The motion of objects in one-dimension are described using word, diagrams, numbers, graphs, and equations.
Newton's Laws
Newton's three laws of motion are explained and their application to
the analysis of the motion of objects in one dimension is discussed.
Vectors - Motion and Forces in Two Dimensions
Vector principles and operations are introduced and combined with
kinematic principles and Newton's laws to describe, explain and analyze
the motion of objects in two dimensions. Applications include riverboat
problems, projectiles, inclined planes, and static equilibrium.
Momentum and Its Conservation
The impulse-momentum change theorem and the law of conservation of
momentum are introduced, explained and applied to the analysis of
collisions of objects.
Work, Energy, and Power
Concepts of work, kinetic energy and potential energy are discussed;
these concepts are combined with the work-energy theorem to provide a
convenient means of analyzing an object or system of objects moving
between an initial and final state.
Circular Motion and Satellite Motion
Newton's laws of motion and kinematic principles are applied to
describe and explain the motion of objects moving in circles; specific
applications are made to roller coasters and athletics. Newton's
Universal Law of Gravitation is then presented and utilized to explain
the circular and elliptical motion of planets and satellites.
Thermal Physics
The distinction between heat and temperature is thoroughly explained.
Methods of heat transfer are explained. The mathematics associated with
temperature changes and phase changes is discussed; its application to
the science of calorimetry is presented.
Static Electricity
Basic principles of electrostatics are introduced in order to explain
how objects become charged and to describe the effect of those charges
on other objects in the neighboring surroundings. Charging methods,
electric field lines and the importance of lightning rods on homes are
among the topics discussed in this unit.
Current Electricity
The flow of charge through electric circuits is discussed in detail.
The variables which cause and hinder the rate of charge flow are
explained and the mathematical application of electrical principles to
series, parallel and combination circuits is presented.
Waves
The nature, properties and behaviors of waves are discussed and
illustrated; the unique nature of a standing wave is introduced and
explained.
Sound Waves and Music
The nature of sound as a longitudinal, mechanical pressure wave is
explained and the properties of sound are discussed. Wave principles of
resonance and standing waves are applied in an effort to analyze the
physics of musical instruments.
Light Waves and Color
The behavior of light waves is introduced and discussed; polarization,
color, diffraction and interference are introduced as supporting
evidence of the wave nature of light. Color perception is discussed in
detail.
Reflection and the Ray Model of Light
The ray nature of light is used to explain how light reflects off of
planar and curved surfaces to produce both real and virtual images; the
nature of the images produced by plane mirrors, concave mirrors, and
convex mirrors is thoroughly illustrated.
Refraction and the Ray Model of Light
The ray nature of light is used to explain how light refracts at planar
and curved surfaces; Snell's law and refraction principles are used to
explain a variety of real-world phenomena; refraction principles are
combined with ray diagrams to explain why lenses produce images of
objects.
