AP Physics Syllabus

Teacher: Ms. Penesis

Phone #: 914-777-4802
Website: http://lpenesisryeneck.weebly.com/

Email: lpenesis@ryeneck.org

Office Hours: After School and During Prep Periods by Appointment

The AP Mechanics C and Selected Topics in Electricity and Magnetism is a college- level physics course with
applied calculus* where you will have the opportunity to explore physical phenomena learned last year at a deeper
level as well as delve into some new topics. This course will challenge your problem-solving skills, develop
college-level lab skills, and allow you time to pursuit some of your interests. While we will often work
collaboratively, you will be held accountable for your progress as an individual. Class time will be used to discuss
topics, work on problem solving approaches, demonstrations, view selected videos, explore in lab, and prepare for
the AP Exam/(s). While demanding and difficult, it is a truly rewarding course.
* After the tenth week of class, you can make a decision to continue to be assessed in the Calculus Based Course or
to continue on with the same content without Calculus
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:
Expand your ability to use fundamental theorems and laws to understand physical phenomena and
creatively solve complex problems
Formulate a hypothesis or hypotheses based on the presented problem
Establish methods for exploring physical phenomena in lab
Use computer software and interfaces to collect and analyze data
Interpret and analyze physical phenomena and express their findings and understanding verbally and
mathematically
Maintain a laboratory notebook
Expectations: Working off your skill -base and conceptual understanding from last year, you will learn how to
tackle more sophisticated problems. Your homework assignments will consist of readings and problem-solving
that will be posted weekly as well as work on formal lab write ups in and outside of class. PREREADING OF
CHAPTERS PRIOR TO CLASS IS THE MOST TIME EFFICIENT WAY OF AQUAINTING YOURSELF
WITH THE MATERIAL AND THE ONLY WAY TO BE PREPARED FOR CLASS DISCUSSIONS AND
READING QUIZZES. At this level of study, you will be expected to complete assignments on time and are
encouraged to further challenge yourself by exploring tangents to problems or phenomena that interest you. All
laboratory work is expected to be documented in your laboratory notebook, which will be examined each week
with feedback and questions for thought.
Laboratories:
Labs will be conducted formally and informally. On average, one to three full class periods per week will be
dedicated to formal laboratory work.
Expectations for Formal Laboratories: You will
1. Formulate an hypothesis or hypothesizes based on the problem/phenomenon presented
2. Develop a clear, methodical procedure that includes a list of equipment with diagrams and sketches where
necessary
3. Collect data and record observations
4. Analyze data thoughtfully and include experimental uncertainties
5. Present results using tables and graphics
6. Develop a conclusion or conclusions based on experimental findings and pose further research questions

During informal laboratories or demonstrations, you will physically explore problems or questions posed during
lecture and/or homework that are worthy of some tinkering time.
Evaluations: Students will receive grades each quarter that will weighted as follows:
Tests- 60%
Classwork and Homework- 10%
Quizzes- 10%
Laboratory - 20%
Tests and quizzes will be designed to help students become accustomed to A.P.- level problems and the A.P.
exam format. Once students have acclimated, scores on these assessments will be determined using an A.P.like scale.
Midterm, Final, and AP Exam
This course will have a midterm. In May, you will have the opportunity to sit for the A.P. Physics CMechanics exam whose results may be used by colleges to award credit for a terms worth of work and/or
placement decisions.
Homework and Classwork Grade
Type of Participation
Not on time and not prepared or engaged
Not on time, but prepared and actively engaged OR
On time, but not prepared or engaged
On time, prepared (homework, questions, reading, has calculator
and trying problems, etc.)
On time, prepared, plus positive contribution to the topic of
discussion- asking or answering questions during a single class
period

# of Points
Awarded per Day
0
1
2
3

Text and Resources

Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach, 3rd Edition, [Required Text] Knight, Randall D.,
Pearson- Addison Wesley, 2008
AP Test Prep Series:
Student Workbook for Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach,2nd Edition, [Reference] Knight,
Randall D., Pearson- Addison Wesley, 2007
Physics, Giancoli [Good reference for advanced first year course- Content w/o Calculus]
Physics for Scientists and Engineers, 6th Edition, [Alternative Resource for this Course- Calculus Based], Tipler, P.
and Mosca, G., 2007
Websites:
http://www.classroomwebsites.com/teacher/index.aspx?id=lpenesis [Course Information]
http://www.collegeboard.com/ [AP information]
http://phet.colorado.edu/index.php [Physics Simulations]
http://dev.physicslab.org/TOC.aspx [Physics Tutorial]
http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Physics/8-01Physics-IFall1999/CourseHome/index.htm [MIT Open CourseWare for
Reference]

Content and Concepts:

Fall Term- Mechanics
Mathematics and Measurement
o Measurement- Significant Figures, Uncertainties
o Differentiation and Integration
o Vector Math and Unit Vector Representation
Kinematics- 1-D and 2-D
o Motion Diagrams and Plots
o V=0, a=0, Constant and Non-Constant Accelerations
o Free Fall
o Projectile Motion
o Circular Motion
o Rotational Kinematics
Newtons Laws - Statics and Dynamics (Linear and Rotational)
Momentum, Wok, Energy, and Power Conservation Laws (Including Angular Momentum and
Rotational Kinetic Energy)
Rotation of a Rigid Body
o Center of Mass
o Moment of Inertia
o Torques
Oscillations and Gravitation
o Simple Harmonic Motion
o Physical Pendulums
o Keplers Laws
o Universal Gravitation
Spring Term- Possible Topics in Electricity and Magnetism
Electrostatics
o Coulombs Law
o Electric Fields. Electric Potential, and Electric Potential Energy
o Gausss Law
Conductors, Capacitors, and Dielectrics
DC Electric Circuits (Including RC Circuits and Real Batteries)
Magneto Statics
o Forces on Moving Charges in Magnetic Fields
o Forces on Current Carrying Wires in a Magnetic Field
o Magnetic Fields of Long Current- Carrying Wires
o Biot-Savart Law and Amperes Law
Electromagnetism
o Electromagnetic Induction Faradays Law and Lenzs Law
o Inductance (Including LR and LC Circuits)
o Maxwells Equations in Integral Form
AP Review

Possible Formal Laboratories

Fall Semester
1. Measurement Lab- Part I
2. Measurement Lab- Part II: Out of Context Problem
3. Determining g
4. Determining the Air Drag Coefficient for a Coffee Filter
5. Modified Atwood Machine
6. Energy- Momentum Lab
7. Rotational Motion Lab
8. Simple Harmonic Motion Lab
Spring Semester Possible Labs
1. Electric Field Mapping
2. DC Circuits: Applying Kirchhoffs Laws
3. Electrical Power Batteries
4. Mechanical and Electrical Energy
5. Capacitor Lab
6. RC Circuits
7. Magnetic Fields for a Straight Linear Conductor and for a Slinky
8. Student Selected Investigation