AP Physics C: Mechanics s1

AP Physics C Mr. Bowen [email protected] (512) 943-5100 ext. 7351

Overview of AP Physics C

This course in AP Physics C is taught as a second year course following the Pre-AP Physics course. It is a challenging, college level course. The two subjects, Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism (E & M) are taught over a two semester academic year using an alternating block schedule with ninety minute class periods every other school day. AP Physics C: E & M is taught during the spring semester. Because the course uses calculus in the conceptual development, AP Calculus is required as a pre-requisite or concurrent enrollment.

Textbook:

Physics for Scientists and Engineers, 6th Edition Paul A. Tipler, Gene Mosca W.H. Freeman and Company, 2008

Recommend Calculator: TI-83, TI-83 Plus

Grading Policy: all class assignments and notes are posted on my website

Laboratory Work – 23 ⅓ % Most of the lab experiments are guided inquiry, i.e. the student is given an objective and a list of equipment. Students design their own procedure, and after having been compared to a pre-existing procedure, they collect and analyze data in their own methods. Data collection time is built into the syllabus, however procedure development, data analysis, and laboratory reports are work to be done outside of the classroom. Labs are either full or half class periods (90 minutes or 45 minutes), however this is experimentation time, not including time discussing aspects or conclusions from the labs. If thought necessary, post-lab quizzes are given to reinforce concepts and ideas shown by the experiment. Labs are to be collected in a notebook or binder for their own records or reference in future physics lab courses.

Tests – 46 ⅔ % Tests are administered after each unit of material. Each test consists of 2 sections – 35 multiple choice questions and 3 free response problems.

Daily Grades, Homework and Quizzes – 30% Quizzes mostly consist of problems from the test, questions concerning a reading assignment, and previous AP exam free response problems. Homework assignments are typically given from the textbook.

Tutorial help: If you are having difficulty with assigned material, you should seek help as soon as possible. Tutorials are held before and after school daily in my room (163) unless I have other duty, meetings, or emergencies. Library Nights tutorials are after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:15 – 6:15. Additional tutorials may be available upon request.

Course Outline

Fall Semester – Mechanics i. Chapter 8: Systems of Particles and Conservation of 1. Kinematics (including vectors, vector Momentum algebra, components of vectors, coordinate systems, displacement, 5. Circular Motion and Rotation (18%) velocity, and acceleration) (18%) a. Instructional Time: 3 weeks

a. Instructional Time: 3 weeks b. Corresponding Text:

b. Corresponding Text: i. Chapter 9: Rotation

i. Chapter 2: Motion in 1 ii. Chapter 10: Conservation of Dimension Angular Momentum

ii. Chapter 3: Motion in 2 and 3 6. Oscillations and Gravitation (18%) Dimensions a. Instructional Time: 3 weeks 2. Newton’s Laws of Motion (20%) b. Corresponding Text: a. Instructional Time: 3 weeks i. Chapter 11: Gravity b. Corresponding Text: ii. Chapter 14: Oscillations i. Chapter 4: Newton’s Laws Spring Semester – E&M ii. Chapter 5: Applications of Newton’s Laws 1. Electrostatics (30%) a. Instructional Time: 3 weeks 3. Work, Energy and Power (14%) b. Corresponding Text: a. Instructional Time: 3 weeks i. Chapter 22: The Electric Field I: Discrete Charge Distributions b. Corresponding Text: ii. Chapter 23: The Electric Field II: Continuous Charge Distributions i. Chapter 6: Work and Energy iii. Chapter 24: Electric Potential ii. Chapter 7: Conservation of 2. Conductors, Capacitors, and Dielectrics (14%) Energy a. Instructional Time: 1 week b. Corresponding Text: 4. Systems of Particles, Linear Momentum i. Chapter 25: Electrostatic Energy (12%) and Capacitance 3. Electric Circuits (20%) a. Instructional Time: 2 weeks a. Instructional Time: 3 weeks b. Corresponding Text: b. Corresponding Text: i. Chapter 26: Electric Current and Direct-Current Circuits ii. Chapter 31: Alternating Current Circuits 4. Magnetic Fields (20%) a. Instructional Time: 3 weeks b. Corresponding Text: i. Chapter 28: The Magnetic Field ii. Chapter 29: Sources of the Magnetic Field 5. Electromagnetism (16%) a. Instructional Time: 2 weeks b. Corresponding Text: i. Chapter 30: Magnetic Induction ii. Chapter 31: Alternating Current Circuits iii. Chapter 32: Maxwell’s Equations and Electromagnetic Waves