Course Description

Physics I is an experimental science class dealing with the physical concepts of our environment. These concepts are introduced either by direct definition or derivation from simpler concepts. The areas studied includes the branch of physics called mechanics, or the study of motion, which consists of kinematics, dynamics and statics. Other first semester concepts include vectors, equilibrium, forces, motion, work, power and energy. In the second semester, the branches of physics, which are included, are heat, wave motion, the nature of light, mirrors and lenses, and direct current electricity. Experiments are performed to verify the concepts discussed.

Rationale

This course is designed for students interested in the study of the physical processes of the world or who desire a college preparatory class in physics. In Physics I, an understanding of major physical concepts is developed. Those concepts include, but are not limited to, mechanics, forces, motion and energy. A working knowledge and appreciation of physics provides a basis for problem solving. Students also gain insight into opportunities in scientific and technological careers.

Course Goals

• To acquire an overview of the principle concepts of physics
• To stimulate creative thinking and a natural curiosity of our physical environment
• To gain an appreciation for the use of experimentation to give answers, solve problems and pose new problems
• To apply skills of hypothesizing, observing, predicting, and inferring
• To recognize and understand metric units of measurement

• scientific notation, metric prefixes, converting units, distrance, displacement average speed, instantaneous speed, average velocity, instantaneous velocity, displacement-time graphs, velocity-time graphs, vectors, scalars, components of vectors, relative motion

Websites for Help

• http://www.sciencejoywagon.com/physicszone/lesson/00genral.htm
• http://www.sciencejoywagon.com/physicszone/lesson/01motion.htm
• http://www.fearofphysics.com

• momentum, conservation of momentum, impulse

Websites for Help:

• http://www.sciencejoywagon.com/physicszone/lesson/06moment.htm
• http://www.fearofphysics.com/

• average acceleration, instantaneous acceleration, acceleration-time graphs, constant acceleration, constant acceleration equations

Websites for Help:

• http://www.sciencejoywagon.com/physicszone/lesson/01motion.htm
• http://www.fearofphysics.com/

• phases of matter, temperature, absolute zero, linear expansion, volumetric expansion, bimetallic strip, heat energy, specific heat, zeroth law, conservation of energy, change of state, latent heat of fusion, latent heat of vaporization, radiation, conduction, convection

Websites for Help:

• http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/heacon.html#heacon

• acceleration due to gravity, freefall motion, projectile motion, projectile motion nodifacations to constant acceleration equation

Websites for Help:

• http://www.sciencejoywagon.com/physicszone/lesson/01motion.htm
• http://www.sciencejoywagon.com/physicszone/lesson/01projec.htm
• http://www.fearofphysics.com/

• density, specific gravity, pressure, pressure at a depth, total pressure, pascal's principle, bernoulli's principle, archimedes' principle, buoyant force, floating, fluid movement, continuity equation

Websites for Help:

• http://www.sciencejoywagon.com/physicszone/lesson/02forces.htm

• force, dynamics, Newton's 3 laws, inertia, vectors, resultant force, weight, force of gravity, mass, weightlessness, force of friction, equilibrium, coupled motion, law of universal gravitation, centripetal force, satellite motion

Websites for Help:

• http://www.sciencejoywagon.com/physicszone/lesson/02forces.htm
• http://www.sciencejoywagon.com/physicszone/lesson/03circ.htm
• http://www.fearofphysics.com/

• wavelength, frequency, period, longitudinal waves, trasverse waves, amplitude, wave equation, mathematical description of wave, superposition principle, transverse wave on a string, beat frequency, hearing, intensity, doppler effect, sonic boom, resonance, mach number, standing waves

Websites for Help:

• http://www.sciencejoywagon.com/physicszone/lesson/09waves.htm
• http://www.fearofphysics.com/

• work, power, kinetic energy, gravitational potential energy, conservation of energy, efficiency, escape velocity

Websites for Help:

• http://www.sciencejoywagon.com/physicszone/lesson/05work.htm
• http://www.fearofphysics.com/

• electromagnetic spectrum, energy of a wave, wave equation, speed of light, scattering, law of reflection, reflection, plane mirrors, converging mirrors, diverging mirrors, refraction, Snell's law, converging lenses, diverging lenses, how eyes work, mirror equation, think lens equation, magnification equation

Websites for Help:

• http://www.sciencejoywagon.com/physicszone/lesson/09waves.htm
• http://www.sciencejoywagon.com/physicszone/lesson/09optics.htm
• http://www.phy.mtu.edu/~weidman/ph2200/pages/simapp.html