Conceptual Physics

Avon Lake City Schools

Curriculum Framework

Conceptual Physics

Course Overview:

Physics is the fundamental science of the natural world. This course involves study, extensive laboratory work, problem solving, and demonstrations in the areas of measurements, kinematics, dynamics, vectors, work and energy, waves and electricity. Less emphasis is placed on mathematics in this course than in more traditional physics courses. Instead more emphasis is placed on developing a deep understanding of the concepts and principles of physics. The student is responsible for having a class notebook and a calculator. A “C” or better average in Algebra and Geometry is recommended for students enrolling in this course. This class meets one period daily for ½ unit of credit each semester. FEE: $20

Textbook:

Prentice Hall Conceptual Physics

Online/Supplemental Materials:

Google Classroom

Assessments:

  • Chapter Tests - Midterm (cumulative)
  • Chapter Tests -- Final (cumulative second semester information)

Content/Topics/Learning Goals

Subject to Pacing and Schedules

First Quarter - Science Inquiry and Application and Motion

SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY:

  • Identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations;
  • Design and conduct scientific investigations;
  • Use technology and mathematics to improve investigations and communications;
  • Formulate and revise explanations and models using logic and evidence (critical thinking);
  • Recognize and analyze explanations and models
  • Communicate and support a scientific argument.

MOTION

  • Graph interpretations
  • Position vs. time
  • Velocity vs. time
  • Acceleration vs. time
  • Problem solving
  • Using graphs (average velocity, instantaneous velocity, acceleration, displacement, change in velocity)
  • Uniform acceleration including free fall (initial velocity, final velocity, time, displacement, acceleration, average velocity)
  • Projectiles
  • Independence of horizontal and vertical motion
  • Problem-solving involving horizontally launched projectiles

Second Quarter - Newton's Laws, Circular Motion, Momentum

FORCES, MOMENTUM AND MOTION

  • Newton’s laws applied to complex problems
  • Gravitational force and fields
  • Elastic forces
  • Friction force (static and kinetic)
  • Air resistance and drag
  • Forces in two dimensions
  • Adding vector forces
  • Motion down inclines
  • Centripetal forces and circular motion
  • Momentum, impulse and conservation of momentum

Third Quarter - Work and Energy, Planetary Motion, Electrostatics

ENERGY

  • Gravitational potential energy
  • Energy in springs
  • Nuclear energy
  • Work and power
  • Conservation of energy

ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM

  • Charging objects (friction, contact and induction)
  • Coulomb’s law
  • Electric fields and electric potential energy

Fourth Quarter - Electric Circuits, Magnetism, Waves (Light and Sound)

ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM

  • DC circuits
  • Ohm’s law
  • Series circuits
  • Parallel circuits
  • Mixed circuits
  • Applying conservation of charge and energy (junction and loop rules)
  • Magnetic fields and energy
  • Electromagnetic interactions

WAVES

  • Wave properties
  • Conservation of energy
  • Reflection
  • Refraction
  • Interference
  • Diffraction
  • Light phenomena
  • Ray diagrams (propagation of light)
  • Law of reflection (equal angles)
  • Snell’s law
  • Diffraction patterns
  • Wave – particle duality of light
  • Visible spectrum and color

Updated: September, 2023