AP Physics B Information, Expectations, Etc.

AP Physics B Why are you here? Good reasons and bad reasons. Already taken regular physics? Class size is really big, a respectful environment is essential.

AP Physics B Seniors (you get your own slide)  Are you planning on being a science major?  Are you going to be motivated after you hear from colleges? (many aren’t)  Are you taking this class because you think it looks good on your transcripts or because you are interested and want to be here. (honestly think about this)  Unsure? Talk with me more about this.

AP Physics B: Warnings and changes from last year We will cover more material and go faster. Last year we ran out of time which resulted in less review time before the test. Homework will be assigned daily to keep up with the amount of material we need to cover. This class covers many topics and will maintain a fast pace throughout. The curriculum is very broad and covers many (too many) topics The pace and goal of the class is to cover the many topics to prepare you for the AP test.

AP Physics B Expectations and some Rules  You will take the AP Exam and pass it.  Last year’s pass rate was 87% and it should be higher (the 1 st year was 98%).  Academic honesty: this will be enforced…I care more about you as a person than the grade you get in physics.

AP Physics B Class Format  We’ll still do labs, a bit fewer than regular physics  Expectation is you’ve already completed regular physics, so we’ll go fast.  More “problem solving” than regular physics  More HW than regular physics, but you’ll often have time to do problems in class.

AP Physics B Other info….. No cell phones, games, electronics, please be respectful of me and other students Computers are for physics work only You need your own calculator everyday

AP Physics B Read the book!

AP Physics B: Topics Newtonian Mechanics: (35%) Kinematics, 7% Newton’s Laws, 9% Work, energy, 5% Momentum, impulse, 4% Circular Motion, rotation, 4% Oscillations, harmonic motion, 6%

AP Physics B Topics Fluid Mechanics & Thermal Physics (15%) Fluid mechanics, 6% Temperature, heat, 2% Thermodynamics, gas laws, 7% Electricity & Magnetism (25%) Electrostatics, 5% Capacitors, 4% Circuits, 7% Magnetic Force, field around wire, 4% Electromagnetism, induction, 5%

AP Physics B Topics Waves & Optics (15%) Wave properties, 5% Interference, diffraction, 5% Lenses, mirrors, refraction, 5% Atomic & Nucular Physics (10%) Atomic physics, quantum effects, 7% Nuclular physics, reactions, 3%

AP Physics B Additional comments…..  I really want this to be a good class, so please be here for the right reasons and be good while we’re together.  If you are uncertain about taking this class, talk with me about it.  I’ll do my best to make the class enjoyable and educational & help you learn some interesting stuff.  Participate! you learn by doing, jump in…the waters warm.