Program

0.  Introduction.
Discussion on physics, science in general, and the scientific method. The meaning of units, numbers, vectors, and coordinate systems. Dimensional analysis. Common mathematical functions such as log and sine. Errors and error propagation.

1. Mechanics

1.1.Kinematics: The study of moving objects. Introduction of vector quantities. Distance and displacement. Rates of change: speed, velocity, acceleration. Motion with constant acceleration. Graphical 2D analysis.
1.2.Dynamics: Definition of force. Hook’s law. Newton’s laws of motion. Vector addition and decomposition of forces. The inclined plane.
1.3.Work, Energy, and Power. Kinetic and potential energy. Conservation of energy. Frictional forces. Time and energy. The problem of least time.
1.4.Linear momentum. Conservation of momentum. 2D collisions. Impulse. Force and momentum. Kinetic energy and momentum.
1.5.Circular motion: Centripetal forces and acceleration, angular momentum. Conservation of angular momentum.
1.6.Newton’s law of gravitation.
1.7.Projectile motion. Parabolic motion. Launch at an angle. Effect of air resistance.
1.8.Gravitational field. Orbital motion. Escape velocity. Equipotential surfaces. Binary star systems.

2. Thermal properties of matter

2.1.Temperature. Heat. Pressure.The atomic model of matter. Kinetic theory of gases.
2.2.Heat capacity. Change of state. Latent heat of fusion and vaporisation.
2.3. Volume-pressure (Boyle-Mariotte), volume-temperature, and pressure-temperature relations. Ideal gas law (equation of state).
2.4.Thermodynamics. Internal energy. Work done on and by a gas. Laws of thermodynamics.
2.5.Isothermal, isochoric, isobaric, and adiabatic processes.
2.6.Entropy

3. Waves and oscillations

3.1.Simple harmonic motion (SHM). Kinematics and energy of SHM. Resonance. Damping and driven oscillations.
3.2.Traveling waves. Pulses. Transverse and longitudinal waves. Wavefronts.
3.3.Reflection and refraction. Principle of superposition. Huygens’ principle. Total internal reflection.
3.4.Diffraction and interference. Single and double slit diffraction. Young’s double slit experiment.
3.5.Resolution. Rayleigh criterion.
3.6.Polarization. Malus’ law. Polarization by reflection.
3.7.Doppler effect. Doppler of sound for moving source and moving observer. Doppler for light.
3.8.Standing waves. Strings and tubes. Resonance and the speed of sound.

4. Special Relativity (part 1)

4.1. Frames of reference. The speed of light. Principle of special relativity.
4.2.Effects of Special Relativity. Time dilation. Length contraction. Relativistic addition of velocities.
4.3.Evidence for special relativity. Relativistic energy. Muon decay. Michelson-Morley interferometer. Constancy of speed of light.
4.4.Relativistic mechanics. Mass and energy. Momentum and energy. Relativistic units. Relativistic Doppler.

5. Electricity and Magnetism (part1)

5.1.Electrostatics. Electric charge and Coulomb’s law. Electric permittivity of vacuum.
5.2.Electric field, electric potential and energy. Equipotential surfaces. Similarities between electricity and gravitation.
5.3.Electric current. Electric resistance and power.
5.4.Electric circuits. Emf, ammeters, and voltmeters. Circuits with potential dividers. Kirchhoff laws.
5.5.Magnetic fields. Magnetic force on a current. Magnetic force on a moving charge. Magnetic field due to a current. Right-hand rule. Force between two current-carrying wires. Magnetic permeability of free space.
5.6.Electromagnetic induction. Wire moving in a magnetic  field. Faraday’s law. Lenz’s law. Faraday’s disc.
5.7.Alternating current. AC generators. Power and impedance. Transformers and power transmission. Capacitors and inductors (coils).

6. Atomic and subatomic physics

6.1.Rutherford’s experiment and model of the atom. The Bohr model. Nuclear structure and forces. The standard model of particle physics.
6.2.Radioactivity. Alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. Half life and law of radioactive decay.
6.3.Nuclear reactions. The mass defect and binding energy. Nuclear fission and fusion.
6.4.Particle interactions. Scattering experiments. Mass spectrometry. Beta decay and the neutrino. Nuclear energy levels.
6.5.Quantum theory. Atomic spectra. The photoelectric effect. Particle in a box model. Heisenberg uncertainty principle. Schrodinger’s equation and Max Born’s interpretation. De Broglie’s wavelength.

7. Special topics.
This material is optional and will be covered depending on available time and interest from students. It is usually beyond standard high school curriculum and it is not required for SAT exams. Some of it however is covered in IB optional topics, and may appear on IB exams. Other material is just an elaboration on standard physics topics that will be helpful for students who intend to study science or engineering. 

 7.1.Astrophysics and General Relativity. Luminosity, blackbody radiation, stelar spectra. Types of stars, stelar evolution. Big bang and the expansion of the universe. Galactic motion, Hubble’s law, dark matter and dark energy.
 7.2.Relativity (part 2). Invariant quantities, spacetime interval. Lorenz transformations. Space-time diagrams.
 7.3.Light. Electromagnetic waves and the speed of light. The laser.
 7.4.X-rays. Types and production of x-rays. X-ray imaging.
 7.5.Ultrasound. Medical use of ultrasound.
 7.6.Physics of the human hearing. Sound intensity level and the decibel unit. 
 7.7.Physics of the human eye. Colour perception. Image formation. Convex and concave lenses. Thin lens equation.
 7.8.Electrical processes in the human body. Excitable cells. Membrane polarization and action potential. Signal transmission.
 7.9.RCL circuits. Radio waves.
 7.10.Translation and rotational motion. Equilibrium. Center of gravity. Torque (moment of a force). Moment of inertia.