AP Physics C

AP Physics C - Course Syllabus
Important AP Physics Dates
Text:   Physics for Scientists and Engineers, 4th ed. by Randall Knight
Objectives: Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism
Astonomy and Physics Tutorials
Mr. M's favorite internet Links for physics

Mechanics Home multiple resources and information from the College Board
Electricity & Magnetism Home multiple resources and information from the College Board
AP Test Content
AP Exam Info and Equation Sheet    
Course Descriptions from College Board: Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism   (all the gory details!)
Free Response Questions Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism from previous exams. (Index to the questions)

Lab Information and Homework Requirements

Part 1 - Mechanics

Kinematics - Quantifying Linear Motion
    Objectives & Homework         Answer Key
    Example Problems
    Graphs of Motion with Desmos:   Example 1,   Example 2
    Functions Overview - summary of important types of equations
    Kinematics Lab - stopping distance     (see also Lab Information)
    Class Notes:   Definitions & Graphical Analyses,   Constant Acceleration Model & Freefall

Advanced Kinematics - Motion with Vectors and Calculus
    Objectives & Homework
    Example Problems
    Vectors Operations with Desmos:   Add or Subtract
    Projectiles with Desmos:   Parametric Graphs
    Adv Kinematics Lab - nonuniform motion
    Projectile Lab - mini-launcher & parametric equations
    Free Throw - the physics of a free throw that swishes! (just for fun)
    Class Notes:   Vector Properties & Components,   Relative Motion & Projectiles,   Kinematics Using Calculus

Dynamics - Forces and Newton's Laws of Motion
    Objectives & Homework        Answer Key
    Example Problems
    Accelerometer DIY - Create an accelerometer using a force sensor!
    Atwood's Machine Lab
    Air Resistance Lab - Coffee Filter Drag     Tips for doing the lab
    Air Resistance Graphs - a comparison of different modeling approaches
    Air Resistance Interactive Desmos Graphs:   Launch Down or Launch Up
    Air Resistance Graphing Program:   TI-83/84     TI-89
    Class Notes:   3 Laws of Motion,   Normal & Friction,   Tension & Compression,   Air Resistance,   Inclines

Circular Motion and Gravity - Centripetal Force & Acceleration, Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation
    Objectives & Homework        Answer Key
    Solar System Data - Sun, planets, moons
    Example Problems
    Parametric circular and cycloid motion with Desmos
    Orbit Simulation Lab
    Class Notes:   Uniform Circular Motion,   Parametric and Nonuniform Circular,   Universal Gravitation,   Kepler

Work & Energy - an Alternative to Newton's Laws
    Objectives & Homework         Answer Key
    Example Problems
    Desmos interactives - gravitational energy in "Earth space":  Potential Energy vs. Position and Orbital Energy
    Lab Exercise - Energy Well     Logger Pro file download:    U2019.cmbl
    Energy Lab       Lab Setup & Tips
    Class Notes:   Work & Kinetic Energy,   Conservation & Potential Energy,   Energy Wells,   Power, Machines & Efficiency

Linear Momentum - Systems of Particles, Center of Mass, etc.
    Objectives & Homework
    Example Problems
    Mini-Labs: Impluse & Momentum
    Special topics: Wobble of the Sun       Gravitational "Slingshot"
    Free Response Practice
    Class Notes:   Center of Mass,   System Motion,   Conservation & Elasticity,   Impulse & Variable Mass

Rotation - Spinning Objects: Angular Kinematics, Dynamics, Energy, & Momentum
    Objectives & Homework
    Rotation Equations Summary & Comparison
    Example Problems
    Rotation Mini-Lab: Ruler Swing - using Photogate
    Rotation Mini-Lab: Pendulum Swing - using Rotary Motion Sensor
    Rotation Mini-Lab: Ramp Race - rolling down an incline
    Rotation Lab
    Class Notes:   Kinematics,   Torque,   Moment of Inertia,   Dynamics,   Angular Momentum

Equilibrium & Oscillation - Statics & Simple Harmonic Motion
    Objectives & Homework
    Equilibrium Overview
    Simple Harmonic Motion Overview
    Class Notes:   Equilibrium,   Oscillation

Final Exam - Mechanics
    Infomation - Format, What to Expect, etc.
    Early Dismissal Form - Turn in ONLY the ONE form that best applies to you
    FHS Attendance and AP Incentives
    Free Response Practice - Actual AP exam questions from the College Board

Part 2 - Electricity & Magnetism

Electrostatics - Coulomb's Law and Electric Fields
    Objectives & Homework         Answer Key
    Example Problems
    Electrostatics Lab
    Interactive Desmos Graph:   Electric Field Superposition of two point charges
    Interactive Desmos Graph:   Visualization of dq and dE electric field by integration for a linear charge distribution
    Interactive Desmos Graph:   Electric Field, Line of Charge - the net resulting field at any location in the x-y plane
    Interactive Desmos Graphs:   Electric Fields Comparison various continuous charge distributions
    Class Notes:   Charge & Force Basics,   Electric Fields,   Charge Distributions

Electric Flux and Potential - Gauss's Law, Work and Energy for Charge
    Objectives & Homework         Answer Key
    Example Problems
    Flux Worksheet - Uniform electric field, field lines & flux
    Interactive Desmos Graph:   Visualization of flux for uniform field and flat surface
    Interactive Desmos Graph:   Equipotentials for two point charges (3-D version)
    The spherical shell of charge:   Appreciation for Gauss and Potential the Hard Way.
    Virtual Potential and Field Lab
    Class Notes:   Electric Flux,   Gauss's Law,   Potential & Energy,   Potential vs. Field,   Conductors & Electrostatics

Electric Current and Circuits - Resistance, Ohm's Law, Series & Parallel Connections, etc.
    Objectives & Homework         Answer Key
    Example Problems
    The Digital Multimeter - a Primer
    Resistance and Resistivity Lab - exploration of properties of wires
    Aluminum Foil Resistance - electrical properties using battery power source
    Circuit Lab
    Class Notes:   Current & Resistance,   Drift Velocity & Power,   Series, Parallel, & Kirchoff's Laws,   Batteries & Meters

Capacitance - Capacitors, RC Circuits
    Objectives & Homework         Answer Key
    Example Problems
    Mini-Lab: Capacitors - using Pasco board and voltmeter
    RC Circuit Lab
    Class Notes:   Capacitance,   Capacitor Design,   RC Circuit Transients

Magnetostatics - Magnetic Fields, Forces on Charge or Current, Biot-Savart Law, Ampere's Law
    Objectives & Homework
    Example Problems
    Current Balance Lab
    Solenoid Lab
    Interactive Desmos Graph:   Magnetic Field of Point Charge
    Class Notes:   Fields & Poles,   Magnetic Force on Charge,   Magnetic Force on Current,   Biot Savart Law,   Ampere's Law

Induction and Inductance - Faraday's Law, Maxwell's Equations, Inductors, RL & LC Circuits
    Objectives & Homework
    Example Problems
    Class Notes:   Faraday's Law,   Maxwell's Equations,   Inductance, RL & LC Circuits