The Newman School
2012-13
IB HL PHYSICS 1
IB HL Physics 1 is the first year of a two-year course. HL Physics follows the International Baccalaureate
syllabus for Higher-Level Physics. The level of the course is comparable to a first-year course in physics
at an American university, but with an emphasis on conceptual understanding. The HL Physics course is
designed to give students a good preparation for the demands of university calculus-based courses in
physics. If you have a strong interest in fields such as engineering, physics, mathematics, or architecture,
you should be taking this course.
The mathematical background needed by HL Physics students is algebra and trigonometry. In the course,
we will further develop elementary analysis of errors in measurements and introduce use of calculus.
Aspects of the course
For the complete course over the two years, the IB physics course has several facets:
a)
a standard range of subjects in physics courses: Newtonian mechanics, thermal physics, wave
behavior, electricity and magnetism, and atomic and nuclear physics. The second-year of the course
is supplemented by study of two optional topics.
b)
an emphasis on the physics of environmental concerns, namely energy sources (such as fossil fuels,
nuclear power, and renewable energy, for example, solar and wind energy), the greenhouse effect and
global warming. These aspects will be studied in the second-year.
c)
knowledge of experimental methods of investigating nature complemented by experience in using
these methods ⇒ Lab work.
d)
use of technology in a variety of ways—calculator and computer-based lab experiments, analysis of
data in spreadsheets and data bases, use of simulations of physical phenomena, graphing of data and
its analysis, and construction of Sankey diagrams.
e)
communication & cooperation among scientific disciplines to solve problems ⇒ “Group 4 project”
Topics studied in the first-year of the course are:
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Physical Measurement
Kinematics & Dynamics
Thermal Physics
Waves
Gravitational, Electrical and Magnetic Fields
Electricity & Magnetism
Digital Technology
Course Description
The Newman School
2012-13
In the second year, we will continue with studies of atomic & nuclear physics, generation of electrical
power and climate change. The second-year course will be completed by a study of two of the six
options (your choice as a class):
OPTIONS
Astrophysics (cosmology, life & death of stars, big bang and expansion of universe)
Communications (radio waves, digital signals, fiber optics)
Electromagnetic waves (optical instruments, wave interference & diffraction)
Relativity (special relativity and general relativity theories)
Medical Physics (ear & hearing, medical imaging, use of radiation)
Particle Physics (fundamental particles, quarks, standard theory, detection of these particles)
The physics course has several labs which are mainly performed in a classroom laboratory with a variety
of apparatus, from basic meter sticks and stop watches to digital probes interfaced with a computer.
Assessment
Generally, each semester grade is weighted as follows:
50%
20%
15%
5%
10%
Tests
Lab Reports
Quizzes
Quality of Homework
Semester Exam.
Short quizzes will be given at the beginning of most classes. They will be based on the reading assigned
the class before. Homework is assigned for nearly every class. The homework will be due at the
beginning of class on the day of the corresponding test. The homework will be assessed on quality of
work.
Always bring your graphics calculator, ruler & compass to class.
Text & materials
Text:
Physics for the IB Diploma by Tsokos, Cambridge University Press, 2008, 5th edition.
Physics for the IB Diploma Exam Preparation Guide by Tsokos, Cambridge University Press, 2012
Lab log book: 8.5 X 11 inch bound notebook
Graphics calculator: TI-84+ (always bring to class)
R. Hall
IB HL Physics Instructor