Overview

AP Physics B is a college-level course in physics designed for students interested in studying physics as a basis for more advanced work in the life sciences, medicine, geology, and related areas, or as a component in a non-science college program that has science requirements. Credit for advanced placement for the AP Physics B course provides the student with an opportunity either to have an accelerated college program or to meet a basic science requirement; in either case the student's college program will be enriched.

The course includes topics in both classical and modern physics. A knowledge of algebra and basic trigonometry is required for the course; the basic ideas of calculus may be introduced in connection with physical concepts, such as acceleration and work. Understanding of the basic principles involved and the ability to apply these principles in the solution of problems are the major goals of the course. The lecture stresses the concepts of physics. The labs develop skills of experimentation, observation, analysis, and use of lab equipment including computers. Problem-solving emphasizes mathematical and analytical skills as applied to physical laws and concepts.

The course seeks to be representative of topics covered in similar college courses, as determined by periodic surveys. Accordingly, goals have been set for coverage of five general areas: mechanics, kinetic theory and thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and modern physics.

Materials

Text - Serway and Faughn, College Physics, 7th ed. Calculator: trig functions and scientific notation capability. Notebooks: spiral or bound composition book for homework and notes; bound composition book for labs.

Homework

Assignment sheets will give the activity planned for each day. Preparation for the day's activity should be done before class. Students should read the assigned sections, and complete the assigned problems before class. Homework problems and notes are to be written in a separate composition or spiral book (NOT loose-leaf) dedicated to physics.

Quizzes

Expect frequent (daily) short unannounced quizzes.

Labs

Labs should be written completely in a composition notebook. Some labs may also require a formal lab report, handed in as a separate document.

Tests

Tests will usually occur every other week and will usually cover two chapters. Tests will consist of multiple choice questions and problems, and are intended to be very similar to actual AP exam questions. Calculators are required and may not be shared.

Final Exams

There will be a semester exam at the end of the first semester, and the exam grade will count as part of the first semester grade. The AP Physics B exam is given on an afternoon in May. The exam covers the entire course and consists of a 90-minute multiple choice section and a 90-minute free-response section.

Grading

Homework, quizzes, and labs will be graded on a 4-point scale: 4 = A = 95%,

3 = B = 85%, 2 = C = 75%, 1 = D = 65%, 0 = F = 55%, and -4 = 0%. Tests are graded on a 100-point scale. Quarter grades will be computed as follows: Tests 70%, Quizzes 10%, Homework/notes 10%, Labs 10%.

Extra help

Please seek extra help as soon as difficulties arise! My schedule is posted on my office door; I am usually available after school as well, especially if we arrange a meeting in advance. IT IS ABSOLUTELY IMPERATIVE that you stay caught up with the work in this course - if you fall behind, it's highly likely that you will be unable to catch up again. This class moves VERY FAST! I would also strongly encourage students to form study groups to work together on problem-solving.

Absence policy

Students must arrange with teacher to make up all work missed during an absence. If the absence is a planned one, please arrange for make-up work before you miss class, not after. Any work missed due to an unexcused absence will receive zero credit. Please note that an absence the day before a test does not automatically excuse you from the test; extensions are granted only in the case of extreme illness or emergency.