AP General Syllabus

General Syllabus and Course Overview

COURSE CLARIFICATION: There are two separate AP Physics courses, the APB course and the APC course which differ principally in the mathematics utilized to explain concepts and solve problems. This AP course is APB Physics which is algebra/trig based; the APC Physics course is calculus based.

What should you expect to get from this class?

First, an appreciation of the world and universe in which you live. Physics will forever change the way you view your world!

Secondly, an understanding that God truly is an awesome Creator and has designed our universe such that His nature is revealed in all the things we study.

Thirdly, you will significantly develop your problem solving skills. We follow a rigorous in depth mathematical approach to problem solving.

AP physics is a college level course. Our text is the same book currently used by Xavier University and U.C. for algebra/trig based general physics classes. The course pace is rapid and requires a significant investment of time outside of the classroom. However, the course is extremely rewarding for those who are willing to put forth the effort.

Lastly, you are strongly encouraged to take the APB Physics exam at the end of the school year. To help you properly prepare, I highly recommend the purchase of The Princeton Review AP Physics Guide. We will use the Princeton Review Guide, the Joseph Boyle's Study Guide, and Giancoli Physics (6th edition) as our basis of preparation for the exam.

Welcome to AP Physics!

AP 1st Quarter Syllabus	Student Objectives
Chapter 1, pg.1 Introduction Brief history of physics Scientific method Mini Lab: Scientific Method Measurement and uncertainty Units, standards and the SI system Converting units Mathematics in physics: App. A CHAPTER LINKS: Mr. P's outline - CHAPTER 1 On-line Textbook - CHAPTER 1 Homework - PROBLEM SET	Chapter 1 Objectives You should be able to... Define physics Identify the historic people (the ones covered in class) involved in developing the very first ideas concerning our world and universe Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method List each of the SI units of measurement Use the common metric prefixes from Table 1-4 from memory (from giga to femto) Perform arithmetic operations using scientific notation Distinguish between precision and accuracy Perform arithmetic operations using significant figures Graph relationships between dependent and independent variables Recognize linear, quadratic, and inverse relationships and interpret slopes of curves NOTE: You must be comfortable with all the mathematical relationships listed in appendix A
Chapter 2, pg.19 Motion: Kinematics in 1 Dimension Reference frames and displacement Average velocity Instantaneous velocity Acceleration Motion at constant acceleration Solving problems COMPREHENSIVE MOTION LAB Falling objects Mini Lab: Calculating human reaction time Graphical analysis of linear motion Mini Lab: Graphic interpretation of motion CHAPTER LINKS: Mr. P's outline - CHAPTER 2 On-line Textbook- CHAPTER 2 Homework - PROBLEM SET	Chapter 2 Objectives You should be able to... Define (and be able to explain the differences between) speed, velocity, and acceleration Interpret motion (both constant velocity and acceleration) from particle model diagrams Create and interpret graphic representations of motion and relate the data to the motion of objects Write equations that describe the motion of a system Calculate the average and instantaneous velocity of an object Calculate the displacement or velocity of an object undergoing constant acceleration Determine the acceleration due to gravity of an object Calculate the instantaneous and average velocity of an object accelerating due to gravity Solve complex motion problems COMPREHENSIVE MOTION LAB: Lab Details You must be able to Measure the motion of an object moving with constant velocity Measure the motion of an accelerating object Prove Galileo's prediction that distance is proportional to time squared for accelerating objects
TEST Chapter 1-2 Practice Test Questions Chapter 2	Material covered: chapters 1, 2, motion lab Format: multiple choice section (no calculator or formula sheet allowed) and free response problems (AP formula sheet and calculator allowed)
Chapter 3, pg.45 Kinematics in 2 Dimensions; Vectors Vectors and scalars Addition of vectors Subtraction of vectors Adding vectors by components Projectile motion Mini Lab: Projectile motion CHAPTER LINKS: Mr. P's outline - CHAPTER 3 On-line Textbook - CHAPTER 3 Homework - PROBLEM SET	Chapter 3 Objectives You should be able to... Recognize vector quantities Determine graphically the sum of two or more vectors Solve motion or displacement problems using vectors Subtract two vectors Calculate the x and y component of a vector Find the resultant vector using the x and y components of a vector Calculate the max height, initial vertical velocity, initial horizontal velocity and range of a projectile Solve complex projectile motion problems Describe relative motion
TEST Chapter 3 Practice Test Questions Chapter 3	Material covered: chapter 3 Format: multiple choice section (no calculator or formula sheet allowed) and free response problems (AP formula sheet and calculator allowed)
Chapter 4, pg.72 Motion and Force: Dynamics Force Newton's 1st law of motion Mass Newton's 2nd law of motion Newton's 3rd law of motion Weight and the normal force Solving problems: vectors Atwood machines Friction COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION LAB CHAPTER LINKS: Mr. P's outline - CHAPTER 4 On-line Textbook - CHAPTER 4 Homework - PROBLEM SET	Chapter 4 Objectives You should be able to... Explain the law of inertia Draw free body diagrams accounting for all forces acting on an object including any net force Determine the force that produces equilibrium when multiple forces act on an object Analyze an object on an inclined plane with and without friction Solve for the acceleration of complex systems such as Atwood machines COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION LAB: Lab Details You must be able to Set up an inclined plane apparatus to measure the friction of a sliding wood block Calculate the kinetic coefficient of friction of the wood block sliding down an inclined plane Calculate the kinetic coefficient of friction of the wood block sliding up an inclined plane; the upward motion is caused by a weight accelerated by gravity and tied to the block over a frictionless pulley
TEST Chapter 4 Practice Test Questions Chapter 4	Material covered: chapter 4 and friction lab Format: multiple choice section (no calculator or formula sheet allowed) and free response problems (AP formula sheet and calculator allowed)
Chapter 5, pg.106 Circular Motion and Gravitation Kinematics and uniform circular motion Dynamics of uniform circular motion A car rounding a curve Newton's law of universal gravitation Gravity near the Earth's surface Einstein's theory of gravity CENTRIPETAL FORCE LAB Ocean tides Satellites and weightlessness Kepler's Laws Types of forces in nature: Grand Unification Theories CHAPTER LINKS: Mr. P's outline - CHAPTER 5 On-line Textbook - CHAPTER 5 Homework - PROBLEM SET	Chapter 5 Objectives You should be able to... Calculate centripetal acceleration and force Solve complex circular motion problems State Newton's general law of gravitation and apply the law to problem solving Describe the Cavendish experiment and its significance/purpose Calculate the velocity of objects in orbit Calculate orbital radii given orbital velocities Define "gravitational field" Compare and contrast Einstein's theory of gravity with Newton's general law of gravity Define Kepler's Law and be able to calculate the periods of orbiting objects Describe the 4 types of forces CENTRIPETAL FORCE LAB: Lab Details You must be able to Calculate the centripetal acceleration of a rubber stopper in circular motion Calculate the centripetal force of a rubber stopper in circular motion Vary the parameters that effect the centripetal force of an object moving in unified circular motion and calculate the impact of the change
TEST Chapter 5 Practice Test Questions Chapter 5	Material covered: chapter 5, centripetal force lab and Kepler's lab Format: 6 free response problems
Chapter 6, pg.136 Work and Energy Work done by a constant force Work done by a varying force Kinetic energy - the work-energy principle Potential energy Conservative and non-conservative forces Mechanical energy and its conservation Problem solving Other forms of energy Energy conservation with dissipative forces Power CHAPTER LINKS: Mr. P's outline - CHAPTER 6 On-line Textbook - CHAPTER 6 Homework - PROBLEM SET	Chapter 6 Objectives You should be able to... Create models to relate work and energy Calculate the kinetic energy of a moving object Calculate gravitational potential energy of a system Relate conservation of energy to spring systems Calculate elastic potential energy Explain conservation of energy with dissipative forces Calculate power CONSERVATION OF ENERGY LAB: Lab Details You must be able to Design an experiment using the conservation of energy law.
TEST Chapter 6 Practice Test Questions Chapter 6	Material covered: chapter 6 Format: multiple choice section (no calculator or formula sheet allowed) and free response problems (AP formula sheet and calculator allowed)
1st QUARTER PROJECT	ROCKET PROJECT Your rocket will first be checked for proper aerodynamic construction. Rockets will be launched individually and judged on flight performance. You will then be given a group problem (entire class works as a team) related to rocket flight; the problem must be solved in a pre-designated amount of time (typically 20-30 minutes dependant on the degree of difficulty). Finally, time permitting, power points will be presented. Consult the rocket project page for complete details.

AP 2nd Quarter Syllabus	Student Objectives
Chapter 7, pg.167 Linear Momentum Momentum and its relation to force Conservation and momentum Collisions and impulse Elastic collisions in 1 dimension Inelastic collisions CONSERVATION OF MOMENTUM LAB Collisions in 2 dimensions CHAPTER LINKS: Mr. P's outline - CHAPTER 7 On-line Textbook - CHAPTER 7 Homework - PROBLEM SET	Chapter 7 Objectives You should be able to... Define momentum and impulse Apply the laws of conservation of momentum to solve collision problems in 1 or more dimensions Differentiate between elastic, inelastic and explosive collisions Demonstrate and calculate the conservation or non-conservation of kinetic energy in various types of collisions CONSERVATION OF MOMENTUM LAB: Lab Details You must be able to Use the CBL Sonic Ranger to determine momentum using two lab carts moving in opposing directions (i.e. explosion) Apply the conservation of momentum principle to a system Demonstrate conservation of momentum for an "explosive interaction" (i.e. p_{i system} = 0)
TEST Chapter 7 Practice Test Questions Chapter 7	Material covered: chapter 7 and momentum lab Format: multiple choice section (no calculator or formula sheet allowed) and free response problems (AP formula sheet and calculator allowed)
Chapter 8, pg.194 Rotational Motion Angular quantities and motion Torque TORQUE LAB Rotational inertia Angular momentum and its conservation Mini Lab: Angular Momentum Conservation CHAPTER LINKS: Mr. P's outline - CHAPTER 8 On-line Textbook - CHAPTER 8 Homework - PROBLEM SET	Chapter 8 Objectives You should be able to... Explain angular velocity and acceleration Define and calculate torque Explain rotational inertia Explain angular momentum for a rotating system TORQUE LAB: Lab Details You must be able to Set up an apparatus to measure clockwise and counterclockwise torque Calculate clockwise and counterclockwise torque on a rotating body Determine the relationship between torque and lever-arm distance
TEST Chapter 8 Practice Test Questions Chapter 8	Material covered: chapter 8 and torque lab Format: multiple choice section (no calculator or formula sheet allowed) and free response problems (AP formula sheet and calculator allowed)
Chapter 9, pg.226 Statics, Solids, Elasticity, Fracture Statics Forces in equilibrium Stability and balance CHAPTER LINKS: Mr. P's outline - CHAPTER 9 On-line Textbook - CHAPTER 9 Homework - PROBLEM SET	Chapter 9 Objectives You should be able to... Resolve problems incorporating 3 or more forces in equilibrium Resolve problems incorporating forces and torques in equilibrium
TEST Chapter 9 Practice Test Questions Chapter 9	Material covered: chapter 9 Format: 2 free response problems
Chapter 10, pg.255 Fluids Fluids at rest Mini Lab: Archimedes Principle Fluids in motion CHAPTER LINKS: Mr. P's outline - CHAPTER 10 On-line Textbook - CHAPTER 10 Homework - PROBLEM SET	Chapter 10 Objectives You should be able to... Define and calculate the density of substances Define and calculate buoyancy State Archimedes' Principle Calculate the apparent weight of a submerged object Solve complex buoyancy problems Define and calculate pressure State Pascal's Principle and use it to solve problems Use the continuity equation to solve fluid flow problems Use Bernoulli's equation to solve problems
TEST Chapter 10 Practice Test Questions Chapt 10	Material covered: chapter 10 Format: multiple choice section (no calculator or formula sheet allowed) and free response problems (AP formula sheet and calculator allowed)
Chapter 11, pg.286 Vibration and Waves Simple harmonic motion Pendulums Resonance Wave properties and motion Mini Lab: Waves in Springs Energy transported by waves BEHAVIOR OF WAVES LAB CHAPTER LINKS: Mr. P's outline - CHAPTER 11 On-line Textbook - CHAPTER 11 Homework - PROBLEM SET	Chapter 11 Objectives You should be able to... Define simple harmonic motion and identify simple harmonic oscillators Relate SHM and waves Apply Hooke's Law to SHM of springs Calculate the period of a simple pendulum Explain damped harmonic motion and cite practical examples Calculate the PE and KE of oscillators Define wave motion and list properties of waves List and describe the types of waves Calculate the velocity, frequency and length of waves Calculate the energy transported by waves Explain constructive and destructive interference Define resonance (standing wave patterns) Identify and describe wave behavior at boundaries (reflection and refraction) BEHAVIOR OF WAVES LAB Lab Details You must be able to Identify reflection, refraction, diffraction and interference of water waves in a ripple tank Draw representations of each behavior listed above
TEST Chapter 11 Practice Test Questions Chapt 11	Material covered: chapter 11 and wave lab Format: multiple choice section (no calculator or formula sheet allowed) and free response problems (AP formula sheet and calculator allowed)
Chapter 12, pg.322 Sound Characteristics of sound Intensity of sound Sound on strings Sound in open and closed pipes SPEED OF SOUND LAB Doppler effect Sonic boom shock waves Physics of music CHAPTER LINKS: Mr. P's outline - CHAPTER 12 On-line Textbook - CHAPTER 12 Homework - PROBLEM SET	Chapter 12 Objectives You should be able to... Describe the characteristics of sound Relate the speed of sound in air to the temperature of the air Calculate sound levels in decibels Calculate sound intensities in watts/m² Understand how the human ear responds to sound Calculate sound velocities, frequencies and wavelengths of vibrating strings, open pipes (open resonating tubes) and closed pipes (closed resonating tubes) Explain beats and the source of beats Calculate the Doppler effect for various applications Explain shock waves and sonic booms Explain how ultrasound techniques are used to map human tissue SPEED OF SOUND LAB Lab Details You must be able to Measure the fundamental harmonic of an open tube resonator and relate it to the velocity of sound in air Create a procedure to measure the fundamental harmonic of a closed tube resonator and relate it to the velocity of sound in air Measure the fundamental harmonic of a closed tube resonator and relate it to the velocity of sound in air
TEST Chapter 12 Practice Test Questions Chapt 12	Material covered: chapter 12 and sound lab Format: multiple choice section (no calculator or formula sheet allowed) and free response problems (AP formula sheet and calculator allowed)
2nd QUARTER PROJECT	BRIDGE PROJECT Your bridge will first be checked for size and weight limitations. Then your drawing will be compared to your model (both design and model must agree). Finally, your bridge is tested for structural strength using a series of weights. Consult the bridge project page for complete details.
1st SEMESTER EXAM	Material covered: all 1st semester chapters and labs Format: 30 multiple choice question section, 45 minutes (no calculator allowed, page 2 only of AP test formula handout will be supplied, click here for pdf copy) and 3 free response problems with multiple sections, 45 minutes (calculator is allowed and pages 2 thru 4 of AP formula sheet handout will be supplied, click here for pdf copy).

AP 3rd Quarter Syllabus	Student Objectives
Chapter 13, pg.352 Temperature / Kinetic Theory Temperature and heat Thermal expansion Thermal stress Water behavior below 4°C Ideal gas law Kinetic molecular theory CHAPTER LINKS: Mr. P's outline - CHAPTER 13 On-line Textbook - CHAPTER 13 Homework - PROBLEM SET	Chapter 13 Objectives You should be able to... Explain the atomic basis for matter Define temperature and thermal equilibrium Convert temperatures using Fahrenheit, Celsius and Kelvin values Calculate the thermal expansion of solids and liquids Describe the behavior of water below 4°C Explain thermal stress citing examples Solve problems using the ideal gas law Describe kinetic molecular theory Calculate the average translational kinetic energy of molecules
Chapter 14, pg.384 Heat Heat and energy transfer Internal energy of ideal gases Specific heat Calorimetry SPECIFIC HEAT LAB Latent heat Heat transfer CHAPTER LINKS: Mr. P's outline - CHAPTER 14 On-line Textbook - CHAPTER 14 Homework - PROBLEM SET	Chapter 14 Objectives You should be able to... Define temperature and define heat Define and explain internal energy Convert temperatures using Fahrenheit, Celsius and Kelvin values Compare and contrast heat transfer by conduction, convection and radiation Use calorimetry to solve specific heat problems Relate latent heat and phase changes SPECIFIC HEAT LAB Lab Details You must be able to Measure heat exchange using a simple calorimeter Use a digital thermometer Calculate the specific heat of 2 metals State and explain your sources of error
TEST Chapter 13 and 14 Practice Test Questions Chapt 13 Practice Test Questions Chapt 14	Material covered: chapter 13 and 14 and heat lab Format: multiple choice section (no calculator or formula sheet allowed) and free response problems (AP formula sheet and calculator allowed)
Chapter 15, pg.408 Thermodynamics 3 laws of thermodynamics Adiabatic, isobaric, isochoric and isothermal processes Heat engines and efficiency The Carnot cycle Refrigerators, heat pumps and air conditioners Entropy Heat death Thermal pollution Processes to generate electrical energy CHAPTER LINKS: Mr. P's outline - CHAPTER 15 On-line Textbook - CHAPTER 15 Homework - PROBLEM SET	Chapter 15 Objectives You should be able to... State the 1st law of thermodynamics and apply it to simple systems Define adiabatic, isobaric, isochoric, and isothermal processes Interpret P-V diagrams State the 2nd law of thermodynamics Calculate the efficiency of a heat engine Compare and contrast reversible and irreversible cyclical processes Explain the Carnot cycle Explain how a refrigerator, heat pump, and air conditioner operates Calculate the coefficient of performance for refrigerators, heat pumps, and air conditioners Define and calculate the entropy of a system Define heat death Relate thermal pollution and the greenhouse effect List the various processes utilized to generate electrical energy
TEST Chapter 15 Practice Test Questions Chapt 15	Material covered: chapter 15 Format: multiple choice section (no calculator or formula sheet allowed) and free response problems (AP formula sheet and calculator allowed)
Chapter 16, pg.439 Electric Charge and E Fields Static electricity Insulators and conductors The electroscope STATIC ELECTRICITY LAB Coulomb's law The electric field Field lines CHAPTER LINKS: Mr. P's outline - CHAPTER 16 On-line Textbook - CHAPTER 16 Homework - PROBLEM SET	Chapter 16 Objectives You should be able to... List the properties of electric charge Compare and contrast insulators and conductors Describe how an electroscope operates Infer the type of charge on materials Explain the process of charging by conduction and induction Solve problems using Coulomb's Law Define electric field Determine the magnitude and direction of electric fields Draw and interpret electric field lines STATIC ELECTRICITY LAB Lab Details You must be able to Demonstrate that static charge can be separated Demonstrate that opposite charges attract and like charges repel Infer the type of charge on materials Determine the charge on an object charged by conduction and induction
TEST Chapter 16 Practice Test Questions Chapt 16	Material covered: chapter 16 and static electricity lab Format: multiple choice section (no calculator or formula sheet allowed) and free response problems (AP formula sheet and calculator allowed)
Chapter 17, pg.470 Electrical Potential and Energy Potential difference Mini Lab: Mechanical Work/Elec. Energy Electrical potential and the electric field The electron volt Electrical potential due to point charges Capacitance / storing charge CHAPTER LINKS: Mr. P's outline - CHAPTER 17 On-line Textbook - CHAPTER 17 Homework - PROBLEM SET	Chapter 17 Objectives You should be able to... Define electrical potential and potential difference Relate work done by an electric field to charge and voltage Draw and interpret equipotential lines Convert joules to electron volts Calculate electric potential due to point charges Calculate capacitance in parallel plate capacitors Describe the properties of dielectrics Calculate the storage of electrical energy
Chapter 18, pg.493 Electric Current The electric battery Electric current Ohm's law Mini Lab: Ohm's Law Resistivity Power Alternating current Power in household circuits Calculating peak and RMS values of alternating current and voltage Microscopic view of electric current CHAPTER LINKS: Mr. P's outline - CHAPTER 18 On-line Textbook - CHAPTER 18 Homework - PROBLEM SET	Chapter 18 Objectives You should be able to... Identify types of batteries Define electric current Use Ohm's Law to solve problems Identify resistor values using the printed color bands Calculate resistivity Define electric power Relate power to common household circuits Define alternating current Calculate peak current and voltage, RMS current and voltage and average power Interpret current vs. time graphs for both DC and AC applications Explain how (and how fast) electrons "flow" in conductors Explain how (and how fast) the electric field "flows" in conductors
TEST Chapter 17 and 18 Practice Test Questions Chapt 17 Practice Test Questions Chapt 18	Material covered: chapter 17 and 18 Format: multiple choice section (no calculator or formula sheet allowed) and free response problems (AP formula sheet and calculator allowed)
Chapter 19, pg.520 DC Circuits Resistors in series and parallel Equivalent resistance of circuits ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS LAB EMF and terminal voltage Kirchhoff's rules and applications Capacitors in circuits CHAPTER LINKS: Mr. P's outline - CHAPTER 19 On-line Textbook - CHAPTER 19 Homework - PROBLEM SET	Chapter 19 Objectives You should be able to... Interpret and draw series circuits Interpret and draw parallel circuits Interpret and draw complex circuits Calculate equivalent resistance for all types of circuits Define and calculate EMF and terminal voltage Apply Kirchhoff's Rules to solve complex circuits Interpret and draw circuits with capacitors Explain the cause of electrical hazards Explain the design of ammeters and voltmeters and their proper usage in circuits ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS LAB Lab Details You must be able to Create a series circuit and calculate the total equivalent resistance, total circuit current and the voltage drop across each resistor in the circuit Create a parallel circuit and calculate the total equivalent resistance, circuit voltage, total circuit current and current through each circuit branch circuit
TEST Chapter 19 Practice Test Questions Chapt 19	Material covered: chapter 19 and the electric circuits lab Format: multiple choice section (no calculator or formula sheet allowed) and free response problems (AP formula sheet and calculator allowed)
Chapter 20, pg.554 Magnetism Magnets and magnetic fields MAGNETISM LAB Force on electric current in a B field Force on an electric charge moving in a B field The aurora borealis Force between two parallel wires Magnetic domains and ferromagnetism CHAPTER LINKS: Mr. P's outline - CHAPTER 20 On-line Textbook - CHAPTER 20 Homework - PROBLEM SET	Chapter 20 Objectives You should be able to... List the properties of magnets Draw magnetic fields Determine the direction of the magnetic field around a current carrying wire Calculate the force (magnitude and direction) on an electric current in a magnetic field Determine the force (magnitude and direction) on a moving charge in a magnetic field Describe what causes the aurora borealis Calculate the force between two current carrying parallel wires Relate magnetic domains and ferromagnetism MAGNETISM LAB Lab Details You must be able to Determine the polarity of a magnet Determine the magnetic fields around a magnet Determine the polarity of induced magnets
TEST Chapter 20 Practice Test Questions Chapt 20	Material covered: chapter 20 and the magnetism lab Format: multiple choice section (no calculator or formula sheet allowed) and free response problems (AP formula sheet and calculator allowed)
Chapter 21, pg.584 Electromagnetic Induction Induced EMF Changing magnetic flux produces an electric field EMI LAB Electric motors and generators AC Transformers Transmission of electrical power CHAPTER LINKS: Mr. P's outline - CHAPTER 21 On-line Textbook - CHAPTER 21 Homework - PROBLEM SET	Chapter 21 Objectives You should be able to... Define EMF and show that induced EMF is produced by magnetic flux Explain Faraday's Law and solve induction problems Explain Lenz's Law and determine which direction current is induced for a moving coil in a B field Calculate EMF induced in a moving conductor Describe electric generators and explain how they produce electricity Describe electric motors and explain how they use electricity to produce mechanical work Describe electric AC transformers and explain how they are used to step up or step down voltage Prove that transmission of power is more cost effective at high voltages (EX:20,000V vs. 240V) ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION LAB (Lab Details You must be able to Demonstrate the generation of electric current from magnetic flux Relate magnetic field strength and current strength Relate magnetic field polarity and electric current direction Compare electric fields generated static charges to those generated by magnetic induction
TEST Chapter 21 Practice Test Questions Chapt 21	Material covered: chapter21 and the EMI lab Format: multiple choice section (no calculator or formula sheet allowed) and free response problems (AP formula sheet and calculator allowed)
Chapter 22, pg.615 Electromagnetic Waves Maxwell's equations Light as electromagnetic radiation The speed of electromagnetic waves Radio, TV, and cable applications AM and FM CHAPTER LINKS: Mr. P's outline - CHAPTER 22 On-line Textbook - CHAPTER 22 Homework - PROBLEM SET	Chapter 22 Objectives You should be able to... State the significance of the 4 Maxwell equations individually Describe how electromagnetic waves are produced Calculate the speed of electromagnetic waves Describe the electromagnetic spectrum Define AM and FM as a wave transmission and receiving process
TEST Chapter 22 Practice Test Questions Chapt 22	Material covered: chapter 22 Format: multiple choice section (no calculator or formula sheet allowed) and free response problems (AP formula sheet and calculator allowed)
3rd QUARTER PROJECT	MOUSE-TRAP CARS PROJECT You will design and build a car powered only by the spring energy in a standard mouse-trap. Your car will be judged on quality of workmanship and performance. You will also answer a series of questions pertaining to the physics involved in the project. SEE PROJECT PAGE.

AP 4th Quarter Syllabus	Student Objectives
Chapter 23, pg.632 Light / Mirrors and Lenses Ray models of light Plane and spherical mirrors Defects in mirrors Refraction and Snell's law SNELL'S LAW LAB Critical angles/fiber optics Spherical lenses Defects in lenses LENSES LAB Calculating corrective lens prescriptions CHAPTER LINKS: Mr. P's outline - CHAPTER 23 On-line Textbook - CHAPTER 23 Homework - PROBLEM SET	Chapter 23 Objectives You should be able to... Describe the ray model of light Explain and prove the law of reflection using light rays Explain how diffuse and specular surfaces effect reflection angles Locate the image for a concave mirror using the ray model (5 cases); calculate h_i, d_i, and f given d_o and h_o Locate the image for a convex mirror using the ray model (1 case); calculate h_i, d_i, and f given d_o and h_o Locate the image for a convex lens using the ray model (5 cases); calculate h_i, d_i, and f given d_o and h_o Locate the image for a concave lens using the ray model (1 case); calculate h_i, d_i, and f given d_o and h_o Explain index of refraction and use Snell's Law to calculate values Calculate critical angles and relate the critical angle to fiber optic applications SNELL'S LAW LAB Lab Details You must be able to Measure the angles of incidence and refraction of light passing through crown glass Calculate the index of refraction for crown glass LENSES LAB Lab Details You must be able to Locate the image for a convex lens (5 cases); calculate h_i, d_i, C and f given d_o and h_o. Identify the image as virtual or real Locate the image for a concave lens (1 case); calculate h_i, d_i, C and f given d_o and h_o. Identify the image as virtual or real
TEST Chapter 23 Practice Test Questions Chapt 23	Material covered: chapter23 and the mirrors and the lenses lab Format: multiple choice section (no calculator or formula sheet allowed) and free response problems (AP formula sheet and calculator allowed)
Chapter 24, pg.664 Wave Nature of Light Huygens' principle Interference - Young's double slit experiment INTERFERENCE LAB The visible spectrum Colors by addition: primary and secondary Colors by subtraction: primary and secondary The printing industry and the printing process Mini Lab: Color and Printing Single slit diffraction Thin film interference Polarization Mini Lab: Polarization Dispersion of light CHAPTER LINKS: Mr. P's outline - CHAPTER 24 On-line Textbook - CHAPTER 24 Homework - PROBLEM SET	Chapter 24 Objectives You should be able to... State and illustrate Huygens' Principle Explain Young's double slit experiment Calculate line spacing for double slit interference Explain dispersion of light Calculate line spacing for single slit diffraction Explain and calculate interference by thin films Calculate the polarization of light angle and light transmission intensity for light passing through a polarizing filter Explain why the sky is blue, sunsets are red and clouds are white List the 3 primary and the 3 secondary colors for the additive process List the 3 primary and the 3 secondary colors for the additive process Explain how printed materials are produced (3, 4, and 5 color processes) DOUBLE-SLIT INTERFERENCE LAB Lab Details You must be able to Measure the distances between interference lines accurately. Calculate the wavelength of colored light. Predict the locations of first-order lines for various colors of light.
TEST Chapter 24 Practice Test Questions Chapt 24	Material covered: chapter 24 and the interference lab Format: multiple choice section (no calculator or formula sheet allowed) and free response problems (AP formula sheet and calculator allowed)
Chapter 27, pg.754 Quantum Theory Plank's hypothesis The photoelectric effect Photon theory Wave-particle duality Early models of the atom Bohr model of hydrogen ATOMIC SPECTRA LAB CHAPTER LINKS: Mr. P's outline - CHAPTER 27 On-line Textbook - CHAPTER 27 Homework - PROBLEM SET	Chapter 27 Objectives You should be able to... Explain how the electron was discovered Define quanta and give examples Explain the Planck quantum hypothesis Calculate the energy of a photon given the wavelength or frequency of light Explain how the Photoelectric effect furthered Planck's concept Calculate the work function and/or the maximum kinetic energy of an electron ejected from an atom by a photon. Explain what is meant by wave-particle duality Show how the Compton effect confirms the idea of the Photoelectric effect Relate atomic spectra to the structure of the atom Explain what is meant by the wave nature of matter Calculate the wavelength of matter using the de Broglie equation Demonstrate quantitatively how the Bohr model explains the hydrogen spectra Calculate Bohr radius and the Bohr energies of the electron in the hydrogen atom for any quantum level "n" ATOMIC SPECTRA LAB Lab Details You must be able to Use a spectroscope to analyze a bright line spectrum Compare the intensity of spectral lines for different elements Recognize an element from its emission spectrum Explain the origin of each colored line visible for hydrogen
Chapter 28, pg.786 Quantum Mechanics The wave function Ψ The probability function Ψ² Heisenberg uncertainty Quantum numbers The exclusion principle Electron configurations CHAPTER LINKS: Mr. P's outline - CHAPTER 28 On-line Textbook - CHAPTER 28 Homework - PROBLEM SET	Chapter 28 Objectives You should be able to... Explain the meaning of Schrödinger wave function Give the interpretation of Ψ Give the interpretation of Ψ² Explain what the mathematical statement of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle tells us. Calculate the uncertainty of position of an electron Describe the principle, orbital, magnetic, and spin quantum states and their corresponding numbers (allowed values) Calculate quantum numbers for elements Calculate the energy and orbital angular momentum for given quantum states states
TEST Chapter 27-28 Practice Test Questions Chapt 27 Practice Test Questions Chapt 28	Material covered: chapter 28 Format: multiple choice section (no calculator or formula sheet allowed) and free response problems (AP formula sheet and calculator allowed)
Chapter 30, pg.835 Nuclear Physics, Radioactivity The structure of the nucleus Binding energy and nuclear force Radioactivity Alpha decay Beta decay Gamma decay RADIOACTIVITY LAB Half-life calculations The decay series CHAPTER LINKS: Mr. P's outline - CHAPTER 30 On-line Textbook - CHAPTER 30 Homework - PROBLEM SET	Chapter 30 Objectives You should be able to... Explain the structure and state the properties of the nucleus Calculate binding energy Define radioactivity Write a balanced nuclear equation for alpha decay, balancing mass, charge, and angular momentum Write a balanced nuclear equation for beta decay, balancing mass, charge, and angular momentum Describe gamma decay Calculate the half-life and decay rates for radioactive samples Explain the decay series RADIOACTIVITY LAB Lab Details You must be able to Measure radioactivity level using a Geiger counter Analyze the relationship between radiation intensity and distance Infer the inverse-square law for radiation intensity Demonstrate the ability of different types of radiation to penetrate materials Infer the relative shielding effectiveness of various materials
TEST Chapter 30 Practice Test Questions Chapt 30	Material covered: chapter 30 and the radioactivity lab Format: multiple choice section (no calculator allowed) and free response problems (AP formula sheet and calculator allowed)
AP EXAM
Chapter 26, pg.726 Special Relativity The Einstein equations Postulates of special relativity Simultaneity Time dilation Twin paradox Length contraction 4-D Space-time Momentum and mass Mass and energy CHAPTER LINKS: Mr. P's outline - CHAPTER 26 On-line Textbook - CHAPTER 26 Homework - PROBLEM SET	Chapter 26 Objectives You should be able to... State the principle of relativity and compare-contrast to classical theory State the postulates of special relativity Explain why all motion is relative Calculate relativistic time for an object traveling at near speed of light velocities Calculate relativistic length for an object traveling at near speed of light velocities Calculate relativistic mass for an object traveling at near speed of light velocities Calculate the energy released by mass converted to electromagnetic radiation Explain what is meant by 4 dimensional space-time
Chapter 32, pg.889 String Theory	Chapter 32 Objectives You should be able to... Explain how string theory fits into the GUT's and why unifying theories are pursued by physicists Describe a "brane" Explain how vibrations in strings relate to simple particles Defend why string theory belongs either in a modern physics class or in a philosophy class Explain why there are 11 physical dimensions in string theory i.e. specifically, explain why string theory needs more than the standard four dimensions (x, y, z, time)
FINAL EXAM	Material covered: all chapters and labs with emphasis on 2nd semester topics. Format: 25-30 multiple choice question section, 45 minutes (no calculator allowed, page 2 only of AP test formula handout will be supplied, click here for pdf copy) and 4-5 free response problems, 45 minutes (calculator is allowed and pages 2 thru 4 of AP formula sheet handout will be supplied, click here for pdf copy).

End of School Year