Physics

Course Units: 1.0

Physics is the foundation of all the sciences and explains on a fundamental level how things work. This year-long elective covers mechanics, waves and sound, electricity, magnetism and light. Topics range widely including electric motors, black holes, friction, satellites, resonance and musical instruments, pulleys, lenses, electromagnets, terminal velocity, collisions, balancing, gyroscopes, tides, curve balls, house wiring, cyclotrons, color and Polaroid sunglasses. This course is appropriate both for the student who will concentrate on science in college and for the student whose science career ends in high school. All students in Physics will be rounding out their science education by finishing the sequence of biology, chemistry and physics. In addition, this course is strongly recommended to all students who might be pursuing a science-related major in college, including engineering and the biological sciences. All such students will be required to take college physics and will want the background of a high-school course.

Physics combined with Math V covers most of the material on the AP Physics C Mechanics exam. Students who enjoy taking a challenging exam can finish preparing for it by exploring a few topics in more depth than the regular course and working through practice exams. For those interested in pursuing the AP Exam, packets of material will be provided by the instructors. Pre- or co-requisite: Math IV.