Introduction to AP Physics

Boyceville High SchoolMr. Hamm

Welcome to AP Physics!

AP Physics is a rigorous course 20-30 minutes of homework every

night MUST REVIEW YOUR NOTES

EVERY NIGHT!!! Pay attention to format.

Expectations

Keep up with homework Use the 5-step problem solving

method Not need to follow significant figures Quickly and easily use metric

conversions

What is Physics?

The study of energy and its transfer throughout the mechanical universe

What are the branches of Physics?

Physics

Frame of Reference

Kinematics: The study of motion without regard to its causes.

Dynamics: The study of motion and its causes

6 Kinematic Equations

tvvd

t

va

t

dv

tatvdd

davv

tavv

fo

oof

of

of

2

1

2

1

2

2

22

Newton’s 3 Laws of Motion

1. Law of Inertia

2. F = ma

3. Action/Reaction

MomentumvmP

Conserved Quantities

1. Mass

2. Energy

3. Linear Momentum

4. Angular Momentum

WorkdFW

Energy: The ability to do work

6 Types of Energy:

1. Heat

2. Sound

3. Light

4. Chemical

5. Electrical

6. Mechanical

*7. Nuclear

Thermodynamics: The study of heat energy

Acoustics: The study of sound energy

Optics: The study of light energy and electromagnetic radiation

Chemistry: The study of chemical energy

Kinetic Energy: The energy of motion

Potential Energy: Stored energy

Modern Physics: The study of the really small and the really fast.

1st Law of Thermodynamics:

WQU

Thermal Processes:

1. Isothermal

2. Isobaric

3. Isometric

4. Adiabatic

2nd Law of

Thermodynamics: No heat engine can have 100% efficiency.

Simple Harmonic Motion

Circular Motion and Universal Gravitation

Centripetal Force

r

vmFc

2

Universal Gravitation

221

r

MGMFG

Wave Equation fv

Springs

Hooke’s LawxkF

Types of Waves:

1. Transverse

2. Longitudinal

Resonance: The frequency of the driving force equals the natural frequency of the system.

Curved Lenses & Mirrors

Ray Diagrams:

1. Convergence

2. Divergence

3. Real vs. Virtual

Electromagnetic Radiation

Michelson-Morley

Experiment: Prove the existence of the Luminiferous Ether

Energy of a PhotonfhE

Wave-Particle Duality

Waves as Particles

Compton Effect

Particles as Waves

De Brogle Wavelength

Albert Einstein

Photoelectric Effect

Special Theory of Relativity: c is the ultimate speed limit

Relativistic Gamma Factor

2

2

1

1

cv

Time Dilation and Length Contraction

Twin Paradox

Nuclear Reactions

Radioactive Particles

SI System

SI – System International (Metric System)

Base 10 System Every unit is a factor of 10 different from

every other unit EX: kilogram is 103 grams (10 x 10 x 10)

7 Fundamental SI Units

Measurement Fundamental Unit

Length Meter (m)

Time Second (s)

Mass Kilogram (kg)

Amount Mole (mol)

Temperature Kelvin (K)

Luminous Intensity Candela (can)

Electric Charge Coulomb (C)

SI System Prefixes

Prefix Symbol Exponent MeaningPico p 10-12 1 pm = 10-12 m

Nano n 10-9 1 nm = 10-9 m

Micro 10-6 1 m = 10-6 m

Milli m 10-3 1 mm = 10-3 m

Centi c 10-2 1 cm = 10-2 m

Deci d 10-1 1 dm = 10-1 m

BASE UNIT - - BASE

Deka da 101 1 dam = 101 m

Hecto h 102 1 hm = 102 m

Kilo K 103 1 km = 103 m

Mega M 106 1 Mm = 106 m

Dimensional Analysis

Your tool for unit conversion

A process for converting units

Requires organization!!!

Dimensional Analysis Example

Convert 500 nm to km Always start with your known quantity

(500 nm in this case) The unit that you start with (nm in this

case) starts on the bottom of your dimensional analysis

The unit you want to convert to goes on top, then repeat with putting that unit on the bottom of the next conversion factor.

Dimensional Analysis Example (cntd)

Your dimensional analysis for this example should look like:

500 nm

You multiply by the numbers in the numerators and divide by the numbers in the denominators.

Answer: 5 x 10-10 km

NOTE…each set of paranthesis is called a conversion factor.

meters

kilometer

nm

meters3

9

10

1

1

10

Another Dimensional Analysis Example

Lets do another example problem.

Convert 3.45 deciliters to hectoliters, and find the price of 3.45 dl of oil if the price is $205 per hectoliter.

Another Example Continued

71.0$1

205$

10

1

1

1045.3

2

1

hll

hl

dl

ldl

Hence, 3.45 dl of oil costs $0.71.

An Area Example

Convert 2500 square decimeters to square meters.

Here, you need to square the entire conversion factor:

211

2

2

212

251

10

1

102500

:,

251

102500

mdm

m

dm

mdm

elyalternativOr

mdm

mdm