Physics Syllabus

First NineWeeks
I. Science Methodology – Chapter 1
A. Define, explain and give an example of the following terms:
1. Observation
2. Fact
3. Hypotheses
4. Laws
5. Principles
B. Show how to use the Scientific Method in an experiment.
C. Use the metric system in problems.
D. Define, explain and give an example of the following terms:
6. Accuracy
7. Precision
8. Measurement
9. Significant digits
E. Graph relationships.
F. Demonstrate lab safety by showing how to use equipment
safely.
II. Mechanics (1 Dimension) – Chapter 2
A. Define speed, velocity & acceleration.
B. Contrast and compare speed, velocity & acceleration.
C. Explain an object’s motion under the condition of “free fall”.
D. Solve problems involving speed, velocity & acceleration.
E. Graph problems and solutions involving speed, velocity &
acceleration.
F. Evaluate and predict scenarios as regards speed, velocity &
acceleration.
III. Projectile Motion (2 Dimensions) – Chapter 3 & 14
A. Define and explain the characteristics of projectile motion.
B. Solve projectile motion problems.
C. Relate projectile motion to satellites.
D. Build a catapult to test projectile motion
IV. Newton’s Three Laws – Chapters 4, 5, & 6
A. Relate the contributions of Aristotle and Galileo to Newton’s
discoveries
B. Describe Newton’s Three Laws.
C. Relate Newton’s Laws to gravitational forces.
D. Demonstrate the ability to set up force diagrams.
E. Using graphs, explore relationships involving Newton’s Laws.
F. Solve problems using Newton’s laws.

Second Nine Weeks
I. Circular Motion – Chapters 9, 10 & 11
A. Define, explain and give an example of the following terms:
1. Rotational speed
2. Rotational velocity
3. Centripetal acceleration
4. Centripetal force
5. Torque
B. Set up force diagrams and solve.
C. Solve problems of circular motion.
II. Kepler’s Laws – Chapter 14
A. Describe Kepler’s Laws.
B. Solve problems using Kepler’s laws.
C. Using Newton’s modification, solve astronomical problems.
D. Discuss the significance of Kepler’s Laws.
E. Relate Kepler’s Laws to Einsteins work in relativity
F. Relate Kepler’s three laws to the movement of
satellites, planets, moons, and stars
III. Momentum – Chapter 7 & 11
A. Define, explain and give an example of the following terms:
1. Momentum
2. Conservation of momentum
3. Impulse
B. Solve problems of 1 and 2 dimensional linear momentum.
C. Solve problems of angular momentum.
D. Analyze and predict scenarios involving momentum.
IV. Work and Power – Chapter 8
A. Define and describe work and power.
B. Solve problems involving work and power.
V. Simple Machines – Chapter 8
A. Describe the various types of simple machines.
B. Identify mechanical advantage.
C. Solve problems involving simple machines.
D. List the components of compound machines and give
examples.
E. Solve problems involving compound machines.
VI. Energy – Chapter 8
A. Identify and define various forms of energy.
B. Define conservation of energy and give examples.
C. Solve problems involving energy transformations.
D. Build a Rube Goldburg device to show energy transformations

Third Nine Weeks
I. Fluids – Chapter 19 & 20
A. Define, explain and give an example of the following terms:
1. Fluid
2. Pressure
3. Buoyancy
4. Flotation
B. Discuss the following principles:
1. Archimedes’ Principle
2. Pascal’s Principle
3. Bernoulli’s Principle
C. Solve fluid problems and analyze real world examples.
II. Thermodynamics – Chapters 21, 22, 23, & 24
A. Define, explain and give an example of the following terms:
1. Temperature
2. Heat
3. Specific heat
4. Heat transfer
5. Phase change
6. Absolute zero
7. Entropy
B. State the Laws of Thermodynamics and investigate their
importance.
C. Solve problems involving Thermodynamics
D. Discuss Thermodynamics in practical uses:
1. Engines
2. Refrigeration
3. Ecology & environment
III. Waves – Chapter 25
A. Define, explain and give an example of the following terms:
1. Wave motion
2. Wave speed
3. Longitudinal wave
4. Transverse wave
5. Interference
6. Standing wave
B. Diagram wave characteristics.
C. Solve problems of wave motion.
IV. Oscillatory Motion – Chapter 8, 14 & 18
A. Explain the conservation of energy in oscillatory motion.
B. Solve problems of oscillatory motion.
C. Discuss oscillatory motion in practical applications and give
examples.
V. Sound – Chapter 26
A. Define, explain and give an example of the following terms:
1. Medium
2. Loudness
3. Forced vibration
4. Natural frequency
5. Resonance
B. Solve problems involving sound.
C. Discuss sound issues in real world situations.
VI. Light – Chapter 27, 28, 29, 30, & 31
A. Define, explain and give an example of the following terms:
1. Electromagnetic wave
2. Speed of light
3. Transparent
4. Translucent
5. Opaque
6. Polarization
7. Spectrum
8. Color
9. Reflection
10. Refraction
11. Dispersion
12. Total internal reflection
13. Converging lens
14. Diverging lens
15. Diffraction
16. Laser
17. Hologram
18. Aberration
E. Solve problems involving reflection and refraction.
F. Solve problems involving interference and diffraction.
G. Discuss the nature of light as related to energy.
H. Examine the duality of light.
VII. Electricity (Static) – Chapter 32 & 33
A. Define, explain and give an example of the following terms:
1. Charge
2. Conductor
3. Insulator
4. Induction
5. Conduction
6. Electric field
7. Field lines
8. Potential
9. Shielding
B. Solve problems using Coulomb’s Law.
Describe how Coulomb’s Law relates to a fundamental force
and real world situations.
C. Identify hazards associated with electrical forces and
appropriate safety measures.
VIII. Circuits (Direct current) – Chapter 34 & 35
A. Solve series circuit problems using Ohm’s Law and power
formulas.
B. Solve parallel circuit problems using Ohm’s Law and power
formulas.
C. Demonstrate the ability to read schematics.
D. Analyze and predict the result of changes to a circuit.
E. Describe hazards associated with electrical circuits and
appropriate safety measures.

Fourth Nine Weeks
III. Capacitance – Chapter 33
A. Describe the operating principle of a capacitor.
B. Indicate how capacitors operate in various circuits.
C. Discuss some practical uses of circuits containing capacitors.
II. Circuits (Alternating Current) – Chapter 34
A. Define, explain and give an example of the following terms:
1. Alternating current
2. Alternating voltage
3. Peak-to-peak
4. RMS (Root Mean Square)
B. Compare and contrast alternating and direct currents.
III. Magnetism and Electromagnetism – Chapter 36 & 37
A. Define, explain and give an example of the following terms:
1. Pole
2. Domain
3. Magnetic field
4. Magnetic field lines
5. Induction
6. Transformer
7. Power transmission
B. Explain the process of induction (Faraday’s Law).
C. Solve problems involving power transmission.
D. Provide practical uses of induction and transformers.
IV. Atomic and Nuclear Physics – Chapter 38, 39, & 40
A. Define, explain and give an example of the following terms:
1. Nucleus
2. Isotope
3. Fission
4. Fusion
5. Alpha radiation (particle)
6. Beta radiation (particle)
7. Gamma radiation
8. Half-life
9. Carbon dating
10. Quanta
B. Solve problems involving the Photoelectric Effect and evaluate
its importance to physics.
C. Use the de Broglie’s equation to examine wave and particle
nature.
D. Contrast and compare the Bohr and quantum models of the
atom.
E. Describe practical uses of atomic and nuclear physics.