Grade: 11-12
Credit: One
Prerequisite: Two laboratory science courses

Physics I introduces the central concepts of physics, including the dual wave-particle nature of light, the conservation laws (mass, energy, and momentum) and atomic theory. This laboratory-centered course utilizes an approach that is inductive and mathematical as well as conceptual.

Laboratory experiments and the use of technology are integral parts of the course. Many of the experiments use computers, CBL's (calculator based laboratory), and probeware for the collection and analysis of data. Simulation software and videodisks are also used. Students are given the opportunity to acquire, manipulate and present data using these technologies.

Indicators are notated with the Virginia Standards of Learning for Physics. All Physics standards are included in this course.

Benchmarks and indicators are organized by the following strands:

1. Inquiry in Physics
2. Classical Mechanics
3. Waves
4. Electricity and Magnetism
5. Nuclear and Quantum Physics

Benchmark
Students will recognize the contributions made by scientists throughout culture, and explain how scientific knowledge builds and changes over time. Students will participate in the scientific process.

Indicators: (SOL PH.3, PH.5)

1. Gather and analyze data in an open system, which relates to the concepts of impulse and momentum.
2. Use laboratory data to derive the relationships between radius, force, speed, and acceleration for objects moving in uniform circular motion.
3. Apply universal gravitational theory and centripetal force theory to deduce Kepler's laws of planetary motion using a mathematical derivation.
4. Using experimental data from motion detectors, calculate velocity and/or acceleration graphs using the slope of the line.
5. Investigate and summarize the results of an experiment involving free-fall or projectile motion and analyze the limitations of the experimental apparatus.
6. Devise an experiment to calculate the efficiency of an electric motor as it lifts a mass.
7. Devise and conduct an experiment to investigate Joule heating in an electric circuit.
8. Analyze primary sources to develop and refine research hypothesis.
9. Incorporate data gathered from non-SI instruments by using conversions and appropriate significant figures.

II. Classical Mechanics

Benchmark
The students will explain the interrelationship of motion, forces and energy.

Indicators: (SOL PH.1, PH.2, PH.5, PH.6, PH.7, PH.8, PH.14)

1. Analyze the interaction of objects in a closed system according to conservation of energy.
2. Perform an experiment to analyze the interaction of objects using the work-energy theorem.
3. Construct and analyze free body diagrams describing the forces on various objects with in a system of objects.
4. Apply Newton's laws of motion to analyze and predict the effects of applied forces on bodies.
5. Calculate the momentum of a moving object.
6. Derive the relationship between impulse and change in momentum.
7. Qualitatively describe the nature of gravitational force and inverse square law.
8. Combine universal gravitational theory and centripetal force theory to solve orbital motion problems.
9. Relate mass, speed, momentum, and kinetic energy of a moving body.
10. Calculate gravitational and electrical potential energy.
11. Define heat and distinguish between heat and temperature and describe experiments showing the production of heat from mechanical and/or electrical forms.
12. Describe the model of the kinetic theory of a gas.
13. Use the kinetic theory to predict quantitative relationships between pressure and volume, particle speed, number of particles and temperature.
14. Describe the concept of temperature as that which decides the direction of spontaneous energy transfer by conduction, convection, or radiation.

III. Waves

Benchmark
Students will understand the nature of waves, and quantify the interactions that occur between waves and matter.

Indicators: (PH9, PH10, PH11)

1. Develop a wave model for mechanical energy transfer.
2. Relate wavelength, wave speed, and frequency.
3. Compare and contrast transverse and longitudinal waves.
4. Use the wave model to explain diffraction, polarization, and interference to include standing waves.
5. Produce and analyze interference patterns using sound, light, or water waves.
6. Explain the Doppler shift for moving wave sources.
7. Predict and produce real and virtual images using light and mirrors and record using ray diagrams.
8. Construct ray diagrams demonstrating how images are formed by lenses and mirrors.
9. Explore the relationship between wavelength, frequency, and energy of electromagnetic waves.

Benchmark
Students will use the field concept to explain electric and magnetic fields. Students will construct basic electrical circuits and explain the various circuit components.

Indicators: (PH4, PH8, PH12, PH13, PH14)

1. Analyze energy transformations in electrical circuits using the law of conservation of energy.
2. Formulate the relationship between power, energy, and time.
3. Construct a model of charge that explains how objects become electrically charged through friction, induction, and direct contact.
4. Qualitatively describe the nature of the electrostatic force.
5. Calculate electric field strengths around various charge configurations and sketch the field lines.
6. Compare the ratio of electric force to gravitational force between charged objects and classify forces as either gravitational or electrical.
7. Combine various electrical components to diagram and construct electrical circuits and compare to solid state components.
8. Apply ohm's law in solving various circuit problems.
9. Compare and contrast the properties of insulators, conductors, semiconductors, and superconductors.
10. Create or understand a model for magnetism to explain the existence of magnetic fields around permanent magnets and current carrying wires.
11. Apply the right-hand rule to determine the circulation and orientation of magnetic field lines around current carrying wires and the deflection of charged particles moving through magnetic fields.
12. Explore the relationship between voltage and current generated by a changing magnetic field.
13. Relate magnetic field theory to the operation of devices such as motors, generators, transformers, and magnetic resonance imagers.

Benchmark
Students will understand the structure of the atom and nuclear forces. Students will understand how these concepts led to the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics.

Indicators: (SOL PH.3, PH.4, PH.14)

1. Qualitatively describe the operation of a cathode ray tube and predict the deflection of the electron beam.
2. Apply the wave/particle model of light to explain experimental results such as diffraction, photoelectric effect, and interference.
3. Connect the wave/particle duality of light to matter.
4. Compare and contrast different wavelengths and energies of the electromagnetic spectrum.
5. State and apply Einstein's mass energy equivalence.
6. Define mass defect and binding energy.
7. Describe the process of nuclear fission/fusion with a simple example.
8. Describe the characteristics of atomic emission and absorption spectra.
9. Describe the characteristics of alpha, beta and gamma particles.

There is no Virginia Standard of Learning Test for Physics.

Last update: August 21, 1998