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SyllabusWelcome!In this course we will be exploring the physical nature of our world and universe through lecture and discussion, hands on labs and problem solving skills. This is an algebra and trigonometry based physics course, and we will review all necessary math skills. In order for students to be successful in this course students must have a serious work ethic as well as well-developed organizational skills. We will cover physics as a survey course. There simply isn't enough time in one year to go in-depth for all the material that could be covered. The following topics will be covered over the course of the year: Mechanics: linear kinematics, projectile motion, Newton’s laws, work-energy theorem, momentum conservation, rotational kinematics and dynamics, and simple harmonic motion. Waves and Optics: wave motion, Doppler effect, physical optics, and geometric optics. Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Physics: fluid mechanics, temperature and heat, kinetic theory and thermodynamics. Electricity and Magnetism: Coulomb’s law, electric potential, electric current, capacitance, static circuits involving capacitors and resistors, magnetic fields and forces, circuits involving resistors, capacitors and inductors, general AC circuits and electromagnetic fields. Modern Physics: Quantum theory, radioactivity, fission and fusion. Tentative
Outline for the Year
1st six weeks
– Kinematics: Motion in a straight line,
vectors, motion in 2-D, 3-D, projectile motion; Newton’s
laws, force and motion2nd six weeks –Kinetic energy and work, Conservation of mechanical energy; systems of particles, linear momentum, circular motion and rotation 3rd six weeks –Uniform and angular momentum, torque, rotational kinematics; Oscillations and gravitation, simple harmonic motion, pendulums, orbits, wave motion, Doppler effect 4th six weeks – Physical and geometric orbits, fluid mechanics, temperature and heat, kinetic theory and thermodynamics 5th six weeks – Electrostatics, charge, field, Coulomb’s law, Gauss’s law, conductors, capacitors, dielectrics; Electric circuits, current, resistance, power, steady-state direct current circuits 6th six weeks – Magnetostatics, forces on charges, forces and fields on current-carrying wires, Biot-Savart laws, Ampere’s laws; Electromagnetism, EM induction, Faraday’s law, Lenz’s law, inductance, Maxwell’s equations Honor
Code:
All students are expected to know and to honor the Blacksburg High
School Academic Honor Policy:Grading
Scale:
According to Montgomery County Policy: 90 – 100 A 60 - 69 D 80 - 89 B below 60 F 70 - 79 C Six weeks grades are determined by the total point system (your total points divided by the total possible). The following can be expected each grading period: 1) Tests: 40% 2) Quizzes; homework: 20% 3) Labs; Projects: 40% * Semester Exams, given in January and June, count as 20% of the semester grade All textbooks must be returned, library fines and other fees paid before a student can receive their grades. Homework/Make-up
work policies:
Homework is due at the beginning of class period the day after it is assigned unless otherwise noted. Extenuating circumstances will be considered; however, these need to be addressed with me before the fact whenever possible. However, you will receive a different homework set than the rest of the class. That’s so that the answers may be posted in a timely manner. Make-up work: Make up work is the student’s responsibility. It is NOT my responsibility to remind you about missed work. Any missed work must be made up or the student will receive a zero. Students may come during lunch, and before or after school to do make-up work and/or to receive help. Make-up tests and quizzes can also be given at these times. Please read and be familiar with the makeup policy in the student handbook concerning absences due to field trips and athletic trips. Tardy
Policy:
The BHS tardy policy is: If you are not on time for any reason, you will be considered tardy and subject to the following each six weeks: 1st Tardy 30 minutes detention 2nd Tardy 1 hour detention 3rd Tardy ISS This is school policy and will not be discussed. School policy states that detention must be served within 5 school days. Please be familiar with the tardy policy in the student handbook. You are tardy to my class if you are not in your assigned place when the bell rings. Classroom
Policies:
R-E-S-P-E-C-T – Yourself, your classmates, your classroom, your teacher – all the other classroom rules follow from that basic tenet. (And mine has the added benefit it will make you sing). ALL BHS policies and rules will be followed no exception. Do not ask me to change school/county policy. You will annoy me. Students will need to bring their textbook, a notebook, pens and pencils to class daily. Laboratory
Policies:
1. Students will work in lab groups.
Depending on the lab, these groups will be kept as small as
possible. Realize that all members in a group are graded on
group answers AND individual participation.2. Pay attention to the pre-lab lecture. There will usually be pre-lab work or write-ups for each lab. These MUST be completed before you enter the lab. 3. Use equipment only when and as directed. Keep your work area clean when working on labs. Be sure that your lab area is clean before you leave the lab. 4. You have five days with an excused absence in which you will be allowed to make up the lab – however, YOU must arrange a suitable time with the teacher. 5. REPORT ANY ACCIDENTS TO THE TEACHER IMMEDIATELY 6. “If the equipment does not belong to you, leave it alone. This is especially true for students who will be sitting at lab tables during lecture.” (thanks to S. Rhodes, Chemistry) 7. Misconduct in class/lab will not be tolerated. If a problem should develop, parents/guardians will be contacted and misconduct forms will be sent to the office. |