SYLLABUS FOR AP PHYSICS C: MECHANICS

Instructor:Mr Raper

Contacts:772-2547 x80665 or

Textbook:Fundamentals of Physics(7th edition) by Halliday, Resnick, &Walker

Room:N105

Make-up Tests:Thursday mornings at 7:15am or by appointment

This class is to deepen your knowledge of Physics and how it applies to your life. For each chapter/topic, we will complete experiments, demonstrations, hands-on activities, group work, homework, and tests to help us understand Physics better. We will cover the textbook as outlined below in preparation for the AP Physics C: Mechanics test. Even though this is science, the language of Physics is Mathematics, so we will be using it, especially Algebra and Calculus, often. It would be best to have already completed Calculus, but it can be taken concurrently with this course. By the end of the semester, you should be able to apply Physics to your daily life and engage others in Physics on a college level.

Here are the requirements for your final grade:

Homework  15%

Experiments  20%

In-class work  5%

Tests  60%

Grades will be awarded as listed:

90 A 100

80 B 89

70 C 79

65 D 69

below 65 = F

Basic rules:

  • No open food or drink is allowed in the class
  • All electronic devices (cellphones, MP3 players, cameras, etc.) are to be turned off and put away, except for a calculator or laptop
  • No talking during class without permission
  • Do not copy or look on someone else’s paper (breaking this rule will resort in a zero for that paper)
  • Be extra careful during labs so that no one’s health will be in danger
  • Be prepared for class each day (textbook, paper, pencil, notebook, calculator)
  • Be sure to put your name on any work you turn in…no name, no grade

You can expect to be challenged in this class. As with anything in life, you will get out of this class only what you put into it. If you have any questions or problems, please come and see me.

AP web page :

Course Outline

Week 1 / 1: Measurement / Week 7 / 7: KE and work / Week 13 / 13: Gravitation
Week 2 / 2: Motion / Week 8 / 8:PE / Week 14 / 15: Oscillations
Week 3 / 3: Vectors / Week 9 / 9: Momentum / Week 15 / AP Exam Review
Week 4 / 4: 2&3D motion / Week 10 / 10: Rotation / Week 16 / AP Exam Review
Week 5 / 5: Force / Week 11 / 11: Torque / Week 17 / AP Exam Review
Week 6 / 6: Friction / Week 12 / 12:Equilibrium / Week 18 / AP Exam Review

Outline of MajorExperiments (not exhaustive)

  • Rolling (explore equations of motion)
  • Vectors (calculate the resultant vector using analytical, experimental, and graphical techniques)
  • Projectile Motion (calculate the impact point of various projectiles)
  • Friction (determine the coefficient of friction for various materials)
  • Ballistics (determine projectile velocity through momentum transfer)
  • Center of Mass (determine the center of mass of odd objects)
  • Centripetal-Go-Round (practice converting linear to angular)
  • Equilibrium (use summation of forces and torques bring balance)
  • Newton/Kepler (group project to explore universal gravitation)
  • Pendulum (determine the acceleration of gravity)

Concerning laptop utilization:

1. Under no circumstances are student laptops to be wired to the network or have print capabilities.

2. No discs, flash drives, jump drives, or other USB devices will be allowed.

3. Neither the teacher, nor the school is responsible for broken, stolen, or lost laptops.

4. Laptops will be used at the individual discretion of the teacher.

Note:

1. The academic misconduct policy of the school will be followed in this course.

2. The attendance policy of the school will be followed for this course.

3. Any student who receives failing grades during this course is urged to discuss this with the teacher immediately.