C-ID Descriptor
Algebra/Trigonometry-Based Physics: AB

Prior completion of a course covering Trigonometry (C-ID MATH 851)

• Vectors and Scalars
• Newton’s Laws
• Statics and Dynamics
• Translational Kinematics
• Rotational Kinematics
• Rotational Dynamics
• Work and Energy
• Momentum
• Gravitation
• Simple Harmonic Motion
• Mechanical Waves and Sound
• Fluids
• Laws of Thermodynamics
• Heat Engines
• Kinetic Theory
• Entropy
• Electrostatics
• Fields
• Potentials
• DC circuits
• Capacitors
• Resistivity
• Magnetism
• Faraday’s and Lenz’s Laws
• Ampere’s Law
• Geometric Optics
• Lenses, Mirrors and Optical Instruments
• Wave Optics / Physical Optics
• Selected Topics from Modern Physics (Not all of these topics are required but covering all of them is recommended)
  • Special Relativity
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Atomic Physics
  • Nuclear Physics

Laboratory activities should cover the range of topics designated for lecture. The majority of labs should be hands-on activities with “real-world” data collection as opposed to computer simulation. Simulations may be appropriate for some topics in modern physics.

Lecture Course Objectives: At the conclusion of the lecture component of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Predict the future trajectory of an object moving in two dimensions with uniform acceleration.
2. Analyze a physical situation with multiple constant forces acting on a point mass using Newtonian mechanics.
3. Analyze a physical situation using concepts of work and energy.
4. Analyze static and dynamic extended systems using the concepts of torque and angular acceleration.
5. Analyze simple static charge distributions and calculate the resulting electric field and electric potential.
6. Analyze simple current distributions and calculate the resulting magnetic field.
7. Predict the trajectory of charged particles in uniform electric and magnetic fields.
8. Analyze DC circuits in terms of current, potential difference, and power dissipation for each element.
9. Analyze basic physical situations involving reflection and refraction, and use this analysis to predict the path of a light ray.
10. Analyze situations involving interference and diffraction of light waves, and apply these to situations including double slits, diffraction gratings, and wide slits.
11. Understand the limitations of classical physics and begin to develop an awareness of the importance of modern physics (i.e. quantum theory and special relativity) in the natural world.

Laboratory Course Objectives: At the conclusion of the laboratory component of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Analyze real-world experimental data, including appropriate use of units and significant figures.
2. Relate the results of experimental data to the physical concepts discussed in the lecture portion of the class.

Examinations which include problem solving exercises, final examinations, projects, homework problems, laboratory reports.

*Note that not all of the methods listed are required.

Typical Textbooks:

Walker, James; Physics

Cutnell, John D.; Johnson, Kenneth W.; Physics

Serway, Raymond A.; Faughn, Jerry S. College Physics

Urone, Paul P.; Rinrichs, Roger. College Physics

Typical Lab Manuals:

Wilson, Jerry D.; Hernandez, Cecilia A.; Physics Laboratory Experiments

Gastineu, John; Physics with Computers

Sokoloff, David R.; Thornton, Ron; Laws, Priscilla; RealTime Physics: Active Learning Laboratories Modules 1 – 4

Laboratory manuals developed on site.