Who should take AP (Advanced) Physics?  Juniors or seniors who excel in math and science and who are interested in learning the physical principles that explain everyday occurrences.  Officially, students must have earned an "A" or "B" in Chemistry. In addition, students should be concurrently enrolled in Pre-Calculus or a higher math course. It is recommended that enrolled students have earned a grade of a “B” or higher in Geometry AND Algebra 2/3.

It is highly recommended that students taking AP Physics 1 have a high interest level in science.  In addition, students should be very comfortable manipulating algebraic equations with out plugging in numbers. 

What topics are covered in Advanced Physics?  In general, Physics is the study of matter and energy.  In non-technical terms, students will study the motion and movement of different things.  More specifically, we cover:

• Units and Problem-solving

• Kinematics

• Dynamics: Newton's Laws

• Work, Energy, and the Conservation of Energy

• Impulse, Linear Momentum, and Conservation of Linear Momentum

• Circular Motion and the Universal Law of Gravity

• Rotational Motion: Torque, Rotational Kinematics and Energy, Rotational Dynamics, and Conservation of Rotational Momentum

• Simple Harmonic Motion (Pendulum and Mass/Spring Systems)

• Electrostatics: Electric Charge and Electric Force

• DC Circuits

• Mechanical Waves and Sound

In addition to learning the physics concepts covered in this course, the student will be able to:

• Use representations and models to communicate scientific phenomena.

• Use mathematics to explain and predict scientific phenomena.

• Engage in scientific questioning to extend thinking or to guide investigations within the course.

• Plan and implement data collection strategies in relation to a particular scientific question.

• Perform data analysis and evaluation of evidence.

• Work with scientific explanations and theories.

• Connect and relate knowledge across various scales, concepts, and representations in and across domains

Students will be asked to work in groups and individually to test certain physics principles.  During the investigations, students will utilize high-level math skills and computers to analyze data.

What is the difference between Physics and Advanced Physics? Advanced Physics covers more topics than Physics, therefore, we must move at a faster pace.  To do this, students are expected to work hard at using their problem-solving skills to successfully complete assignments.  In addition to more topics, we discuss some elements of physics in more detail than the regular physics class.  This higher detail often involves more algebraic manipulation and computation, requiring students to already have a comfortable grasp of algebra and algebraic functions.