diagrams, simulations, and/or lab activities. • Explore unifying concepts connecting scientific processes of the universe through such activities as calculations, multimedia representations, graphical analysis, and/or mathematical equations. • Design and conduct experiments by applying the scientific method of inquiry and reporting through such activities as oral or written reports, calculations, models, graphical analysis, and/or lab activities. • Evaluate and propose solutions to address the challenges of local and global problems through such activities as invention designs, research projects, simulations, models, and/or calculations. The Book Holt Physics. Serway, Faughn. Holt, 2002 Class prerequisites Students must have passed Math Analysis or be currently enrolled in Math Analysis with a grade of a B- or better in Advanced Algebra. If you have not met this requirement you must fill out a petition form from the school office. Materials required everyday You must bring a pencil or pen, your Physics book (with a book cover), your Physics spiral notebook and a TI-83 or better scientific calculator. Failure to forget these materials will result in an immediate demerit! Physics Notebook You are required to purchase a spiral notebook, used solely for this class. Please get one with at least 200 sheets of lined paper in it. You will be using this for your notes and homework assignments. Taking notes will be a very important part of your success in this class. While your book will cover most of the basics, I will be drawing some of my lecture material from other sources. The only way to sufficiently prepare for a test will be to take good notes and study them thoroughly. Class Field Trips Physics is an exciting topic, especially when the students can see things first hand! We will be taking our annual trip to Knott’s Berry Farm sometime in the Spring to conduct experiments on the rides. We will be able to figure out the g-forces on the rides and much more. There will be a charge of approximately $30 for this awesome Physics Day at Knott’s Berry Farm. I am also looking to add a few other smaller class trips to local businesses, including the Arcadia Hospital, Wiley Labs and others to show the students how physics is actually used in everyday lives. If your parents work or know of someone who works at an interesting job let me know! Where to get help! Your grades along with solutions to all the homework problems are posted online at: https://www.edline.net/pages/Rio_Hondo_Preparatory_School/Classes/Physics-1 A Few Important Study Tips • READ!! Along with the assignments that you will be turning in for this class, you will need to read the text chapters that correspond with the topics being covered in class. To make this a less painful experience, I strongly suggest doing this daily, rather than putting it off until the night before an exam. • The SQ3R plus system - use it when you read! ¾ Survey - start by looking at the headings, pictures and graphics to see what the reading is going to be about. ¾ Question - turn each heading into a question that you will try to answer while you read. ¾ Read - read the text with your questions in mind. Find ways to make the reading personally relevant. ¾ Recite - put terms and concepts in your own words and then rehearse them. ¾ Review - test yourself on key terms and concepts and ask yourself the questions that you formulated earlier. (Yes, this method takes time, but it is time well spent, and it will make all the difference when it comes to the exam.) Grading Policy Grades will be based on your homework/notes notebook, quizzes, tests, labs, project and final. Here is a breakdown by percentages: ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ Homework – 5% Quizzes – 10% Tests –35% Labs – 15% Projects - 10% Final - 25% A AB+ 93-100 90-92 87-89 B BC+ 83-86 80-82 76-79 C 70-75 C- 66-69 D+ 60-65 D DF 55-59 50-54 under 50 What to do when you miss a class When you miss a class for any reason YOU are responsible for finding out what you missed. Assignments must be made up within 24 hours of your return to school. I will not be posting all the assignments to Edline. In an ideal world this would be great, but it is impractical based on the pace of the class. Please call a friend for your assignments. Course Outline: Week 1-2 INTRODUCTION Unit 1: Mathematics and Data Review Chapter 1 A. Algebra and Trigonometry review B. Measurements and Significant Figures C. Data collection and error analysis D. Vector addition 1. Graphical methods 2. Algebraic methods Learning Objectives: At the end of this unit the student should be able to: • Analyze a given equation and solve, using algebra, for the unknown variable • Analyze a right triangle and solve, using right triangle trigonometry, for an unknown side • Analyze a right triangle and solve, using right triangle trigonometry, for an unknown angle • Apply the Pythagorean theorem and tangent function to calculate the magnitude and direction of a resultant vector • List basic SI units and the quantities they describe • Convert measurements into scientific notation • Distinguish between accuracy and precision • Use significant figures in measurements and calculations • Interpret data in tables and graphs, and recognize equations that summarize data • Distinguish between conventions for abbreviating units and quantities • Use dimensional analysis to check the validity of equations • Distinguish between % error and % difference • Calculate the % error or the % difference of data that is acquired in the lab Weeks 3-8 I. NEWTONIAN MECHANICS Unit 2: Kinematics Chapters 2-3 A. Motion in One Dimension 1. Position-time and velocity-time graphs 2. Equations of motion under constant acceleration B. Motion in Two Dimensions 1. Projectile motion Learning Objectives: At the end of this unit the student should be able to: • Describe a frame of reference • Compare and contrast Aristotle and Galileo’s view of motion • Define and apply definitions of displacement, average velocity, instantaneous velocity, and average velocity • Demonstrate proficiency in solving problems using kinematics equations, including problems involving free-fall by using the value of the acceleration due to gravity • Analyze motion graphs qualitatively and quantitatively, including calculations of the slope of the tangent of an (x-t) graph, the slope of the (v-t) graph, the area under the (v-t) graph, and the area under the (a-t) graph • Distinguish between vectors and scalars • Add vectors using graphical method: parallelogram and polygon methods • Add vectors using the component method of vector addition • Describe the horizontal and vertical motion of a projectile • Demonstrate proficiency in solving problems of situations involving projectiles fired horizontally and at an angle Weeks 9-12 Unit 3: Newton’s Laws of Motion Chapter 4 A. Newton’s 1st Law 1. Inertia 2. Translational Equilibrium B. Newton’s 2nd Law C. Newton’s 3rd Law D. Everyday Forces 1. Weight 2. The Normal Force 3. Static and kinetic friction E. Hovercraft Design Project Learning Objectives: At the end of this unit the student should be able to: • Distinguish between contact forces and field forces by identifying the agent that causes the force • Distinguish between mass and weight, calculate weight using the acceleration due to gravity • Differentiate between static and kinetic friction • State and apply Newton’s first law of motion for objects in static equilibrium • Demonstrate proficiency in accurately drawing and labeling free-body diagrams • State and apply Newton’s second law of motion • Demonstrate proficiency in solving problems that involve objects in motion with a constant acceleration by analyzing the resultant force or forces in horizontal surfaces, inclined planes, and pulley systems (Atwood machines) • State and apply Newton’s third law of motion Weeks 13-14 (Through section C – Conservation of ME) Unit 4: Work, Energy, Power, and Momentum Chapters 5-6 A. Work B. Energy 1. Kinetic Energy (with Accelerated Math) 2. Work-Kinetic Energy Theorem (with Accelerated Math) 3. Potential Energy (with Accelerated Math) 4. Intro to Roller Coaster Design 5. Roller Coaster Design with “Ultimate Ride Roller Coaster Deluxe” Program C. Conservation of Mechanical Energy End of 1st Semester Weeks 15-19 (Through section G – Momentum Formal Lab Report) Unit 4: Work, Energy, Power, and Momentum Chapters 5-6 (continued) D. Power E. Roller Coasters Design Project F. Momentum and Collisions (with Accelerated Math) 1. Impulse-Momentum Theorem 2. Conservation of Linear Momentum and Collisions a. Inelastic, perfectly inelastic, and elastic collisions G. Momentum Formal Lab Report Learning Objectives: At the end of this unit the student should be able to: • Define and apply the concepts of work done by a constant force, potential energy, kinetic energy, and power • Calculate the work from the area under the curve of a force-displacement graph • State and apply the principle of conservation of mechanical energy • Demonstrate proficiency in solving problems by applying the work-kinetic energy theorem • Relate the concepts of energy, time, and power • Calculate power in two different ways • Define and give examples of impulse and momentum • Restate Newton’s second law of motion in terms of momentum • Calculate the change in momentum from the area under the curve of a force-time graph • Derive a statement of the conservation of momentum between two objects by applying Newton’s third law • Define and recognize examples of elastic and inelastic collisions • Explain which conservation laws apply to each type of collisions • Demonstrate proficiency in solving problems involving conservation of momentum in collisions in one dimension Weeks 20-21 Unit 5: Circular Motion and Gravitation Chapter 7 A. Circular Motion 1. Centripetal Acceleration 2. Centripetal Force B. Rotational Motion 1. Radian motion 2. Angular displacement 3. Angular speed 4. Angular acceleration 5. Angular Kinematics 6. Relationships between angular and linear quantities C. Rotational Dynamics 1. Torque 2. Center of Mass 3. Moment of Inertia 4. Rotational Equilibrium 5. Newton’s 2nd Law for Rotating Objects 6. Angular Momentum and Conservation of Angular Momentum 7. Angular Kinetic Energy and Angular Work 8. Conservation of Mechanical Energy D. Newton’s Universal Law of Gravitation 1. Gravitational Force 2. Applying the Law of Gravitation E. Motion in Space 1. Kepler’s Laws 2. Weight and Weightlessness Learning Objectives: At the end of this unit the student should be able to: • Explain the characteristics of uniform circular motion • Derive the equation for centripetal acceleration of an object moving in a circle at constant speed • Understand that centripetal force is not a new type of force • Understand that centrifugal force does not exist • Relate radians to degrees • Calculate the angular displacement using the arc length and the distance from the axis of rotation • Calculate angular speed and angular acceleration • Solve problems using the kinematics equations for rotational motion • Find the tangent speed of a point on a rigid rotating object using the angular speed and the radius • Solve problems involving tangential acceleration • Recognize the difference between a point mass and an extended object • Distinguish between torque and force • Calculate the magnitude of a torque on an object • Identify the lever arm associated with a torque on an object • Identify the center of mass of an object • Distinguish between mass and the moment of inertia • Define the second condition of equilibrium • Solve problems involving the first and second conditions of equilibrium • Describe Newton’s second law for rotation • Calculate the angular momentum for various rotating objects • Solve problems involving rotational kinetic energy • Explain how Newton’s law of universal gravitation accounts for various phenomena, including satellite and planetary orbits, falling objects, and the tides • Apply Newton’s law of universal gravitation to solve problems • Describe Kepler’s laws of planetary motion • Relate Newton’s mathematic analysis of gravitational force to the elliptical planetary orbits proposed by Kepler • Solve problems involving orbital speed and period Weeks 22-23 II. FLUID MECHANICS Unit 6: Fluid Mechanics Chapter 8 A. Fluids and Buoyant Force 1. Defining a Fluid 2. Density and Buoyant Force B. Fluid Pressure 1. Pascal’s Principle C. Fluids in Motion 1. Fluid Flow D. Applications 1. Hydraulics 2. Flotation 3. Flight Learning Objectives: At the end of this unit the student should be able to: • Define atmospheric pressure, gauge pressure, and absolute pressure, and the relationship among these terms • Define and apply the concept of fluid pressure • State and apply Pascal’s principle in practical situations such as hydraulic lifts • State and apply Archimedes’ principle to calculate the buoyant force • Demonstrate proficiency in accurately drawing and labeling free-body diagrams involving buoyant force and other forces • State the characteristics of an ideal fluid • Apply the equation of continuity in solving problems • Understand that Bernoulli’s equation is a statement of conservation of energy • Demonstrate proficiency in solving problems involving changes in depth and/or changes in pressure and/or changes in velocity Weeks 24-25 III. WAVES AND OPTICS Unit 7: Wave Motion and Sound Chapters 11-12 (2 weeks) A. Simple Harmonic Motion 1. Hooke’s Law 2. The Simple Pendulum B. Description and Characteristics of Waves C. Sound Intensity, Power, and Relative Sound Intensity D. The Doppler Effect (in one dimension) E. Standing Waves and Harmonics 1. Waves on a String 2. Waves in a Tube (open and closed) 3. Beats Learning Objectives: At the end of this unit the student should be able to: • Define and identify the following terms on displacement vs. time graph: equilibrium position, amplitude, period, and frequency • Define simple harmonic motion • Use the reference circle to describe the displacement, velocity and acceleration • Describe and apply Hooke’s law and Newton’s second law to determine the acceleration as a function of displacement • Apply the principles of conservation of mechanical energy for an object moving with simple harmonic motion • Derive and apply the equation to obtain the period of a mass-spring system • Derive and apply the equation to obtain the period of a simple pendulum • Demonstrate proficiency in solving problems involving horizontal and vertical mass-spring systems • Define resonant frequency and give examples of resonance • Define and give characteristics and examples of longitudinal, transverse, and surface waves • Apply the equation for wave velocity in terms of its frequency and wavelength • Describe the relationship between energy of a wave and its amplitude • Describe the behavior of waves at a boundary: fixed-end, free-end, boundary between different media • Demonstrate proficiency in solving problems involving transverse waves in a string • Distinguish between constructive and destructive interference • State and apply the principle of superposition • Describe the formation and characteristics of standing waves • Describe the characteristics of sound and distinguish between ultrasonic and infrasonic sound waves • Calculate the speed of sound in air as a function of temperature • Describe the origin of sound in musical instruments • Use boundary behavior characteristics to derive and apply relationships for calculating the characteristic frequencies for an open pipe and for a closed pipe • Explain the interference of sound waves and the formation of beats • Apply the Doppler effect to predict the apparent change in sound frequency Weeks 26 Unit 8: Optics Chapters 13-15 A. Light and Reflection 1. Characteristics of Light 2. Images Formed by Flat and Curved Mirrors 3. Color and Polarization B. Refraction of Light 1. Refraction 2. Images Formed by Thin Lenses 3. Optical Phenomena C. Interference and Diffraction 1. Interference 2. Diffraction Learning Objectives: At the end of this unit the student should be able to: • Explain how electromagnetic waves are produced • Describe the electromagnetic spectrum and the relationship between frequency, wavelength, and speed of the electromagnetic waves • Explain the dispersion of light and visible spectrum • Discuss the evidence supporting the ray model of light • State and apply the law of reflection • Define the following terms for spherical mirrors: principal axis, focal point, and focal length • Demonstrate proficiency in the use of ray diagrams to find the image of an object using a converging and a diverging mirror • Understand how mirrors form real and virtual images • Demonstrate proficiency in solving problems that use the mirror equation to calculate the focal length of a mirror, image distance, image height, and magnification • Explain what is meant by spherical aberration • Define the index of refraction and describe the behavior of refracted light • Apply Snell’s law to the solution of problems • Explain the concepts of critical angle and total internal reflection • Demonstrate proficiency in the use of ray diagrams to find the image of an object using a converging and a diverging lens and a combination of lenses • Understand how lenses form real and virtual images • Demonstrate proficiency in solving problems that use the lens equation to calculate the focal length of a lens, image distance, image height, and magnification • State the conditions for constructive interference and destructive interference • Describe Young’s double-slit experiment and apply the results of the experiment to predict the location of bright and dark fringes • Describe the pattern observed by the use of a diffraction grating • Demonstrate proficiency in solving problems involving the use of a single slit, a double slit and a diffraction grating Weeks 27 IV. ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM Unit 9: Electrostatics and Current Chapters 16-17 A. Electric Charge B. Electric Force and Fields C. Electric PE and Electric Potential D. Capacitance E. Current, Resistance, and Power Learning Objectives: At the end of this unit the student should be able to: • Define electrostatics and the nature of an electric charge • State the law of electrostatics and the law of conservation of charge • State Coulomb’s law and its equation to calculate the electrostatic force between two charges • Define the permittivity of free space • Define the electric field and derive for a single point charge • Describe electric field lines as a means to depict the electric field • Demonstrate proficiency in solving problems involving electric charges by applying appropriate vector addition methods • Define and apply the concepts of electric potential energy, electric potential, and electric potential difference • Describe and apply the relationship of the potential difference between two points to the uniform electric field existing between the points • Understand that equipotential lines are perpendicular to electric field lines • Demonstrate proficiency in solving problems involving the calculation of the total potential at any point in the vicinity of a number of known charges • Demonstrate proficiency in solving problems involving the calculation of the work required to move a known charge from one point to another • Apply a relationship between the electric field and the potential difference in a parallel plate configuration • Explain the charging of an object by contact and by induction • Distinguish between conductors and insulators • Understand the distribution of charge in a conductor • Define capacitance and apply the equation to calculate the total charge • Understand and apply the fact that the capacitance depends on the geometry of the capacitor: area and separation between the plates • Determine the energy stored in a parallel plate capacitor Weeks 28 Unit 10: DC Circuits Chapter 18 F. Electric Circuits 1. Schematic Diagrams 2. DC circuits a. Series and Parallel Circuits b. Batteries and Internal Resistance c. Ohm’s Law and Kirchhoff’s Rules d. Voltmeters and Ammeters Learning Objectives: At the end of this unit the student should be able to: • Define electric current as the rate of flow of charge • Understand some reasons for the conventional direction of electric current • Explain the term emf (electromotive force) and what is a source of emf • Define resistance and the factors affecting the resistance of a conductor • State and apply Ohm’s law • Understand and apply the equation of electric power as the rate of energy transferred in the form of heat • Draw schematic diagrams of circuits, including measuring devices such as voltmeters and ammeters • Analyze series, parallel, and combination circuits and demonstrate proficiency in calculations of equivalent resistance, current, and voltage drop of each resistor • Calculate the terminal voltage, taking into account the internal resistance of the battery If we are making good time, we might continue into some of the more advanced topics: Unit 11: Electromagnetism Chapters 19-20 G. Magnetostatics 1. Magnets and Magnetic Fields 2. Magnetism from Electricity 3. Force of a magnetic field on a moving charge 4. Force of a magnetic field on a current-carrying wire H. Electromagnetic Induction 1. Electromagnetic Induction 2. Generators, Motors, and Mutual Inductance 3. AC Circuits and Transformers 4. Electromagnetic Waves Learning Objectives: At the end of this unit the student should be able to: • Describe the magnetic fields created by magnets • Calculate the magnetic force exerted on a moving charge and determine the direction of the magnetic field, the velocity of the charge, and the magnetic force by using the right-hand-rule • Calculate the magnetic force exerted on a current carrying wire (or loop of wire) and determine the direction of the magnetic field, the current, and the magnetic force by using the right-handrule • Determine the magnitude and direction of the magnetic force between two parallel wires • Describe Faraday’s experiments that led to the conclusion that a changing magnetic field induces an emf • State Faraday’s law of induction and Lenz’s law • Demonstrate proficiency in solving problems involving an induced emf in cases where the magnetic flux density changes and in cases where the area of a loop of wire is changed • Apply Lenz’s law to determine the direction of the induced current in a variety of situations including motional emf • Describe how generators and motors operate • Explain the energy conversions that take place in generators and motors • Describe how mutual induction occurs in circuits • Distinguish between rms (root mean square) values and maximum values of current and potential difference • Solve problems involving rms and maximum values of current and emf for AC circuits • Apply the transformer equation to solve problems involving step-up and step-down transformers • Describe what electromagnetic waves are and how they are produced • Recognize that electricity and magnetism are two aspects of a single electromagnetic force • Explain how electromagnetic waves transfer energy • Describe various applications of electromagnetic waves Unit 12: Atomic Physics Chapters 21-22 A. Atomic Physics and Quantum Mechanics 1. Blackbody Radiation and the Photoelectric Effect 2. Models of the Atom 3. Electron Energy Levels 4. The Wave Nature of Matter 5. The Uncertainty Principle 6. The Electron Cloud B. Nuclear Physics 1. The Nucleus 2. Mass Defect and Nuclear Binding Energy 3. Nuclear Processes a. Types of Radioactivity (α, β, γ) b. Fission c. Fusion 4. Mass-Energy Equivalence and Conservation of Mass and Energy 5. Particle Physics Learning Objectives: At the end of this unit the student should be able to: • Describe J. J. Thomson’s and Robert Millikan’s experiments related to the electron • Discuss the basics of Max Planck’s hypothesis • Define the photon and relate its energy to its frequency and/or wavelength • Convert energy units: joules to electronvolts and vise versa • Demonstrate proficiency in solving problems involving the energy of a photon and the conservation of momentum in photon interactions • Explain the characteristics of the photoelectric effect and define the terms work function and threshold frequency • Given a graph of energy vs. frequency, understand the meaning of the slope, the x-intercept, and the yintercept • Demonstrate proficiency in solving problems involving the calculation of the maximum kinetic energy of photoelectrons • Explain the strengths and weaknesses of Rutherford’s model of the atom • Recognize that each element has a unique emission and absorption spectrum • Explain the atomic spectra using Bohr’s model of the atom • Interpret energy-level diagrams • Recognize the dual nature of light and matter • Calculate the de Broglie wavelength of matter waves • Distinguish between classical ideas of measurement and Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle • Describe the quantum-mechanical picture of the atom, including the electron cloud and probability waves • Identify the properties of the nucleus of an atom • Explain why some nuclei are unstable • Calculate the binding energy of various nuclei • Describe the three modes of nuclear decay • Predict the products of nuclear decay • Calculate the decay constant and the half-life of a radioactive substance • Distinguish between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion • Explain how a chain reaction is utilized by nuclear reactors • Compare fission and fusion reactors • Define the four fundamental interactions of nature • Identify the elementary particles that make up matter • Describe the standard model of the universe End of the 2nd Semester Physics Course ESLR’s Physics students should read and think critically Physics students learn through hands-on activities exactly what it means to think critically. Students are expected to think out of the box to design, develop and deploy working projects. This year’s hovercrafts sparked some excitement as students worked together to research and develop their own models. The scientific method is key in assessing and analyzing different topics within physics. Physics students should communicate clearly and effectively. Part of the effectiveness of a scientist is the ability to communicate ideas with the general public. Students perform rigorous scientific investigations and are expected to communicate their findings through several media venues, including PowerPoint presentation, display boards, formal lab reports and research papers. Physics students should demonstrate personal, moral and social responsibility. Conservation of energy is a fundamental issue in today’s society and is a major topic of discussion in our studies. Each student is also expected to get their work turned in on time. Students are given step-by-step solutions to their homework so they can gain a better understanding of the different methods used to solve the problems. They are responsible to understand the problems and can always ask their instructor for help. Physics students should value teamwork through participation. Lab reports and group activities are vital to this course. Students must learn to cooperate amongst each other in order to succeed. Many presentations are done in a group atmosphere to promote the idea of teamwork. Tasks are divided amongst the students so each team member plays an instrumental role in their group. All group members are graded by the teacher as well as by the students to ensure that each student actively participated in the design projects. Physics students should develop skills to be lifelong learners. This Phys course is designed to motivate the young mind and to capture the hearts of the outgoing. It is a medium in which students can learn to excel and appreciate the world around them. Our goal is to make students avid readers who want to learn more. Various magazine articles and videos are mingled into the curriculum to expose students to the world around them and to spark interest in aspects outside the classroom.