ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS C MECHANICS

Instructor: Ms. Kinsey WelshPerry High School

Phone:480-224-2983Room:F-213

Tutoring: Mondays & Wednesdays 2:15 – 3:15E-mail:

Minimum Co-Requisite:Calculus AB

Textbook: University Physics by Young and Freedman, 11th edition

Overview

Advanced Placement Physics C, commonly known as AP-C Physics, is similar to a college engineering physics course. As a college course, it is very rigorous and will require students to do a substantial amount of work outside of the classroom. Students should expect to spend 45 minutes to one hour per night doing independent work (reading, problem solving, lab reports, etc.)

This AP-C course is a physics course that uses calculus in many of the problems students are asked to solve. This course will prepare students for the Mechanics test at the end of the year. There are three other AP Physics exams on test day; one covers AP – 1 content, the second covers AP-2 content and the third covers AP – C electricity and magnetism (E&M). Students can take any or all tests on test day.

To get through the amount of necessary material, we will need to cover roughly one chapter worth of material in a two week time frame. We will move very fast through the material that we covered last year. We want to be done with the Mechanics material by the end of March. Hopefully we will have 4 weeks for review.

The Mechanics curriculum covers: kinematics, Newton's Laws, energy, momentum, rotational kinematics and dynamics, angular momentum, gravitation, and oscillations. (The Electricity and Magnetism curriculum covers: static electricity, electric fields, electric potential, conductors, capacitors, circuits, magnetic fields and electromagnetic induction.) You will have seen many of these concepts before but you will now be applying calculus to them and increasing overall problem complexity.

After school AP exam review sessions will begin fourth quarter on a day of the week to be determined at that time. A few weeks before the exam, we will start to review for the AP exam in class. The AP Physics exam will be given on Monday, May 8th in the afternoon. Students are expected to take the AP exam as this is considered to be part of the AP course. Success on the AP exam is tied very strongly to the amount of time students spend at after-school review sessions. Even strong students with good grades all year in the course will jeopardize their chances of scoring well if they fail to attend the review sessions.

Goals for the course

Students will come out of this course with an excellent understanding of college calculus based physics. They will understand it at a high level both conceptually and in problem solving. Students will also be able to design, perform and analyze laboratory investigations. I expect all of my students to earn a 4 or 5 on the AP exams. A score of 5 will earn college credit at almost any college or university. A score of 3 will earn credit at many, and a 4 will earn credit at most.

Assessments

There will be two tests at the end of each unit. One test will be 35 multiple choice questions, and the other will be three free-response problems. This is the format under which the official AP test will be taken. The multiple choice tests will have a large number of conceptual questions however there are problems to solve also. To help students acclimate to taking the timed AP tests in the spring, students will be allowed 45 minutes for each test. While each test will have questions from the unit we are in, problems from other areas we have covered are open game for any test. (By the way, there are short-answer conceptual questions on the free response tests also.)

Quizzes

In addition to these unit tests, there will be weekly quizzes. Quizzeswill be usually every Friday and willbe based on the homework for the week. The quizzes will be 15 AP style questions. A Midterm Exam will be given between 1st and 2nd quarters and between 3rd and 4th quarters. The midterm is cumulative, covering all previous material. It is half the length of the actual AP Exam. AFinal Examwill be given in December as well as at the end of May. It is a 1.5 hour exam that follows the same format as the actual AP Exam.

Makeup exams

Makeup exams must be completed within one week of the original test date. Upon returning from an absence see the instructor immediately in order to schedule a makeup time. Extensions for school activities, prolonged absence, and unusual circumstances are at the discretion of the instructor.

Makeup exams are often different from the exam given in class. Any corrections or curves applied to the class do not apply to a makeup exam that is uniquely different from those taken by other students.

If a student knows that they will miss a test, they can arrange to test early or with another class section. Under these circumstances they will take the normal class test.

Note:

If you are having difficulty with anything in this course, please see me as soon as you feel that you have a problem. We can schedule a time that is convenient for both of us to study/review/tutor for tests. I will be available after school on Mondays and Wednesdays.

AP Exam Prep

Due to our school’s shortened preparation time for the AP Exam, students should participate in AP Exam review sessions outside of class. Students can use tutoring time to satisfy this requirement. During these sessions students will solve a specific number of problems from past AP Exams. In addition, they will take practice tests.

All work from this review is to be included in the student’s notebook.

Materials

For this course, the following materials are needed:

-Mead quadrille notebook, 100 sheets

-A pack of 200 3x5 index cards (ruled or not ruled is fine)

-A scientific calculator

-Pencils, a black or blue pen, a red pen

-Highly recommended: An agenda

Calculators

There are a number of inexpensive (under $20) scientific calculators (ones that include trig functions will do nicely) that are suited to your needs in this class. A graphing calculator is not required but is strongly encouraged (it is required for the AP Calculus exam). I strongly urge you to engrave your name on your calculator to make it easier for me to return a lost calculator to you.

Laboratory

My philosophy in teaching physics is that whenever possible I want my students to see physics in action before we talk about it. I use an inquiry based method of teaching where students investigate a phenomena or relationship with hands on manipulation, then we talk theory. My goal is to spend at least20 to 30 percent of the time doing hands on work in the laboratory.

Documentation of laboratory work is very important. A portion of the lab grade can also reflect the condition of the lab station and equipment at the end of a lab session. A student can lose points if their seating area, lab station, or equipment is not returned in its original condition. A student can be excluded from a lab and receive a zero if they do not follow instructions, if they misuse equipment, and/or (more importantly) if they violate laboratory safety guidelines.

Increasingly, the AP exam is including experiment-based questions on the test. For each experiment, you will be expected to write a report in a format you will soon receive. Since you will be given class time to discuss your findings with your group, you are expected to work together to ensure that each member of the group is able to turn in a quality product. However, this does not mean you can turn in identical reports. Students must turn in THEIR OWN report, hand-written, in their notebook (Mead quadrille, 100 sheets). The consequences for plagiarism, as outlined in the student handbook, will be used. A member who consistently lets their partners down may be removed from the group until they demonstrate a willingness to do the work.

Grades / Your % score will be computed based on a weighted average of your scores in the following categories ONLY:
90-100% A /

Unit Tests and WeeklyQuizzes 55%

80-89% B / Lab Reports 20%
70-79% C
60-69% D
0-59% F / Homework 15%
Classwork 10%
The scale at left will be used to assign letter grades (I follow normal rules for rounding.)

Semester grades will be calculated based on an80-20 formula. The combination of 1st and 2nd quarter will be 80% and the final exam will make up the remaining 20%.

Cooperative Learning Groups

You will work in the lab and on some assignments in 2-4 person groups. Members of your group will make oral presentations before the whole class in which you present your ideas and answer questions from your classmates. The emphasis of the presentations is on the general understanding of the principles involved and how you solved the problem (showing work) in addition to the correct answer. In addition the groups’ knowledge/skill/teamwork will be assessed during lab practicums.

Practicums

Last year you were introduced to practicums. They were situations where a setup of equipment was presented to you and a problem was posed by your teacher. As a class you gathered data and then tried to figure out the answer to the problem. Then the equipment was activated and you saw whether or not you were correct. Most units in AP mechanics will end with a practicum. In a way they are also a type of lab. You will have a class period to solve for the answer. Ten minutes before the end of the period a student will be drawn to present the answer. Practicum grades will be the only extra credit given in AP, and will be added to the lab scores. Practicum grades will only be awarded if you solve the problem perfectly and the person chosen gives a presentation that is correctand their ability to explain the physics involved in the solution is correct.

Homework

The problems assigned as homework in this class are designed to help you really understand the concepts developed in class. Two (somewhat modified) clichés apply here: “Practice makes permanent” and “perfect practice makes perfect”. What this means is that students who make a good effort at homework assignments will understand the material better and will be more successful in the class. The importance of effort on the homework cannot be overemphasized. It is during this time when students can struggle with their individual challenges in understanding the material. Having someone else “tell you how to do it” will inevitably lead to a shallow understanding and low test scores. Some test & quiz questions will be similar to the problems you encounter in the homework, warm-ups and on-line assignments. Writing clear solutions with explanations (rather than just answers) will help you prepare for the tests and whiteboard presentations.

Physics homework problems are challenging for students and require practice to master. Homework will be in the form of KBAT’s, and problem sets. Your homework will be graded for correctnessandcompletion. Each homework assignment will be due on test day and checked at the beginning of the period on the day it is due.

Homework is a risk free tool where students focus on learning from mistakes. To receive full credit students need to complete 100% of the problems/parts in the homework. Students returning from an absence should have the assigned work with them upon return as all homework (and test) dates are displayed for the year on the website.

Problem Solving Skills and Showing Work

You will be responsible for properly showing all work in AP Physics if you wish to receive full credit.

On all assignments and the AP exam you must:
1. List your known variables (with units)

  1. Convert to proper units using dimensional analysis. (if necessary)
  2. Draw a force diagram for the situation.
  3. Write the fundamental equation(s).
  4. Solve algebraically for the unknown (You may want to analyze units to be sure you have the correct answer).
  5. Substitute numbers(and units).
  6. Arrive at the correct answer with correct units, and box this answer!

You have several jobs to do with your problem solving:

A. Make it easy on the teacher/grader.

B. Look at problem solving as technical communication.

C. Provide solutions that need no additional explanation; either by the student or by the teacher/grader.

Study Skills

You are expected to bring to class daily your worksheets, notebook, calculator, pens, pencils, etc. You will keep any extraneous materials for a given unit (notes, worksheets, etc.) in a folder. On the days of unit tests, your notebook will be collected and graded. Since the material in this course builds from one unit to the next, you are also required to retain all of your work from previous units. This will allow you to review for the AP exam (orfinal exams) more productively.

Responsibility

This course is a college-level course. Self-reliance and self-responsibility will be emphasized.

It is your responsibility to keep pace with the rest of the class and to be aware of due dates and exam dates. Do not wait until the last minute to seek help.

Honor Code, Ethics, and Academic Integrity

Honesty – accurately representing facts and situations to each other

  • Operate out of the highest academic and professional motives
  • Submit only work that is your own
  • Do not provide work to other students unless instructed to do so
  • Understand what constitutes plagiarism and correct handling of documentation

Tolerance – the ability to listen to and consider ideas different from your own

  • Be receptive to the opinions of other students, even when you disagree – disagreement with you does not necessarily mean disrespect for you
  • Be sensitive to diversity
  • Support an atmosphere in the classroom in which individuals are comfortable stating ideas and opinions
  • Be aware that what constitutes a mature topic, reading, and/or assignment is individually dependent and is designed to challenge—not indoctrinate

Respect – a regard for the quality, dignity, and uniqueness of other people

  • Distinguish constructive disagreement and academic debate with other students and teachers from personal attack
  • Recognize and value the different talents, background, and beliefs of individual students and teachers
  • Do not seek to monopolize discussions nor aggressively inculcate others to your perspective. Everyone has the right to be heard as well as challenged respectfully
  • Do not talk while the teacher is talking

Fairness – reaching a just decision

  • Recognize that grades are earned, not given
  • A successful AP student is consistently prepared and engaged, resilient to setbacks, resourceful and knows how to learn on their own, with teacher instruction, from peers, and from outside sources, persistent, thrives in an academic atmosphere, responsible and organized in their work habits, and believes they are responsible for their own learning.

Engagement – active participation in the classroom community, of which we are all a part

  • Engage in the learning opportunities offered with active participation and preparation
  • Make a sincere effort to see yourself as part of an academic community
  • Avail yourself of opportunities to represent PerryHigh School to the broader community
  • Keep all electronic devices turned off and packed away

Responsibility – holding yourself and others to a high standard

  • Recognize that as a college equivalency course you are expected to be able to function on your own and thus be held individually accountable
  • Keep informed of assignments, due dates, procedures and policies—ignorance is not an excuse. This information is posted, and regularly updated, on the Perry Physics website.
  • Consider it your duty to report instances of plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty – someone who is cheating is not making the effort of you and everyone else, and hiding your knowledge is dishonest and makes you complicit.

_____ (Student Initial) I understand the above concepts and requirements and agree to the ethics statements.

_____ (Parent Initial) I understand the above concepts and requirements and my student agrees to the ethics statements.

_____ (Student Initial) I have reviewed the syllabus, understand the curriculum, requirements and policies of the course,including the late work policy, and agree to abide by them.

_____ (Parent Initial) I have reviewed the syllabus with my student, understand the curriculum, requirements and policies of the course,including the late work policy, and agree to abide by them with my child.

Tentative AP Physics C Syllabus

Dates: / Units: / Labs: / Text
Chapter: / AZ State Standards:
I. Newtonian Mechanics
7/25 – 8/17 / 0. Mathematical Prelude
4 Weeks
  • International system of units
  • Significant Figures
  • Vector addition using graphical methods
  • Components of vectors
  • Vector addition using component method
  • Vector multiplication
/
  • Finding Pi
/ 1 / S 5
C 2
PO 6
8/18 – 9/02 / A1. One-Dimensional Motion
2 Weeks
  • Position, Velocity and acceleration
  • Motion with Constant Acceleration
  • Kinematics
/
  • Graphical Analysis of Motion with motion detectors
  • Acceleration of Gravity 1 & 2 - Picket fence, ball drop
  • Diluting Gravity – College Board
/ 2 / S 5
C 2
PO 1
PO 2
9/05– 9/30 / A2. Motion in Two Dimensions
4 Weeks
  • Constant acceleration
  • Projectile motion
  • Uniform circular motion
  • Relative motion
/
  • Monkey Gun Demonstration
  • Horizontal Projectiles
  • Projectile Motion
/ 3 / S 5
C 2
PO 6
PO 7
HAVE A GREAT FALL BREAK!
10/19 – 11/04 / B. Newton’s Lawsand Friction
3 Weeks
  • Acceleration
  • Force diagrams and free-body diagrams
  • Vector applications
  • Newton's first law, inertial frames of reference
  • Net forces
  • Newton's third law, mass, and weight
  • Properties of friction
  • Coefficients of friction
  • Fluid friction
  • Drag forces and terminal velocity
/
  • Atwood Machine Lab
  • Acceleration Down an Inclined Plane
  • Coefficient of Friction on Inclined Plane
  • Indoor skydiving – field trip
Moved to Spring Semester / 4 - 5 / S 5
C 2
PO 3
PO 4
PO 5
PO 10
11/7 – 12/02 / C. Work, Kinetic Energy, Potential Energy and Power
4 Weeks
  • Work
  • Work-Energy Theorem
  • Kinetic energy
  • Potential energy
  • Power
  • Conservative and non-conservative forces
  • Frictional forces
  • Quantized energy
/
  • Conservation of Energy – Pendulum
  • Egg Bungee
/ 6 - 7 / S 5
C 3
PO 1
PO 2
PO 3
PO 4
Dates: / Units: / Labs: / Text
Chapter: / AZ State Standards:
12/05– 12/22 / D. Linear Momentum and Collisions 3 Weeks
  • Center of mass
  • Momentum, force, and energy
  • Linear momentum
  • Conservation of linear momentum
  • Impulse and momentum
  • One-dimension elastic collisions
  • Two-dimension elastic collisions
  • Inelastic collisions
/
  • 1-D Elastic and Inelastic Collisions
  • AP Physics Elastic Collisions
  • Impulsive Carts
  • Ballistic Pendulum
  • Exploding Carts
/ 8 / S 5
C 2
PO 13
PO 14
HAVE A GREAT WINTER BREAK!!!
1/10 – 2/10 / E. Circular Motion Review & Rotation
5 Weeks
  • Uniform Circular Motion
  • Speed, Velocity and Acceleration in Uniform Circular Motion
  • Torque
  • Static Equilibrium
/
  • Whirligig Lab
  • Static Equilibrium Lab
  • Rotational Motion Demonstrations
/ 9 - 11 / S 5
C 2
PO 8
PO 9
PO 11
2/13 – 3/10 / F. Oscillations & Gravitation
5 Weeks
  • Simple harmonic motion
  • Displacement, velocity, acceleration
  • Mass on a spring, forces, and energy
  • Pendulums
  • Apparent Forces in Circular Motion
  • Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation
  • Kepler's laws
/
  • AP Physics Hooke’s Law and Harmonic Motion
  • Period of Simple Pendulums
/ 12 - 13 / S 5
C 5
PO 1
HAVE A GREAT SPRING BREAK!!!
3/28 – 5/7 / Review AP – C Mechanics for AP Exam Day
5/8 / AP –C Mechanics Exam!!!
5/09 – 5/25 / AP-C Project and Final Exam Review

AP PHYSICS C – PERSONAL GOALS CONTRACT