AP Physics B Topics and Time Line Objectives Lab Activities With ...

AP Physics B
Course Overview
Class meets 1.5 periods or 90 minutes every day for 180 days. Students are encouraged to
bring a lunch from home on lab days so they can gain an additional 25 minutes in the lab. The school
year runs from early August until May. There is little time in class after the AP exams.
The textbook is Physics: Principles with Applications 6 th edition, 2005 by Giancoli.
Additional sources are Schaum’s Outline in Physics and Applied Physics as well as the exam prep
book 5 Steps to a 5 for AP Physics.
Experimental design, data analysis, and oral presentations of experiments are emphasized.
Students are encouraged to individualize experiments they design. This sometimes leads to dart guns
and matchbox cars on the same table as photogates and motion detectors! Students are required to keep
a lab notebook and most labs require a written report that includes the hypothesis, apparatus diagram,
procedure, observations presented in charts, and the written analysis of data with graphs.
Open-ended Labs begin with observing a phenomena and asking students what variables influence
what we are observing. Students then design and conduct investigations to explore the relationships
between the variables using equipment available in the lab. Students present graphs in class before
writing lab reports at home.
Topics and
Time Line
1 week
Some of the review
material is assigned
over the summer
and is due the first
day of class in
August.
Kinematics in
One
Dimension
1.5 weeks
Objectives Resources Lab Activities
With Student Objectives
Physics
6 th edition
Giancoli
Chapter 1
1. Skill review
a. Metric system
b. Data collection and
representation
c. Graphing technique
d. Precision vs. Accuracy
e. Math modeling
f. Experimental Design
g. Use of the LoggerPro
software Program and
Sensors
Every student gets a copy of Logger
Pro software by Vernier
• Distinguish between displacement
and distance and speed and velocity.
• Relate average speed to distance
traveled and time elapsed to solve
problems involving such parameters.
• Define acceleration and suggest
means for measuring it.
• Distinguish between average
acceleration and instantaneous
acceleration.
• Write three general kinematics
equations that involve the parameters
distance, initial velocity, final velocity,
acceleration, and time.
• Use the kinematics equations to
solve motion at constant acceleration
problems.
• Write the value of the acceleration
due to gravity in both SI and English
units.
Modeling
Physics
materials
from
Arizona
State Univ.
Giancoli
Physics
6 th edition
Chapter 2
Modeling
Physics
(ASU)
Logger Pro
Software,
Lab Pro
Interface and
probes,
Dell Laptops
Comparative Precision
• Using a micrometer, vernier
caliper, and metric rule
determine the volume of
various objects.
• Discuss significant figures and
percent error
Inertial Mass Open-ended
• Use an inertial balance to
determine the mathematical
relationship between mass and
period
• Determine math
relationship/equation from
graph of the variables.
Dune Buggy – Open-ended
• Analyze the motion of objects
moving at constant speed
• Use physics data to construct
graphs.
• Find the slope of a graph.
• Construct displacement and
time graphs from
experimental data.
• Construct velocity and time
graphs from experimental
data.
• Interpret graphs relating
displacement vs. time.
• Interpret graphs relating
velocity vs. time.

Kinematics in
Two
Dimensions
1.5 weeks
Vectors
1 Week
• Describe the behavior of an object
in free fall when neglecting air
resistance.
• Recognize that the equations of
kinematics directly apply to bodies in
free fall.
• Use the quadratic equation to
determine the time it takes a body
projected vertically downward to reach
the ground and explain the meaning of
the extraneous solution.
• Calculate the position and velocity
at specific times for a body dropped
from rest, or projected vertically
downward, or projected vertically
upwards with some initial velocity.
• Distinguish between one and twodimensional
motion.
• Discuss the trajectory of a projectile
in the earth's gravitational field.
• Illustrate graphically how the
motion of a horizontally projected
baseball compares with that of a
baseball dropped from rest.
• Illustrate with diagrams how the
vertical motion of a baseball thrown at
any angle is similar to the motion of a
baseball thrown vertically.
• Predict the position and velocity of
a projectile as a function of time when
the projection angle and initial speed are
given.
• Predict the range, maximum
altitude, and time of flight for a given
projectile when the initial speed and the
angle of projection are given.
• Illustrate an understanding of
relative motion in one and two
dimensions. .
• Measure and compare the horizontal
and vertical displacements of a
projectile.
• To show that the trajectory of a
projectile is parabolic.
• Locate points, express angles,
express rotation sense, and express
distances in a Frame of Reference—the
Cartesian coordinate system.
• Define scalar and vector quantites
and site examples.
• Define vector sum and resultant of
two or more vectors.
• Use the Tip-to-Tail Method to find
the resultant of two vectors.
• Determine the x and y-components
of a given vector by graphical methods
Physics with
Computers
Volz, Sapatka
Vernier Pub.
Giancoli
Chap 3
Modeling
Physics
(ASU)
Alabama
Science in
Motion
PASCO Lab
equipment and
software
provider
Giancoli
Chap 3
Schaum’s
Outline
Series
College
Physics
8 th edition
Picket Fence Open-Ended
• Determine the acceleration due to
gravity using an acrylic
“picket fence”, photogate,
Vernier Lab Pro, and Logger
Pro software.
• Analyze position-time, velocitytime
and acceleration-time
graphs
• Determine the factors that
introduce error in this activity
Assignments:
Selected items from Chapters 2 [#
7-11, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 24, 27, 28,
38-42, 47, 52, 53, 56]
Range Vs Angle Open-Ended
• Describe the motion of a
projectile in two-dimensional
space.
• Measure and compare the
horizontal and vertical
displacements of a projectile.
• Predict and verify
experimentally the range of a
projectile.
Video Analysis of the path of a
Basketball
Objectives:
Produce position-time, velocitytime,
and acceleration-time graphs
for the vertical and horizontal
motion of a basketball from a video
Assignment:
Chapter 3 [#21- 48 odd ]
Force Tables
• Calculate the force acting on a
string from the sum of the
masses
• Calculate the resultant of the
given force vectors graphically
and/or using rectangular
components
• Experimentally verify results by
balancing the vectors with their
equilibrant
2

Newton’s Laws
a. Statics
b. Dynamics
c. Newton’s 3 rd
Law
d. Linear
Momentum
e. Rotational
Motion
f. Static
Equilibrium
9 weeks
• Calculate the magnitude and the
direction of a vector when its
rectangular components are given.
• Calculate the resultant of two or
more vectors using the Component
Method.
• Demonstrate by definition and
example an understanding of the
distinction between mass and weight.
• Define the units newton and slug and
be able to express them in SI and
English units.
• Demonstrate an understanding of
Newton's First Law of Motion.
• State the 1 st Condition of Equilibrium
• Draw free-body diagrams for a
variety of static problems and solve
for the unknown paramenters
• Demonstrate an understanding of
Newton's Second Law of Motion.
• Draw a free-body diagram for a body
or a system of bodies in motion with
a constant acceleration, set the
resultant force equal to the total mass
times the acceleration, and solve for
the unknown parameters.
• Relate Newton's First and Second
Laws to kinematics.
• State specific examples to illustrate
an understanding of Newton's Third
Law of Motion.
• Analyze the motion of an accelerating
elevator.
• Determine the velocity change of a
body that results when a constant
force is applied over a given period of
time.
• Discuss the forces of kinetic and
static friction and suggest a means of
measuring them.
• Analyze the motion of a body
accelerating on an inclined plane with
friction.
• Distinguish between the linear and
angular values for velocity,
displacement, and acceleration.
• Write the angular and linear versions
of the 7 kinematic equations.
• Explain the 2 components of angular
acceleration (centripetal and
tangential).
• Define center of mass and calculate
for given objects.
• Relate Torque and F=ma
Physics
Giancoli
Chap 4
Chap 5
Chap 7
Logger Pro
sosftware, Lab
Pro interface
and probes,
Dell computers
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Guess and Build Open-Ended
• Guess the reading on spring
scales in various arrangements
with pulleys and weights, then
build the setup and read the
spring scales.
• Explain reasoning for
predictions when pre and post
lab answers don’t match.
Center of Gravity
• Determine the center of
gravity of various geometric
shapes using the plumb-line
method.
Hallway Hockey Open-Ended
• Observe the interaction
between air hockey pucks and
outside contact forces
• Explain the relationship
between Newton’s 1 st Law and
the behavior
F = ma
Open-Ended
• Experimentally determine the
relationship between force,
mass, and acceleration using
dynamic carts, tracks, and
motion sensors.
• Graphically derive the
relationship between the
variables
Coefficient of Friction
Open-Ended
• Determine the coefficient of
static friction between two
surface
• Demonstrate that the frictional
force is independent of area
• Student designed lab using
Vernier force probes, Lab Pro
interfaces and computers
Conservation of
Momentum Student
Designed Lab
• Design and conduct an
experiment to explore the law
of Conservation of Momentum
• Explain results of lab and lab
design orally and in a written
format.
3

• Explain how the moment of inertia
changes for a student on a spinning
stool as they open and close their
arms.
• Calculate the rotational kinetic
energy and apply conservation of
energy to an object rolling down an
incline plane.
• Explain why the angular momentum
of a rotating object depends upon the
choice of axis.
• Define precession and explain the
behavior of gyroscopes.
• Using a spinning bicycle wheel
explain the right-hand rule.
• Solve multi-step problems using the
1 st and 2 nd conditions of equilibrium.
Torque Mini-Labs
Open-Ended
• In terms of torque, explain
what you feel as a 200g mass
is slid down a held meterstick.
• Why does Conservation of
angular momentum hold true
for a student spinning on a
stool holding hand-weights.
• Predict which will reach the
end of an incline first, a ring or
disk. Explain in terms of
inertia.
Project – Build a perfectly
balanced mobile to hang from the
ceiling
Universal
Gravitation
and Kepler’s
Laws
1.5 week
• State the conditions that are
necessary for uniform circular
motion.
• Understand how acceleration is
possible without a change in
speed.
• Show that all circular motion
equations are dimensionally
correct.
• Apply understandings of
centripetal force to examples of
motion in a vertical circle.
• Use Newton's Universal Law of
Gravitation to derive the
acceleration due to gravity for
the surface of the earth and for
the surfaces of other planets
when the radii and the masses of
the planets are given.
• Use Newton's Universal Law and
Newton's Second Law of Motion
to express weight for any
location in the universe.
• Determine mass from weight or
weight from mass where a value
for the acceleration due to
gravity is known.
Giancoli
Chapter 5
Modulus Lab – Student
Designed
• Students will design and
conduct an experiment
exploring the relationships
defined by one of the
following: Young’s Modulus,
Shear Modulus, or Bulk
Modulus
• Written and oral reports are
required
Centripetal Force on a
Rubber Stopper Open-Ended
• Experimentally determine the
relationships between the
factors that influence the
motion of a rubber stopper on
a length of string.
• Students design and conduct
the experiment
• Derive equation from the
graphs
Equal Areas and Ellipse
Activity Open-Ended
• Using graph paper, push-pins,
and string create 3
different ellipses and
explain what you did to
make them different.
Assignments:
Selected Items from Chapter 5
[Problems 1-9 Odd, 10-13, 19, 28-
32, 34, 43, 44, 53 & 54
4

Work, Power,
Conservation
of Energy
2 weeks
• Determine the acceleration due
to gravity for various positions
on the surface and above the
surface of the earth.
• Apply centripetal force and
gravitation to satellite motion.
• Explain and apply the
relationship between the speed
and the orbital radius of a
satellite.
• Demonstrate proficiency in
solving problems involving
apparent weightlessness in a
satellite and in an elevator.
• State Kepler's Three Laws of
Planetary Motion.
• Use Kepler's Third Law to relate
the radius of an orbit to its
period.
• Relate energy changes in elastic and
completely inelastic collisions.
• Understand that momentum and
kinetic energy are conserved in
elastic collisions.
• Use energy and momentum
principles to discuss what occurs
after an elastic collision has
stopped.
• Define physical work.
• State the conditions necessary for
the performance of physical work.
• Define the joule, the erg, and the
foot pound as work or energy units.
• Write a mathematical statement for
calculating the work done by a
given force and demonstrate that the
equation is dimensionally correct.
• Recognize that the area beneath a
Force vs. Distance curve is work
done over the distance interval.
• Define kinetic energy.
• Demonstrate by example and by
experiment the relationship between
the performance of work and the
corresponding change in kinetic
energy.
• Calculate the kinetic energy of a
body when it’s mass or weight is
given.
• Discuss the Work-Energy Theorem
and express it as a mathematical
statement.
• Define potential energy.
• Define gravitational potential
energy.
• Write an equation that will
determine the gravitational potential
Physics
Giancoli
Chap 6-7
Physics
with
Computers
Vernier Pub
Dell Computers
Lab Pro
Logger Pro
Hooke’s Law Open-Ended
• Experimentally determine the
spring constant of a spring by
measuring the elongation of
the spring for a given applied
force.
• Interpret and analyze a Force
vs. Elongation experimental
graph for a Hooke's Law
experiment.
• Determine the potential
energy of a compressed or
elongated spring.
• Show that the change in
gravitational potential energy
of a mass-spring system is
equal to the change in spring
potential energy.
Power Open-ended
• Every student will determine
his horsepower after walking
and running up a stairwell.
Conservation of Energy
Student Designed
• Students will design and
conduct an experiment to
explore conservation of
energy.
• Present results orally and in a
written format.
Assignment:
Odd problems 1-50
5

energy of a known mass or weight
relative to a given location in space.
• State and write the Law of
Conservation of Mechanical
Energy. Include kinetic, spring
potential, gravitational potential
energies, and work due to friction.
• State and give a mathematical
equation for Hooke's Law.
• Explain the meaning of the negative
sign in the equation expressing
Hooke's Law.
• Discuss the meaning of the
expression conservative force.
• Understand the significance of a
conservative force.
• Understand that the gravitational
field is a conservative field.
• Understand that the spring force is a
conservative force.
• Understand the relationship between
work, energy, and power.
• Define and compare the units of the
watt, kilowatt, and horsepower as
they are used to measure power.
• Demonstrate by example an
understanding of the concept of
power.
Fluids
1 week
Laws of
Thermodynamics
1.5 weeks
• Define the properties of fluids.
• In terms of structure, distinguish the
differences between solids, liquids,
gases, and plasma.
• Distinguish between mass density,
weight density, and specific gravity.
• Define the concept of pressure and
that of absolute pressure.
• State and apply Pascal's Principle.
• State Archimedes' Principle and its
relationship to buoyancy.
• Understand Bernoulli's Equation
and its application to ideal fluids.
• Demonstrate an understanding of
the workings of an airfoil.
• Explain continuity principle and
relate to conservation of energy
• Define a thermodynamic system.
• Differentiate between state and phase.
• Give two examples in which the
internal energy of a system can be
changed.
• State the First Law of
Thermodynamics, give two examples
in which the law is demonstrated, and
represent the first law mathematically.
• Define and give illustrated examples
of each of the following
Giancoli
Chap 10
Giancoli
Chapters
13-15
Univ. of
Michigan
1101 Lab
Cartesian Diver Project
Student designed
Students will build a Cartesian
diver from plastic pipets, hex nuts,
and a soda bottle. They will also
explain the principles behind their
device.
Conservation of Energy
and Heat open-ended
• Use conservation of energy
to describe the behavior of
a system when internal
energy changes
• Calculate the transfer of
thermal energy
6

Simple
Harmonic
Motion,
Waves,
and
Sound
3 Weeks
thermodynamic processes: (a)
adiabatic, (b) isochoric, (c) isothermal,
and (d) isobaric.
• Explain the significance of a PV
diagram in describing (a) adiabatic, (b)
isochoric, (c) isothermal, and (d)
isobaric thermodynamic processes.
• State the Second Law of
Thermodynamics.
• Define the entropy of a system.
• Explain the operation and the
limitations of the efficiency of a heat
engine.
• Determine the efficiency of a heat
engine in terms of heat input and heat
output.
• Determine the efficiency of a heat
engine in terms of input temperature
and output temperature.
• Differentiate between Carnot
Efficiency and actual efficiency as
applied to heat engines.
• Describe simple harmonic motion
(SHM) through examples.
• Define the parameters of SHM.
• Describe the relationships between
force and displacement in simple
harmonic motion.
• Describe and illustrate how the
magnitude and direction of velocity
varies as a function of time in SHM.
• Describe and illustrate how the
magnitude and direction of
acceleration varies as a function of
time in SHM.
• Calculate the frequency or period
when the position and acceleration
of an object at any instant during
SHM are given.
• Determine the period and total
energy of a simple pendulum
undergoing SHM.
• Use the reference circle to describe
the displacement, velocity and
acceleration.
• Describe and apply Hooke’s law
and Newton’s second law to
determine the acceleration as a
function of displacement.
• Describe and illustrate transverse
and longitudinal wave motion.
• Describe, relate, and illustrate the
meaning of frequency, speed, and
wavelength as they apply to wave
motion.
• Understand the principles of
reflection, refraction, dispersion,
Giancoli
Chapters
11-12
Vernier’s
Physics with
Computers
Physics
Demos in
Sound and
Waves
Video series
Pendulum Lab Open-Ended
• Experimentally determine the
relationship between the
period of a pendulum and
the mass of the bob .
• Experimentally determine the
relationship between the
period of a pendulum and
the length of the cord.
Optional Labs (if time allows)
*Mass on a spring with
Computer
*Energy Conservation and
SHM with computer
Speed of Sound Open-ended
• Compare the calculated
speed of sound
determined from
classroom temperature to
the experimental speed of
sound determined with a
cardboard tube, tuning
fork, and pitcher of water.
7

Electrostatics
Current and
Circuits
3 weeks
and diffraction as they relate to
mechanical waves.
• Understand the mathematics of
traveling and standing waves.
• Distinguish between the
physiological and physical
definitions of sound.
• State ways of approximating the
speed of sound in liquids and gases
knowing the speed of sound in air.
• Distinguish between harmonics and
overtones as they apply to a
vibrating system with fixed end
points.
• Define resonance.
• Discuss the origin and significance
of beats.
• Use the superposition principle and
determine the resultant wave when
two waves merge.
• Use the Doppler effect to predict the
apparent change in sound frequency
that occurs as a result of relative
motion between a source and an
observer.
• Discuss the nature of electrical charge.
• Understand charge quantization.
• Recognize that all charges are multiple
of the fundamental unit of charge, e.
• Demonstrate that charge is conserved.
• Explain how to charge a body by
induction.
• Distinguish between an insulator and a
conductor.
• Write Coulomb's Law and express it in
terms of an equation.
• Apply Coulomb's Law to problems
involving systems of point charges.
• Define the electrical field in terms of an
isolated point charge.
• Show how the electric field is similar to
a gravitational field.
• Calculate the magnitude and the
direction of the force that would act on
a test charge placed at a given point in
an electric field.
• Write a mathematical expression to
determine the electrical field at a given
point in space.
• Calculate the electric field of a system
of charge distributions.
• Discuss the motion of a charged particle
in a uniform electric field.
• Distinguish by definition and example
between potential energy, electric
potential, and electric potential
8
Physics
6 th Edition
Chapters
16-18
Computer
Software
Standing Waves on a String
Open-ended
• Explain how standing waves
are formed
• Determine the speed and
frequency of a standing wave
on a string.
• Tell what determines the
natural frequency of a
vibrating system.
Static Electricity Lab
Open-Ended
• Students will make qualitative
observations of the behavior of
an electroscope when it is
charged by conduction and by
induction.
Electrostatics 3D
Computer simulation

difference.
• Distinguish between positive and
negative work.
• Compute the potential energy of a
known charge at a given distance from
another known charge and state
whether the potential energy is
positive or negative.
• Determine the electric potential at any
point due to a charge of known
magnitude.
• Calculate the electric potential at a point
in the neighborhood of a number of
isolated charges.
• Find the force that would be exerted on
a given charge placed between two
oppositely charged parallel plates of
known separation and potential
difference.
• Define the electron volt, eV, and be able
to express energy in terms of this unit.
• Define the dielectric strength of a
material and describe the part it plays
in limiting the charge that can be
placed on a conductor.
• Discuss the effects of the size and the
shape of a conductor on its ability to
store a charge.
• Derive a relationship between applied
voltage, capacitance, and total charge.
• Calculate the capacitance of a parallelplate
capacitor when the area of the
plates is given and they are separated
by a medium of a known dielectric
constant.
• Define permittivity and give examples
illustrating its effect on a capacitor.
• Define and calculate the energy of a
charged capacitor.
• Define the ampere as the unit of
Eelectrical current.
• Distinguish between conventional flow
and electron flow.
• State Ohm's Law for electrical
components.
• Define the unit of resistance, the ohm.
• Determine the potential drop across a
resistance carrying a given current.
• Define the factors that determine the
resistance of a given wire.
• Calculate the resistance of a wire given
its resistivity, length, and radius.
• Explain, on the atomic level, the effect
of increased temperature in a given
resistance.
• Calculate the change in resistance of a
conductor with change in temperature.
Physics
with
Computers
Physics
with
Computers
The Magnetic Field in a
Slinky
• Determine the relationship
between magnetic field
and the current in a
solenoid
• Determine the relationship
between the magnetic
field and the number of
turns per meter in a
solenoid.
• Determine the value of the
permeability constant µ o
Ohm’s Law
• Determine the mathematical
relationship between
current, potential
difference, and resistance
in a simple circuit.
• Compare the potential vs.
current behavior of a
resistor to that of a light
bulb.
9

Light and
Optics
3 Weeks
• Relate the potential difference across a
resistor carrying a current to its energy
loss.
• Define the watt as the unit of electrical
power.
• Determine the power loss across a
given current carrying resistance.
• Write and apply Kirchhoff's Rules for
electrical networks in the
determination of unknown currents.
• Analyze multiloop circuits using
Ohm's Law and Kirchhoff's Rules.
• Calculate the equivalent capacitance of
a number of capacitors arranged in (1)
series, (2) parallel, and (3) series and
parallel combination.
• Explain how electromagnetic waves
are produced.
• Describe the electromagnetic spectrum
and the relationship between
frequency, wavelength, and speed of
electromagnetic waves.
• Describe the Roemer and Michelson
experiment to determine the speed of
light.
• Explain the dispersion of light and the
visible spectrum.
• Use Huygen's Principle to explain
diffraction and refraction.
• Explain how the phenomena of
diffraction and interference
demonstrate the wave nature of light.
• Give graphic examples of constructive
and destructive interference.
• Discuss single-slit diffraction.
• Explain how diffraction gratings are
used in spectroscopy.
• Describe how thin films produce
colorful displays.
• Understand the interference patterns
produced by light reflecting off the
two surfaces of a thin film.
• Understand how anti-reflective
coatings work.
• Apply the diffraction-grating equation
to solve problems involving diffraction
gratings.
• Describe the phenomenon of
polarization.
• Explain the dispersion of light and
the visible spectrum.
• Use Huygen's Principle to explain
diffraction and refraction.
• Discuss Young's experiment and its
significance.
• Explain how the phenomena of
diffraction and interference
Univ. of
Michigan
1101 Lab
Alabama
Science
In Motion
Electrical Energy and Heat
• Open ended
• Measure the rate at which a
light bulb transfers energy
to an aquarium.
Young’s Double Slit Experiment
• To determine the wavelength
of a source of light by using a
double-slit and a diffraction
grating of known spacing.
Teacher demo-lab
Time allotted: 30 minutes
Assignments:
Selected items from Chapters 22
and 24
AP Problem Set # 10: [1996 #3,
1999 #6B, 2000 #B4, and 2004 #
4]
Plane Mirror Lab
Open ended
• Investigate the positions
and characteristics of
images produced by plane
and curved mirrors.
10

demonstrate the wave nature of light.
• Give graphic examples of
constructive and destructive
interference.
• Discuss single-slit diffraction.
• Explain how diffraction gratings are
used in spectroscopy.
• Describe how thin films produce
colorful displays.
• Understand the interference patterns
produced by light reflecting off the
two surfaces of a thin film.
• Understand how anti-reflective
coatings work.
• Apply the diffraction-grating
equation to solve problems involving
diffraction gratings.
• Describe the phenomenon of
polarization.
• Describe the characteristics of plane
mirrors.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the
nature of the images formed by plane
mirrors.
• Distinguish between virtual and real
images.
• Define magnification in terms of
image height and object height.
• Distinguish between plane mirrors
and spherical mirrors.
• Understand the characteristics of
converging and diverging mirrors.
• Describe the images formed by
converging and diverging mirrors.
• Use ray-tracing techniques to
construct images formed by spherical
mirrors.
• Define the focal length of a spherical
mirror.
• Use the spherical mirror equation to
solve problems.
• Calculate the magnification of a
spherical mirror.
• Define index of refraction.
• Understand the relationships between
index of refraction, Snell's law, and
critical angle.
• Distinguish between converging and
diverging lenses.
• Understand the characteristics of
converging and diverging lenses.
• Describe the images formed by
converging and diverging lenses.
• Use ray-tracing techniques to
construct images formed by lenses.
• Define the focal length of a lens.
• Use the thin lens equation to solve
Index of Refraction
• Explain Snell’s law and its
application to transparent
materials.
• Explain what the index of
refraction tells you about a
transparent material and how
it can be measured
experimentally.
• Determine the index of
refraction of crown and flint
glass.
Lenses – Open Ended
• Observe the positions and
characteristics of images
produced by convex and
concave lenses.
• Design an experiment that
would give the
magnification of a given
lens for a given distance.
Assignment:
Selected items from Chapter 23
AP Problem Set # 11 [1989 #5B,
1987 #5B, 1983 #5B, 1985 # 6B,
1982 #6B, 1997 #5B, 1993 #4B, ]
11

Nuclear
Physics
3 weeks
problems.
• Calculate the magnification of a thin
lens.
• Understand the sign convention for
thin lens calculations.
• Describe the structure and properties of
the nucleus.
• Determine the number of neutrons in a
nuclide of known atomic number and
mass number.
• Explain what is meant by an isotope of
an element. State how isotopes of an
element differ and state the properties
they have in common.
• Explain what is meant by the unified
atomic mass unit. Calculate the energy
equivalent in MeV of an atomic mass
unit.
• Given a table of nuclear masses,
calculate the binding energy of a
nucleus and the binding energy per
nucleon.
Identify the three kinds of radiation
emitted by radioactive substances.
State which radiations are deflected by
electric and magnetic fields.
• Give the symbol used to represent each
of the following: alpha particle, beta -
particle, beta + particle, gamma ray.
• Write a general equation to represent
each of the following possible
radiation decays: alpha decay, beta +
decay, beta - decay, gamma decay.
• Distinguish between the parent nucleus
and daughter nucleus in a nuclear
transmutation.
• Calculate the disintegration energy (Q)
for a given alpha decay.
• List the four conservation laws which
apply to radioactive decays.
• Write the equation which relates the
half life of a substance to its decay
constant.
• Write the equation for the law of
radioactive decay. Explain the
meaning of each symbol in the
equation.
• Solve problems related to the law of
radioactive decay.
• Explain what is meant by a nuclear
reaction.
• Write the general equation for a nuclear
reaction in both the long form and the
short form. Explain what each symbol
in the equation represents.
• Given a problem involving a nuclear
reaction which is written in the short
Physics
by Giancoli
Chapters 27, 30,
31
We observe the AP Chemistry’s
cloud chamber when it is in use
across the hall.
12

form, determine the missing particle or
nucleus.
• Distinguish between nuclear fission and
fusion and give an example of each
process.
• Describe Thomson and Millikan’s
experiments related to the electron.
• Discuss the basics of Planck’s
hypothesis
• Define a photon and relate its energy to
its frequency and/or wavelength.
• Convert energy units: joules to electron
volts and vice versa.
• Describe the photoelectric effect.
• Use the Einstein photoelectric equation
to calculate classical velocities of
photoelectrons.
• Relate the photoelectric effect to
stopping potential and threshold
frequency.
• Discuss the importance of the
Compton effect.
• Discuss the Thomson and Rutherford
atomic models.
• Discuss the de Broglie hypothesis and
state the circumstances under which
the wave nature of matter is observed.
• Calculate the wavelengths of matter
waves.
• Given a graph of energy versus
frequency, understand the meaning of
the slope, the x-intercept, and the y-
intercept.
• Understand the nature and production
of X-rays.
• Describe the results of the collision of
an X-ray photon with an electron
(Compton effect) and the results of the
scattering of X-rays from a crystal
(Davisson-Germer experiment).
• Demonstrate the proficiency in drawing
and interpreting energy-level
diagrams.
• Calculate the energy absorbed or
emitted by an atom when an electron
moves to a higher or lower energy
level.
13