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AP Physics B - Syllabus
Text: College Physics, 7th Ed., Serway, Thomson Learning/Brooks-Cole
About the AP Physics B Course: This is an algebra based course in physics. The course is the
equivalent of an introductory course in General Physics. The main objective of the course is to
teach students the concepts and how to apply them while solving Physics problems. At the same
time, laboratory experiments will be an integral part of the course and they will serve the purpose
of reinforcing the concepts that are thought during lectures. The students will be required to work
in groups, and to do individual lab reports. In addition, the students will be asked to come up to
the board to solve problems and to explain their solutions to the rest of their peers.
Lecture MW
Laboratory F
Evaluation:
Quizzes 10%
Unit Tests 60%
Homework 10%
Lab 20%
Course Planner
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Motion in One Dimension
Chapter 3: Vectors and Two-Dimensional Motion
Chapter 4: The Laws of Motion
Chapter 5: Energy
Chapter 6: Momentum and Collisions
Chapter 7: Rotational Motion and the Law of Gravity
Chapter 8: Rotational Equilibrium and Rotational Dynamics
Chapter 9: Solids and Fluids
Chapter 10: Thermal Physics
Chapter 11: Energy in Thermal Processes
Chapter 12: The Laws of Thermodynamics
Chapter 13: Vibration and Waves
Chapter 14: Sound
Chapter 15: Electric Forces and Electric Fields
Chapter 16: Electrical Energy and Capacitance
Chapter 17: Current and Resistance
Chapter 18: Direct Current Circuits
Chapter 19: Magnetism
Chapter 20: Induced Voltages and Inductance
Chapter 22: Reflection and Refraction of Light
Chapter 23: Mirror and Lenses
Chapter 24: Wave Optics
Chapter 27: Quantum Physics
Chapter 28: Atomic Physics
Chapter 29: Nuclear Physics
Chapter 30: Nuclear Energy and Elementary Particles
Review for AP Exam
Labs
There is a one to two hour lab every week. The lab report will be graded on the student’s
participation in the actual experiment and the written report.
Students must save all the graded lab reports. They will be required to present the
Lab reports as a proof of having done these labs when they seek credit for this course in college.
1. Relative Motion-Frame of Reference
2. Position versus Time
3. Velocity-Motorized Cart
4. Acceleration-Cart on an Inclined Track
5. Newton’s First Law
6. Newton’s Second Law
7. Friction Forces
8. Conservation of Energy
9. Impulse and Change in Momentum
10. Projectile Motion
11. Circular Motion
12. What is Voltage?
13. What is Current?
14. Ohm’s Law
15. Electric Fields
16. Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction
17. Newton’s Third Law
18. Magnetic Fields
19. Sound Wave Properties
20. Superposition and Interference
21. Archimedes Principle
22. Transfer of Energy
23. Inverse Square Law
24. Polarization
Each lab will require:
The formation of a hypothesis or hypotheses, based on in class discussion of the presented
problem or focus of each experiment. Design of (an) experiment(s), also based on in class
discussion, to test the hypothesis or hypotheses. Collection of data and observations.
Calculations using the collected data. Conclusions about how well the hypothesis or hypotheses
held up based on the experiment. Class discussion of variance and error analysis. Written report.