PhysicsLite

Physics Lite is a brief survey of the basic principles of modern physics, including

• Kinematics (motion) in one, two and three dimensions, including rotational motion
• Dynamics (forces) and Equilibrium
• Conservation Laws for Work, Energy, and Momentum
• Thermodynamics (Heat, Temperature, Entropy)
• Electrical charge, Fields, and Currents
• Electronmagnetic waves, Light, and Optics
• Special Relativity, Quantum Mechanics, and the Atomic Model
• Nuclear Energy and Elementary Particles

We will approach this mass of material through our text, through discussion, and through brief homework problems, laying the founcation for more in-depth study of physics by looking at the basics of all scientific inquiry:

• 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?

Physics Lite is designed to be an independent course, but students planning to take Physics during the regular academic year are especially encouraged to prepare by taking this course during the previous summer./p>

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 enrolled in this course for the Academic Year 2008/2009 or Summer 2008. Reproduction for any other purpose, without the express written consent of the author, is prohibited.