Summer Assignment
AP Physics C & AP Physics 2
Mr. Davis
Name: ______________________________
There are 3 parts to your summer assignment. They are all easy tasks that are usually taken care of during the first
couple of weeks of school. By completing these tasks over the summer we will be able to start doing physics on day 1.
The first two assignments are the syllabus (only available for physics C, physics 2 will be ready by August) and safety
contract. They require you to print it, sign it, have Mommy or Daddy sign it, and turn it in the first day of school. The
third assignment is the safety quiz. Follow the link, print the quiz, complete the quiz, and turn it in the first day of
school. In addition to the assignments, the following activities (suggested by Mrs. Howell, AP Physics Teacher
Extraordinaire) may help you prepare for physics:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
Ride a bike.
Ride a bike up hill and down hill.
Walk up stairs
Run up stairs
Ride in a car accelerating.
Ride in a car at a constant speed.
Jump on a trampoline
Slide down a water slide.
Push a grocery cart.
Pull a grocery cart.
Swing on a swing.
Ride a carousel or merry go round
Ride a rollercoaster.
Do a “cannonball”.
Turn a switch on/off.
Turn up/down the volume on a stereo with a “knob”.
Play an instrument.
Read a book you want to read.
Enjoy every minute of your summer, and when I see you in the fall – be ready to work. 
See you in August,
Mr. D.
AP Physics C-Mechanics Syllabus 2014-2015
Mr. Davis
davisb1@fultonschools.org
Serway, R. & Jewett, J. Physics for Scientists & Engineers 7th Edition. New York, NY: THOMSON LEARNING, 2008.
Welcome to AP Physics C! By choosing to be in AP Physics, you have made a decision to go above and beyond the state requirements for high
school physical sciences. I have very high expectations for everyone in this class. The only way that you will not succeed in this class is if you do
not put forth your best effort.
Course Description
This course ordinarily forms the first part of the college sequence that serves as the foundation in physics for students majoring in the physical
sciences or engineering. The sequence is parallel to or preceded by mathematics courses that include calculus. Methods of calculus are used wherever
appropriate in formulating physical principles and in applying them to physical problems. The sequence is more intensive and analytic than that in
the B course. Strong emphasis is placed on solving a variety of challenging problems, some requiring calculus. The subject matter of the C course is
principally mechanics and electricity and magnetism, with approximately equal emphasis on these two areas. The C course is the first part of a
sequence which in college is sometimes a very intensive one-year course but often extends over one and one-half to two years, with a laboratory
component. The focus of this course will be the Mechanics portion and will prepare students to take the AP Physics C – Mechanics Exam in May,
2015.
Lost Textbooks
Fulton County Board of Education policy says that if a student loses a textbook, replacement cost must be paid before another can be issued or credit
given for the course. The cost of replacement of the textbook Physics for Scientists and Engineers is $131.00.
Supplementary Materials
Scientific Calculator or Graphing Calculator
Binder, Including Section for Organization of Lab Materials
Writing Utensil (pencil is preferred for calculations)
Office Hours
Students are encouraged to come in for help during office hours, which will be posted on Mr. Davis’s door. Students are expected to come in for
help with problem solving. Class time will be dedicated to the presentation of new material and laboratory experiences.
Class Web Site
Mr. Davis will use Edmodo to communicate with parents and students in AP Physics C. The website includes important information such as
assignments, due dates, test dates, a copy of the syllabus, homework assignments, and unit standards. Students are expected to visit the site daily and
parents should check for updates on a regular basis.
Grading
Grades are calculated according to the percentages outlined below. The grading scale is as follows: A: 90-100 B: 80-89 C: 70-79 F: 0-69
There will not be any end of the semester extra credit assignments. There will be opportunities to earn extra credit throughout the semester.
Assignment Type
Tests and Formal Labs
Informal Labs
Unit Homework
Quizzes
Final Exam
Completion
Percentage
50%
15%
5%
5%
20%
5%
Tests: One test will be given at the end of each unit taught in class. All tests will simulate the AP exam. All tests will be cumulative for the entire
school year. All tests will consist of a multiple choice section and a free response question. The multiple choice section is designed to assess
students’ knowledge of major concepts or facts and ability to complete simple calculations. The free response section is designed to assess students’
abilities to apply physics concepts to complex problems. Both sections will be timed according to the number of multiple choice questions and the
number of free response points. Students will be given ten minutes for every eight questions on the multiple choice section and ten minutes for every
nine free response points in that section. Students will receive the College Board’s table of information for the multiple choice section of the tests
and will not be allowed to use the equation sheet or a calculator. On the free response section of the test students will be allowed to use the table of
information, the AP Physics C equation sheet, a scientific or graphing calculator, and a ruler. Students will be required to correct tests after they are
graded in order to learn from their mistakes. Corrections may count as homework or count to earn back test points at the discretion of the teacher.
Formal Labs: One formal lab report is required each semester. Half of the grade will be based on the lab data and result calculations, which may be
completed as a lab group. The other half will be based on the typed lab report, which is an individual assignment. The formal lab grade will be
counted as a test.
Informal Labs: There will be approximately one lab per week that will take one or two days of class time, which will be completed in groups of two
or three students. Labs will require students to measure data and apply that data to physics equation to experimentally determine the value of another
variable or universal constant. Students will usually be required to graph the data in a way that allows them to use a line graph to calculate a result.
Students may also be required to use Microsoft Excel to generate an equation relating the measured variables, and determine derivatives or integrals
of the equation to determine a desired result. All labs are student centered, hands on activities that foster inquiry unless otherwise noted.
Unit Homework: There will be one major homework assignment due the day before each test. It will be graded for accuracy in class and will serve
as a review for the new concepts that will be assessed by the test. The unit homework is in no way an indicator of specific problems on the test.
Quizzes: Several quizzes will be given during the course of the year to make sure that students have grasped concepts or memorized critical
information. These quizzes will be short and timed, usually lasting no more than five minutes.
Final Exam: A cumulative final exam will be given at the end of first semester. It will be a two hour exam designed to simulate the AP exam for the
material that is taught during first semester. A full length AP practice exam will be given a week or two before the AP exam and will count as the
final exam for second semester.
Completion: One to three problems from the textbook will be given almost every night. Students are expected to complete them, showing all work,
so they are prepared to briefly review the problems at the beginning of the next class period. Students who do not have complete work shown for all
problems will receive a zero for the assignment.
Academic Honesty
Any student found guilty of cheating will receive a zero on the assignment and be referred for academic dishonesty. Plagiarism is included as
cheating.
Plagiarism - Submission for academic advancement the words, ideas, opinions or theories of another that are not common knowledge,
without appropriate attribution to that other person. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, the following acts when performed
without appropriate attribution:
i.
Directly quoting all or part of another person's written or spoken words without quotation marks, as
appropriate to the discipline;
ii.
Paraphrasing all or part of another person's written or spoken words without notes or documentation
within the body of the work;
iii.
Presenting an idea, theory or formula originated by another person as the original work of the person
submitting that work;
iv.
Repeating information, such as statistics or demographics, which is not common knowledge and which
was originally compiled by another person;
v.
Purchasing (or receiving in any other manner) a term paper or other assignment that is the work of
another person and submitting that term paper or other assignment as the student's own work.
Assignment Due Dates
All work is due at the beginning of class on the assigned due date. Late work will not be accepted.
Make up Work
Make up work will only be allowed in the case of an excused absence or tardy. Students have five school days to make up work in case of
absences. Tests must be made up before or after school by appointment only, and students are responsible for transportation home after the
tests. Most tests take 50 minutes to complete. If a student has an excused absence on the day homework is due, the homework must be turned in at
the beginning of class on the first day of return. Alternative assignments may be given to students who miss labs or the student may be required to
come in before or after school to make up the lab data collection, at the discretion of the teacher.
Provision for Improving Grades
1. Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low or failing cumulative grade will be allowed when all work required to date has
been completed and the student has demonstrated a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including attendance. Students should contact
the teacher concerning recovery opportunities. Teachers are expected to establish a reasonable time period for recovery work to be completed during
the semester. All recovery work must be directly related to course objectives and must be completed ten school days prior to the end of the semester.
2. Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating circumstances may improve their grades.
Lab Safety
No horseplay allowed in lab! The instructor reserves the right to remove any student that is a safety hazard from the lab. If a student is removed
from the lab, the student will receive a zero for the lab day. No student may participate in lab without passing the safety quiz and turning in a safety
contract signed by the student and their parent or guardian. If a student is not allowed to participate in a lab for this reason she will receive a zero.
Student Responsibilities
- The student is responsible for completing all assignments, turning them in on time, and participating in all discussions and problem solving
sessions.
- If the student is having trouble, it is the student’s responsibility to seek help during office hours.
- In case of absence, it is the student’s responsibility to find out what work, assignments, and notes he/she missed. The book does not always cover
everything that is taught in class!
- Every student is required to bring a scientific calculator, writing utensil, and paper to class each day.
- Physics is a subject that builds on its self. Please keep up with each topic, or you will fall farther and farther behind.
Classroom Rules
1. Follow all School Rules (see student handbook)
2. Respect others: if someone else is addressing the class, be quiet and listen
3. Come to class on time
4. No littering or writing on desks.
5. No leaving the room without permission.
The instructor reserves the right to keep students for personal detention after school from 3:45 until 4:15 for failure to follow rules.
Topics for 2013-2014 School Year
Unit
Topics**
Laboratory Experiences
Weeks
Motion
Introduction to Calculus-derivatives and integrals
1. Constant Velocity Lab5
Displacement, Velocity, and Acceleration
deriving the equation for
Graphing Motion
velocity and acceleration
Using Derivatives and Integrals to Relate
2. Uniform Acceleration LabDisplacement, Velocity, and Acceleration
deriving the equation for
The Kinematic Equations
velocity and acceleration
Vector Addition for Motion in Two Dimensions
3. Projectile Lab-shoot a
Projectile Motion
suspended target
Forces and Newton’s Laws of Equilibrium Conditions (Newton’s First Law)
1. Bridges and Static
4
Motion
Net Force and Acceleration (Newton’s Second Law)
Equilibrium
Systems of Two or More Objects (Newton’s Third)
2. Acceleration of a Two
Motion of Objects Affected by Drag Forces
Mass System
3. Falling objects and air
resistance.
Work and Energy
Kinetic, Potential, and Conservation of Energy
1. Conservation of Energy 1
4
Work and Work-Energy Theorem
2. Conservation of Energy 2
Potential Energy Curves
3. Work Done by
Power
Nonconservative Forces 1
Work by Nonconservative Forces
4. Work Done by
Nonconservative Forces 2
Linear Momentum
Linear Momentum and Impulse
1. Falling Chain Lab-force
3
Collisions and Conservation of Momentum
vs. time graph lab.
Rocket Propulsion
2. Conservation of
Center of Mass
Momentum in 2D
3. Determining Center of
Mass of Extended Objects
End of First Semester
Circular and Angular Motion
Uniform Circular Motion
1. Constant Angular Velocity 4
Angular Variables
Lab
Relationship between Linear and Angular Variables
2. Constant Angular
Rotation with Constant Angular Acceleration
Acceleration Lab
Simultaneous Translational and Rotational Motion
3. Linear and Angular
Acceleration of a Ruler
Rotating about its end due to
gravity
Moment of Inertia and Torque Moment of Inertia
1. Torque Balance Lab
2
Torque and Rotational Statics
2. Pulley and Hanging Mass
Equilibrium
Lab-effect of moment of
inertia on acceleration
Rotational Energy and Angular Rotational Energy
1. Circular Objects Rolling
4
Momentum
Conservation of Energy
Down a Ramp
Angular Momentum
2. Energy of a Mass and
Conservation of Angular Momentum
Pulley System
Collisions
3. Conservation of Angular
Momentum Lab
Oscillations and Gravitation
Simple Harmonic Motion
1. Pendulum Lab
4
Pendulum
2. Mass Spring System Lab
Energy
3. Damped Harmonic Motion
Damped and Forced Oscillations
Lab
Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation
4. Virtual Lab-Jupiter
Orbits of Planets and Satellites
Satellite Orbit
AP Exam Review
Kinematics
18% None
1
Newton’s Laws of Motion
20%
Work, Energy, and Power
14%
Systems of Particles, Linear Momentum
12%
Circular Motion and Rotation
18%
Oscillations and Gravitation
18%
Special and General Relativity Time, Space, and Mass Differences at High Speeds
None
2
(After the AP Exam)
Effect of Gravitational Fields on Light
* some material covered in class is not included in any chapter of the text book
** A complete list of the learning objectives for the course can be found at http://apcentral.collegeboard.com
Chapter(s)*
1, 2, 3, 4
5, 6
7, 8
9
6, 10
10, 11, 12
10, 11, 12
13, 15
1-13, 15
AP Physics C Signature Form
Please sign and return this last page of the syllabus. Please keep the rest of the syllabus to reference as needed.
I have read and understand the material contained in this course syllabus.
____________________________________________________
Student Name (please print)
___________________________________________
Student signature
___________________________
Date
___________________________________________
Parent signature
___________________________
Date
Parents’ Contact Info:
email: ___________________________Home Phone:_________________ Work:__________________
Centennial High School Physical Sciences Safety Contract
(Astronomy, Chemistry, Earth Systems, Physics, and Physical Science)
General Guidelines for Physical Science Labs
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
Review safety procedures before beginning any lab.
Closed toed shoes and long pants are required for heat, chemicals,
and glassware.
Goggles should be worn over eyes for liquids which require heat,
chemicals, or glassware. Goggles should have an ANSI Z87.1 rating.
Always report accidents to your teacher.
Clean all work surfaces and dry them before leaving.
Be serious and alert when working in the laboratory. Never “horse
around” in the laboratory.
Be prepared to work when you arrive in the laboratory. Be sure that
you understand the procedure to be employed in any laboratory
investigation and the possible hazards associated with it.
Perform only those experiments authorized by the instructor. Never
do anything in the laboratory that is not outlined in the laboratory
procedures or given by your instructor. Carefully follow all
instructions, both written and oral. Unauthorized experiments are
prohibited.
Never handle any equipment unless you have specific permission.
Labels and equipment instructions must be read carefully before
use. Set up and use the prescribed apparatus as directed in the
laboratory instructions or by your instructor.
Take extreme care not to spill any material in the laboratory. If spills
occur, ask your teacher immediately about the proper cleanup
procedure. Never simply pour chemicals or other substances into
the sink or trash container. Dispose of all chemical waste properly
Never eat or taste anything or apply cosmetics in the laboratory
unless directed to do so. This includes food, drinks, candy, and gum,
as well as chemicals.
Know the location and proper use of safety equipment such as the
fire extinguisher, fire blanket, first-aid kit, safety shower, and
eyewash station.
Notify your teacher of any medical problems you may have, such as
allergies or asthma.
Keep your laboratory area clean and free of unnecessary books,
papers, and equipment.
Keep aisles clear. Push your chair under the desk when not in use.
Always work in a well-ventilated area. Use the fume hood when
working with volatile substances or poisonous vapors. Never place
your head into the fume hood.
Be alert and proceed with caution at all times in the laboratory.
Notify the instructor immediately of any unsafe conditions you
observe.
Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth and body while using
chemicals or preserved specimens. Wash your hands with soap and
water after performing all experiments. Clean (with detergent),
rinse, and wipe dry all work surfaces (including the sink) and
apparatus at the end of the experiment. Return all equipment clean
and in working order to the proper storage area.
Experiments must be personally monitored at all times. You will be
assigned a laboratory station at which to work. Do not wander
around the room, distract other students, or interfere with the
laboratory experiments of others.
Chemical Safety
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
When conducting labs with chemicals, wear chemical splash
goggles with vents.
Clean up spills immediately.
Wash hands after chemical use.
Run ventilation system or work under the fume hood when handling
volatile chemicals or reactions that produce gases.
Only put water in wash bottles. Never fill with chemicals.
Put the lids on the chemicals after using them so they will not
absorb too much water from the atmosphere.
All chemicals in the laboratory are to be considered dangerous. Do
not taste any of the chemicals including rocks and mineral samples,
28.
unless specifically instructed to do so. You will be shown the proper
technique for smelling chemical fumes will be demonstrated to you.
Check with your teacher for disposal procedures for all chemicals
used in the lab.
29.
Acids
 The stock bottles of concentrated acids should always stay in the
prep room.
 When preparing dilute solutions of acids from the concentrated
stock bottle, always use the fume hood to prepare the solution
and wear safety goggles.
 Only transfer what you need for a lab to a labeled container.
 When making acidic solutions, always add acid to the water.
 For disposal of acids, dilute and neutralize before pouring down
sink.
Flammable chemicals
 Never use flammable chemicals over an open flame and use
extreme care near any heat source.
 Know where the gas shut off valve is in a room when using the
Bunsen burner.
 Turn off the gas, at the burner, when the lab is complete.
Electrical Safety
30. Make sure the power button or dial is turned off before plugging or
unplugging electrical equipment.
31. Make sure hands and feet are dry before plugging and unplugging
electrical equipment
32. Check all electrical equipment for defects, especially for frayed
cords, exposed wires, and loose connections. Do not use defective
electrical equipment.
33. Report defective equipment immediately
34. Do not use extension cords or power strips for lab equipment
35. Be careful not to overload outlets
36. For all electrical devices in any lab:
 When removing plugs from sockets grasp by
the plug, not the
cord.
37. For circuit and electricity labs use a DC voltage source for 9 V or
less.
38. Always make sure hands are clean and dry when working with
electricity.
39. Do not use the Van de Graaff generator unsupervised.
 People with cardiac pacemakers should never operate the Van de
Graaff generator or come in contact with it.
 Keep the Van de Graaff generator at a safe distance from the outlet
where you plan to plug it in. If you're too close, you won't be able to
turn it off safely.
 Always discharge the collector dome of the Van de Graaff generator
between experiments and when you are finished.
 Keep the entire Van de Graaff generator clean and dry. Dust and
moisture degrade the generator's performance.
Glassware Safety
20. Be careful with streak plates. They can easily break and release
sharp shards of ceramic material.
21. Use of glassware is vital when doing some science labs. If not
handled with care, glassware can cause serious harm.
22. Safety glassware should be used when heating substances.
23. Pyrex, Duran, Kimax, or Tekk all refer to borosilicate safety
laboratory glassware.
24. Examine glassware before each use. Never use chipped, cracked, or
dirty glassware.
25. Notify your teacher if you break glassware. Dispose of broken glass
in the appropriate container.
26. Do not immerse hot glassware in cold water. The glassware may
shatter.
27. Inserting and removing glass tubing from rubber stoppers can be
dangerous and cause serious cuts.
28. Always lubricate glassware (tubing, thistle tubes, thermometers,
etc.) before attempting to insert it in a stopper. Do not allow
students to do this.
29. Always protect your hands with towels or cotton gloves when
inserting glass tubing into, or removing it from, a rubber stopper.
30. If a piece of glassware becomes "frozen" in a stopper, use glycerin
to loosen. (Twist the tubing, wearing gloves or using a towel, and
gently pull.)
Heat Safety
31. Goggles are required any time heat, glassware, or liquids are used!
(Heating water is also included).
32. Long hair and loose clothing should be tied back and secured before
using any heat source.
33. Disconnect hot plates and burners when not in use.
34. Make sure that cords do not touch hot plates.
35. Make sure hoses do not get in the flame of the Bunsen burner.
36. Only the appropriate glassware should be placed on a hot plate.
37. Hold the back of your hand near an object to determine if it is too
hot to pick up.
38. Hot glassware or cold glassware can not be distinguished by sight.
39. Use heat resistant gloves or the correct tongs to pick up hot
glassware and objects.
i. crucible tongs for crucibles and evaporating dishes
ii. rubber coated beaker tongs for beakers
40. Add test tube clamps for test tubes under the correct tongs.
41. Lab stations should be monitored at all times, but especially when
heat sources are being used.
42. When substances are being heated in test tubes, make sure they
are aimed away fro all people!
43. Never look into a container that is being heated.
44. Use Pyrex or other glassware with low thermal expansion to avoid
breakage due to temperature change.
45. Regardless of glassware type it is a good idea to place hot
glassware on an insulating pad, not directly on the table top.
46. Do not immerse hot glassware in cold water, especially if it is not
Pyrex.
47. Always examine glassware for chips and cracks before usage,
especially when heating.
48. Do not use glassware that is cracked, chipped, or broken.
Projectile Safety
49. Must wear impact goggles (ANSI Z87.1 rating) when
operating any projectile in a lab.
50. Only use projectiles in an open area.
51. Make sure the launcher is not aimed at any person
or breakable object.
Astronomy
52. Never observe the sun directly.
53. You should use the pin-hole reflection method.
Sharp objects
54. Be careful when using sharp objects, like saws.
55. Wear safety goggles.
56. Dispose of sharp objects in the designated
container.
57. Keep a good inventory of all sharp objects
Accidents and Injuries
41. If a chemical splashed in your eye(s) or on your skin,
immediately flush with running water from the
eyewash station or safety shower for at least 20
minutes. Notify the instructor immediately.
42. When mercury thermometers are broken, mercury
must not be touched. Notify the instructor
immediately.
Student Agreement
Do you wear contact
lenses?
Are you color blind?
Do you have
allergies?
o Yes
o No
o Yes
o
o No
o
If “yes” to allergies and/or medical conditions, list here.
Yes
No
Do you have
asthma?
o
o
Yes
No
Do you have other
medical conditions?
o
o
Yes
No
I have read and agree to follow all the safety rules set forth in this contract. I realized that I must obey these rules to insure my own safety and that of my fellow
students and the teacher. I will cooperate fully with my teacher and fellow students to maintain a safe lab environment. I also will closely follow the oral and
written instructions provided by the teacher. I am aware that any violation of this safety contract is misbehavior on my part and is unsafe conduct in the
laboratory; it may result in my being removed from the lab or other disciplinary action. Since laboratory work is addressed in course standards, any unsafe
behavior on my part that requires disciplinary action may negatively impact my grade.
Student Name (printed)
Student Signature
Date
Dear Parent or Guardian:
We believe that you should be informed regarding Centennial High School’s effort to create and maintain a safe science classroom and laboratory environment.
With the cooperation of the teachers, parents/guardians, and students, laboratory safety instruction can prevent, correct, and eliminate possible hazards. You
should be aware of the safety instruction your child will receive before engaging in any lab work. Please read the list of safety rules above. No student will be
permitted to perform laboratory activities unless this contract is signed by the student, signed by a parent/ guardian, and on file with the teacher. Your signature
on this contract indicates that you have read this Science Laboratory Safety Contract, and are aware of the measures taken to insure the safety of your child in
the science laboratory, and will instruct your child to uphold his/her agreement to follow these rules and procedures in the laboratory.
Parent/Guardian Name (printed)
Parent/Guardian Signature
Date
Assignment 3: Safety Quiz
Go to http://www.flinnsci.com/Documents/miscPDFs/Safety_exam_HS.pdf and print and complete the safety quiz. It is
due the first day of school.