Physics

Physics I is an introductory survey of the basic principles of modern physics, including

• Kinematics (motion) in one, two and three dimensions, including rotational motion
• Dynamics (forces) and Equilibrium
• Work and Energy
• Momentum
• Solids and Fluids
• Waves and Vibration
• Thermodynamics (temperture, heat, and entropy)
• Electrical charges, fields currents, and circuits
• Magnetism
• Electronmagnetic waves, Light, and Optics
• Special Relativity
• Quantum Mechanics
• Nuclear Energy and Elementary Particles
• Astrophysics and Cosmology

Meetings: This course meets twice a week, once in the morning, once in the evening, for a review of the material and open discussion. Students are expected to attend both sessions each week. Assignments from the text will be supplemented by laboratory exercises. Students post homework problems to the course session forums to gain practice in explaining solutions. Chapter quizzes provide additional practice in concept recognition and application to common situations.

We will approach this mass of material through our texts, through discussion, through guided Web Tours, and through lab experiences. As we learn about the concepts and methods of modern physics, we will try to put them into perspective by addressing these questions:

• What is science?
• What is scientific methodology?
• How do we observe a natural object or event?
• How do we use instruments to discover more detailed information about matter, energy, motion, and forces?
• How do we evaluate and organize our knowledge?
• What are hypotheses, models, theories, and natural laws? How do we test, accept, or disprove a theory?
• How does the very act of organizing knowledge limit or enhance the way we think about nature and ourselves?
• What are the ethical implications of scientific investigations into energy and matter?
• How does making an abstract model help us understand a "real event"? How does it obscure the reality of the event?
• What are the areas of conflict between current physics theories and models, and the social, cultural, and religious concerns of the human community?
• What are our responsibilities as stewards of the natural resources of Earth?

Students taking the normal course schedule are generally well-prepared for the SAT II Subject Examination in Physics. Sutdents completing the Advanced Option are prepared to take the AP Physics examination. Those interested in either exam should read the Physics Exam Preparation page, and contact the instructor if they have questions.

Physics is designed to be an independent course, but students with less formal backgrounds may prefer to take the Natural Sciences courses first.

Douglas C. Giancoli
Physics: Principles with Applications 6/E
Prentice-Hall

An additional text with computer simulations is under review and may also be required.

Labs and Lab Equipment:

Students must have parental permission to perform labs in order to receive credit. The lab permission form and a list of required equipment and materials is available from the Lab Requirements page.

Need more information? Further details on this course are available at this site on course procedures, our apprach to evolution, and other frequently-asked questions.

Enrollment: To enroll in this course, or for further information on Scholars Online, please visit the Scholars Online Website.

© 2011 This course is offered through Scholars Online, a non-profit organization supporting classical Christian education through Internet-based courses. Permission to copy course content (lessons and labs) for personal study is granted to students currently or formerly enrolled in the course through Scholars Online. Reproduction for any other purpose, without the express written consent of the author, is prohibited.