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Syllabus | AP
Physics | Grading System | Course
Outline | Physics
Semester 1 | Major Dates
Physics I
Semester
Two
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Version
Text Book: Physics: Principles &
Problems by Zitzewitz and Murphy(GLENCOE).
Teacher: Eman Sarhan, M.A Room: 215
Email: esarhan29@email.com
Phone: (773)534-2320
Physics I is a first year physics class designed to introduce the
fundamental physical laws that form the foundation for all sciences.
Topics covered in this class include the laws of motion, gravity,
electricity and magnetism, heat, light, optics, and modern physics.
There will also be an emphasis on hands-on experiments as well as
applications to everyday life.
Physics Concepts and Supporting Ideas
Conceptual Statement I: Waves
Most energies in the universe are transferred by a series of
vibrations known as waves. This is true of sound and electromagnetic
radiation.
Supporting Ideas:
Chapter 14 Waves and Energy Transfer
1. Transverse and longitudinal waves carry energy from
a vibrating source to a receiver without transferring matter from
one to the other. Waves may be described in terms of wavelength,
frequency and velocity and amplitude.
2. Interference patterns occur when waves from different
sources arrive at the same point at the same time. Interference
may be constructive or destructive and may produce a stationary
pattern.
Chapter 15 Sound
3. Sound is mechanical energy carried by matter in the
form of longitudinal waves. Within a certain range of frequencies,
these waves produce the sensation of hearing. A sound is described
in terms of pitch and loudness. Resonance results when the sound
vibrations correspond to the natural frequencies of the vibrator.
Chapter 16 Light
4. Light is electromagnetic energy in the form of
transverse waves. Within a certain range of frequencies, these
waves produce the sensation of sight. Light is described in terms
of color and intensity. Because light waves are transverse, they
may be polarized.
5. Color of an object is dependent on the frequencies of light
reflected (if opaque) or transmitted (if transparent) to the eye.
Different combinations of frequencies produce different
colors.
Chapter 17 Reflection and Refraction
6. Reflection occurs when a wave encounters a barrier
and bounces off. It is described by the Law of Reflection, which
states that the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.
Mirrors give good evidence of this law.
Chapter 18 Mirrors and Lenses
7. In refraction, a wave reaches the boundary between
to media and changes direction and speed as it enters the new
medium.
Conceptual Statement II: Electricity and
Magnetism
Electricity and magnetism are forms of one of the most
fundamental forces in the universe.
Supporting Ideas:
Chapter 20 Static Electricity
1. Electric charges can be either positive or
negative. Like charges repel each other and unlike charges attract
each other, which may be expressed by Coulomb’s law. Static
charges can be produced by rubbing, which separates positive and
negative charges. These charges will then attract or repel through
an electric field.
Chapter 21 The Electric Field
2. The work done to move a unit charge from one point
to another is the potential difference (voltage) between the
points. The electric current is the rate at which charge flows
between the points.
3. The ratio of potential difference to current is called the
resistance and varies greatly from substance to substance.
Materials are classified as conductors, semi-conductors or
insulators depending on the magnitude of their
resistance.
Chapter 22 Current Electricity
4. A circuit is a closed conducting path incorporating
a source of electrical energy. The variation in current in the
circuit follows the variation in the voltage of the source. The
power delivered by the source to the circuit is the product of the
voltage of the source and the current.
Chapter 23 Series and Parallel Circuits
5. A series circuit has a single continuous path. A
parallel circuit has several conducting paths or branches.
Different parts of a single circuit may be either connected in
series or parallel.
Chapter 24 Magnetic Fields
6. Magnets have north and south poles. Like poles
repel each other and unlike poles attract each other through
magnetic fields. Electromagnets are produced by electric currents
and the strength of the field is dependent on the current, the
geometry and the presence of ferromagnetic materials. These
magnetic forces cause motors to run.
Chapter 25 Electromagnetic Induction
7. A force acts on an electric charge moving
perpendicularly through a magnetic field which is used to create
electric motors. Achanging magnetic field creates an electric
field around it, described as an induced voltage, which can be
used in generators and transformers. Both an electric current and
a changing magnetic field create magnetic fields around them. The
interplay between the changing fields creates electromagnetic
waves, used in numerous household devices (television and
microwave ovens).
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