AP Physics B
Course Description:
The Advance Placement Physics B is algebra-based course in general Physics. Its syllabus is designed by
the College Board. It is equivalent introductory algebra-based university level physics course. There is an
exam at the end of the year that will determine if the student is proficient in Physics. Colleges have
different criterion for awarding college credit. Please check the specific college website to determine if
they accept AP credit for the AP Physics B exam.
This course will be covered in two semesters. There is a small amount of time allotted for review before
the AP Exam. The pace will be fast. It is imperative that you be present when class is in session!
The emphasis in the course is on understanding of the concepts and skills and then using the concepts
and formulae to solve problems. Laboratory work will be covered as an integral part of this course.
Our AP exam is Monday, May 13th in the afternoon.
Unit One: Force and Motion
Approximate Time Frame: August 22-October 6
Content and/or Skills Taught:
A. Motion in One Dimension
Uniform Motion Acceleration
Graphs of Motion
Freefall
B. Vectors and Motion in 2 Dimensions
Vector Mathematics
Relative Motion
Projectile Motion
Circular Motion
C. Forces and Newton's Laws of Motion
Identifying Forces
Drawing Force Diagrams
Inertia
Newton's 2nd Law
Newton's 3rd Law
D. Applying Newton's Laws
Equilibrium
Mass and Weight
Friction
Ramps
Ropes and Pulleys
E. Equilibrium
Torque and Static Equilibrium
Springs and Hooke’s Law
Major Labs:
"CRASH" Uniform Motion Lab (A procedure less/inquiry lab)
"Target Practice" Projectile Lab (A procedure less/inquiry lab)
Newton's Laws Exploration (hands-on)
CPU Action-Reaction Activity (hands on inquiry lab)
Static Equilibrium Lab (hands on)
Unit 2: Work, Energy, Momentum, Circular and Gravitation
Approximate Time Frame: October 7-November 10
Content and/or Skills Taught:
A. Circular Motion, Orbits and Gravity
Uniform Circular Motion
Circular Orbits
Weightlessness
Newton's Law of Gravity
Gravity and Orbits
B. Rotational Motion
Torque
C. Momentum
Impulse
Conservation of Momentum
2-Dimensional Conservation of Momentum
D. Energy and Work
Work
Kinetic Energy
Potential Energy
Thermal Energy
Law of Conservation of Energy
Energy in Collisions
Power
Major Labs:
Spinning Stopper Lab (hands on)
Conservation of Momentum Lab (hands on)
Rollercoaster Lab with CPO coaster and probes (hands on)
Unit 3: Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Physics
Approximate Timeframe: November 14- December 13
Content and/or Skills Taught:
A. Thermal Properties of Matter
Ideal Gases
Thermal Expansion
Thermal Properties of Gases
Heat Transfer
B. Thermal Physics
Thermal Energy and Temperature
Heat and 1st Law of Thermodynamics
Heat Engines and Heat Pumps
PV Diagrams
C. Fluids
Fluids and Density
Pressure
Buoyancy
Fluids in Motion (Continuity and Bernoulli Equations)
Major Assignments and/or Assessments:
Linear Expansion Lab (hands on)
Fluid Dynamics Exploration (hands on)
Unit 4: Electrostatics and Capacitors
Approximate Timeframe: December 15- January 13
Content and/or Skills Taught:
A. Electric Fields and Forces
Charges and Forces
Coulomb's Law
Electric Fields
Electric Potential
Electric Potential Energy
Electric Potential
Capacitance and Capacitors
Major Labs:
Electric Field Mapping Lab (hands on and virtual)
CASTLE Section on Capacitors (Student centered, hands on/inquiry labs)
Unit 5: Ciruits, Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Approximate Time Frame: January 23- February 17
Content and/or Skills Taught:
A. Current and Resistance
Ohm's Law
Resistor Circuits
Energy and Power in Circuits
B. Circuits
Circuit Diagrams
Kirchhoff’s Laws
Series and Parallel Circuits
Capacitors in Parallel and Series
C. Magnetic Fields and Forces
Magnetic
Magnetic
Magnetic
Magnetic
Field
Fields due to Currents
Fields and Forces on Moving Charges
Fields and Forces on Currents
D. Electromagnetic Induction and Electromagnetic Waves
Induced Currents
Magnetic Flux
Faraday's Law
Major Labs:
CASTLE Sections on Resistors and Circuits (student centered, hands on/inquiry labs)
Ohm's Law Lab/Internal Resistance (procedure less/inquiry lab)
Unit 6: Waves and Optics
Approximate Time Frame: February 22 - March 23
Content and/or Skills Taught:
A. Oscillations
Simple Harmonic Motion
Pendulum Motion
Resonance
B. Traveling Waves and Sound
Traveling Waves
Sound and Light Waves
Doppler Shift and Shock Waves
C. Superposition and Standing Waves
Superposition
Standing Waves
Standing Sound Waves
Interference of Waves
D. Wave Optics
Light Interference
Diffraction
Thin-Film Interference
Single-Slit Interference
E. Ray Optics
Reflection
Refraction
Thin Lenses
Spherical Mirrors
F. Optical Instruments
Camera
Eye
Dispersion
Major Labs:
Pendulum/Spring Lab (hands on)
Determine the k of a gummy worm (procedure less/inquiry)
Standing Wave Lab (hands on)
Speed of Sound Resonance Lab (inquiry/hands on)
Young's Experiment (hands on)
Concave Mirror Lab (hands on)
Convex Lens Lab (hands on)
Snell's Law Lab (inquiry/hands on)
Unit 7: Atomic and Modern Physics
Approximate Time Frame: April 2- April 27
Content and/or Skills Taught:
A. Quantum Physics
X-ray Diffraction
Photoelectric Effect
Energy is Quantized
Wave-Particle Duality
B. Atoms and Molecules
Spectroscopy
Bohr Atom
C. Nuclear Physics
Radiation and Radioactivity
Nuclear Decay
Half-life
Energy in the Nucleus
Major Labs:
Photoelectric Effect Activity (inquiry activity)
Half-life Lab (hands on modeling lab)
Required Course Materials:
Textbook:
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (Addison-Wesley 2010)
Author: Knight, Randall
Second Author: Jones, Brian
Other Course Materials:
Student Workbook: College Physics: A Strategic Approach
Graphing Calculator
Quad-ruled Student Composition Book
MasteringPhysics.com Subscription
Schedule:
2 days/week 57 minute periods and 2 days/week 88 minute periods
Evaluation:
Approximate Percentages:
Quizzes/Tests
50%
Homework
20%
Labs
30%
Contact:
Diane Riendeau
Room: X219
Office: X221
Work Phone: 224-632-3274
driendeau@dist113.org
Tid Bits
1. Grading scale:
A: 92.0-100
A-: 89.5-91.9
B+: 88-89.4
B: 82.1-87.9
B-: 79.5-82.0
C+: 78.0-79.4
C: 72.1-77.9
C-: 69.5-72.0
D+: 68.0-69.4
D: 62.1-67.9
D-: 59.5-62.0
2.
Late assignments
Mastering Physics assignments have set due dates. Extensions will be given for extenuating
circumstances only on a case-by-case basis. Lab notebooks are collected periodically and will
be assessed a 10% late grade reduction unless there are extenuating circumstances and the
student initiates a conversation with the teacher.
3.
Make-up policy
Mastering Physics assignments are given well in advance of the due date. Students are
expected to complete the assignment even if they miss school on the due date. If a student
misses a lab, they should consult with the teacher to determine if they are required to makeup the lab.
4.
Grading Expectations
I try to update my grade book weekly. Lab notebooks and exams take more time to grade. As
a result, there may be a 1 week delay in getting these grades posted. Please contact me if you
have any questions about your student’s grade.
5.
Reaching Me
The best way to reach me is via my school email address. I will return your email within 1 work
day.