Summer Assignment – AP Physics B 2009-2010
This short assignment is based on the mathematical and graphical skills that are needed for physics. They will help to prepare you for a good start when school starts.
During summer I usually check email daily, so you can contact me if you have questions. (Thomas.Kinder@fcps.edu) I will be traveling for a few weeks during summer and may not check email regularly.
Required
Obtain the two copyrighted handouts from me (while school is in session). During summer, the handouts are available on Blackboard[1]. Email me if you need help obtaining the handouts (I can email you Word attachments).
(After school is dismissed for summer, the handouts
are available from Blackboard or by emailing me.)
1. Mathematical Skills (Use the handout “Serway Student Manual”)
Read the handout from the Gordon et al. Student Solutions Manual & Study Guide for College Physics. Using separate paper, carefully work the sample problems using the problem solving procedure (Section 1.9, page 2) of the handout (I require a sketch or drawing for every problem). The authors provide complete solutions to all the problems. You will benefit only if you copy the question, make a strong effort to solve the problem, and only then check the author’s solution.
Recall the steps for rigorous problem solving:
Problems: 1, 9, 21, 25, 31, 35, 39, 42, 48 & 51.
This assignment will refresh your math skills. I plan to collect your written assignment for a grade on the first day of class, and to give a brief quiz on these skills on the second day of class.
2. Graphical Analysis (Use the handout “Graphical Analysis”)
Examine the graphs in the handout and answer the questions on the handout (separate paper is not required).
Optional
I plan to start the course with new topics, not covered in your first physics course (Physics I or Honors Physics). We will begin with fluids and thermodynamics. I think that you will find this approach more interesting then starting by repeating material that you have already covered. We will be using the mechanics knowledge that you have from your first course, so you may wish to spend a few hours reviewing these topics before school starts: motion (kinematics), forces (Newton’s Laws of Motion), work, power & energy, and momentum. I assume that you have not forgotten these topics!
You should also consider buying one of the many AP Physics review books.[2] The books have information and advice about the AP Physics tests. More importantly, they have useful outlines of the physics that we will cover and they encourage sound problem solving techniques. Purchase of one of these review books is not required (they are usually available in Public Libraries, or you can spend a pleasant afternoon at Borders or Barnes & Noble perusing one). A review book may be a useful reference for the summer assignment.
You may find the HyperPhysics WWW site useful for the summer assignment and reviewing physics. http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/hframe.html
If you want to watch some high quality physics videos that cover many of the same topics that we will study this year, try: http://www.learner.org/resources/series42.html, which offers all the Mechanical Universe videos. Each video is about 30 minutes long. I have reviewed all the videos and most of them are outstanding. You do need a high speed connection. You have to establish a user ID and password, but the site is free.
Have a good summer and return ready to enjoy learning
physics.
(After school is dismissed for summer, the handouts
are available from Blackboard or by emailing me.)