2012-13 upper school course description book - University Liggett ...

Physics: Calculus Based Mechanics
First semester, 1/2 credit
Prerequisites: Physics Honors or Classical Mechanics and recommendation from department chair
Students should have taken or be concurrently enrolled in Calculus
Calculus Based Mechanics more fully develops the concepts covered in Classical Mechanics and the first
semester of Physics Honors. The pace is fast, and the use of calculus is integral. The course will be
devoted to the mechanics concepts of one and two-dimensional motion, Newton’s Laws of motion,
Mechanical Energy, Momentum, Rotational Motion, Rotational Kinematics and Simple Harmonic
Motion.
Physics: Classical Mechanics
Prerequisite: Chemistry and recommendation of department chair
Second semester, 1/2 credit
This physics course introduces the fundamental concepts of forces and motion, including the study of
one and two-dimensional motion, Newton’s Laws, momentum, mechanical energy, and oscillation. The
laboratory is used to develop the critical ability needed to gain an understanding of the physical world
and relate that understanding to the theories discussed in class. Students should have a working
knowledge of algebra, specifically rearranging equations to solve for an unknown variable, solving
systems of two unknowns and two equations, geometry and right triangle trigonometry.
Physics: Light, Sound and Waves
Prerequisite: Chemistry and recommendation of department chair
First semester, 1/2 credit
The Light, Sound and Waves course will be a laboratory-based course that will cover the mechanics of
traveling waves through a medium, geometric optics, and the unique characteristics of light.
Experiments and discussions in this class will cover topics such as frequency and wavelength, reflection,
refraction, diffraction, thin and thick lenses, mirrors, optical systems, coherence, polarization and ray
tracing. The experiments in this class are designed to give the students hands-on knowledge of the topics
covered during class so that they may relate the topics covered in class to the real world. Among other
things, students will be making magnifiers, measuring focal lengths, measuring indices of refraction,
measuring the speed of sound, and making holograms. Students in this class should have a
working knowledge of algebra, including rearranging equations and working with fractions. Students
should also be familiar with the sine, cosine and tangent functions.
Physics: Electricity and Magnetism
Second semester, 1/2 credit
Prerequisites: Physics Honors and recommendation from department chair
This course will introduce and elaborate on concepts in electricity and magnetism. The concepts include
Coulomb’s Law, Gauss’ Law, electric potential and electric potential energy, capacitance, simple, RC and
RL circuits, magnetic fields, and induction. This course will be algebra-based, but will require significant
use of trigonometry and complex algebraic problem solving techniques.
Physics Honors
Full year, one credit
Prerequisite: Chemistry, Precalculus and recommendation of department chair
Precalculus may be taken concurrently
This course offers a study of fundamental physical concepts such as mechanics, kinematics, oscillatory
motion, electricity and magnetism in greater depth than that presented in the regular physics course. It is
intended for students who are very able in mathematics, and who have demonstrated outstanding
ability in science courses at Liggett. Laboratory work and mathematical problem solving are both
essential for success in the course.
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