Physics
Teacher
Course Overview
Mrs. Erin Wissler
Email
erin.wissler@lcps.org
Room
202
Considered to be the most fundamental of all the sciences, Physics seeks to
understand and explain the behavior of matter and energy. Students will
recognize that innumerable phenomena can be explained by a surprisingly
small collection of related concepts. Students use algebra, statistics, and
trigonometry to understand concepts. They engage in experimentation,
apply scientific reasoning, and perform data analysis and interpretation.
Laboratory work includes graphical analysis. This is a college preparatory
Physics course.
Content Outline
I. Introduction: Scientific Method and Math Review
II. Linear Kinematics
a. Displacement, Velocity, Acceleration
b. Motion Graphs
III. Two-Dimensional Kinematics
a. Vectors
b. Projectiles
c. Circular Motion
IV. Newton’s Laws of Motion
a. Mass and Inertia
b. Forces
c. Universal Gravitation
V. Momentum
a. Impulse
b. Conservation
c. Elastic vs. Inelastic collisions
VI. Work, Energy and Power
a. Conservation
b. Simple Machines
VII. Waves
a. Light
b. Sound
c. Optics
VIII. Electricity
a. Electrostatics
b. Circuits
c. Electromagnetism
IX. Fluids
X. Modern Physics
2015-2016
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Text
Physics 5th Edition, Cutnell and Johnson
Recommended Materials
 Notebook
 Graphing Calculator
Grading Policy
Tests – 40%
Labs/Quizzes – 60 %
Homework solutions will be available; it is imperative that you try the problems on your own before
checking your work.
In the case of an absence, it is your responsibility to complete any missed work. Please check the
calendar on the school website for information and copies of materials given out in class. You will
have one week to make up missed work, unless prior arrangements have been made with me.
Resources
Our class website will be updated regularly with copies of any materials given out in class, solutions
to the homework assignments and other resources that might be helpful to you throughout this year.
If you have any questions or concerns throughout the year, I encourage you to come see me as soon as
they arise so we can get you back on track as quickly as possible. I am available before school and
during PRIME, please see me to arrange a time that works for both of us.
Your student handbook contains the rules and regulations for Loudoun Valley High School, these
expectations will be maintained in our class as well. Most importantly, you are expected to be safe
and respectful of everyone in our class.
2015-2016
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