Gateway Science Center PHYSICS
PhysicsTopics to be covered:I. Introduction to PhysicsA. The Scientific Method B. Measurements and ConversionsSignificant figures - What are they? How to use them mathematically.Scientific Notation - What is it? Why we use it? and How to use them mathematically.II. Math ReviewA. Dimensional AnalysisB. Basic Geometry and Trigonometry for PhysicsC. Basic Graphical AnalysisD. Vector AnalysisIII. Motion in One DimensionA. Kinematics a. Scalar vs Vector Quantitiesb. Speed, Distance, Velocity, Displacement, and Accelerationc. Graph of Linear Motion d. Vector Diagramse. Bodies in Free FallIV. Motion in Two DimensionsA. Projectile MotionB. Circular MotionV. ForcesA. Newton's Laws of MotionLaw of InertiaLaw of Mechanics (F=ma)Law of Action and ReactionVI. EnergyA. Introduction to EnergyB. Energy, Work, PowerVII. MomentumA. Introduction to MomentumB. Conservation of MomentumC. Rocket PropulsionVIII. Gravity and Satellite MotionA. Gravity as a ForceB. Satellite MotionX. ElectromagnetismA. Electrostatics 1. Induction and Conduction of Charges 2. Law of Conservation of Charges 3. Coulomb's Law 4. Electric Fields 5. Potential Difference (Voltage), Current, and Resistance 6. DC Circuits (Parallel and series, and Combined) 7. Kirchoff's Law 8. Electrical PowerB. Magnetism 1. Magnetic Fields and Field Strengths 2. Magnetic Induction and Electric GenerationXI. WavesA. Waves and Energy 1. A Pulse vs Periodic Waves 2. Wave Types - Similarities and Differences) a. Longitudinal (ex. Sound) and Transverse (ex Light) 3. Wave Frequency and Period, and Velocity 4. Wave Phase 5. Standing Wave 6. Doppler Effect 7. Supper Position and Polarization 8. Diffraction 9. ResonanceB. Law of ReflectionC. Law of Refraction - including finding the critical angle, and the concept behind fiberoptics. D. Geometric Optics (Mirrors and Lenses) XIII. Modern PhysicsA. Duality of Light (Light as a wave and as a Particle)B. Energy of an Electromagnetic wave. (Light)C. Atomic Model - A historical look at how we view the atom. 1. Historical Look - Ancient Greece to Neil's Bohr's Model 2. Quantum Nature of Light and Particles. 3. Current Standard Model view of the Atom 4. Out of the Box Look at String Theory