• To have the student view the universe as God's creation.
  
• To point out the order and the predictability of many physical events in the creation.
  
• To appreciate that in this predictability we see a faithful God.
  
• To familiarize the student with the derivation and application of various physical laws which help us to more precisely describe the order we see.
  
• To impress upon the student man's duty as steward to learn about the creation in order to benefit his neighbor and to bring glory to God.

Specific Objectives

• To develop a basic knowledge of these topics of study: metric system, graphing techniques, kinematics, dynamics, statics, work, energy, circular motion, gravity, waves, light, electricity, heat and thermodynamics.
  
• To develop mathematical skills.
  
• To develop laboratory, direction-following skills.
  
• To develop analytical skills and problem-solving techniques.
  
• To stimulate interest in the study of the physical world.
  
• To adequately prepare the student for college-level physics.

Approaches

• Lecture
  
• Discussion
  
• Homework
  
• Tests/Quizzes
  
• Laboratory exercises
  
• Models
  
• Audio-Visuals
  
• Demonstration
  
• Optional projects

Perspective

• In each of the phenomena taught, evidence of order and design is viewed as a revelation of God Himself--the Creator.
  
• The ability to predict the outcome of some future event is viewed as tangible evidence of God's promise to preserve the heavens and the earth until the end of time (II Peter 3:7). God is faithful to His own promises.

FIRST SEMESTER

Introduction

Metric System/mks Units
Data Analysis
Data Tables
Plotting Graphs
Interpreting Straight-line Graphs
Slopes
Intercepts
Slope-Intercept Form of linear equation

Straight-line Kinematics

Case I: Constant speed

Interpret graphs of v vs. t & s vs. t
Use equation for speed: v = x/t

Case II: Constant acceleration

Interpret graphs of a vs. t, v vs. t & s vs. t
The meaning of the Slope & Area for each graph, above
Average vs. Instantaneous speed
The concept of the Limit of a function
Memorization and use of the "constant acceleration" equations

Vectors & Projectile Motion

Scale diagram addition and subtraction
Trigonometric addition and subtraction
Resolving vectors into components
Case I: Horizontally launched projectiles
Case II: Projectiles launched at any angle

Dynamics - Newton's Laws of Motion

Law of Inertia

Fnet = ma

Linear forces/resolved forces
Pulley systems
Inclined planes
friction
Statics

Force Pairs

Circular Motion

Centripetal acceleration
Centripetal Force, Fnet = mv2/R
"Weightlessness" in vertical circles

Gravitation

Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation
Circular orbits
Centripetal Force = Gravitational Force
Calculation of the mass of a planet
Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion

Work and Kinetic Energy

Definition of Work
Equivalence of Work and KE/PE change
Conservation of Mechanical Energy
Energy principle method of solving problems in kinematics
Path-independence of KE/PE changes

Conservation of Momentum

Definition of momentum
Impulse
Force = rate of change in momentum
Elastic vs. inelastic collisions
Conservation of momentum in all collisions
Conservation of KE in elastic collisions only
Center of Mass

SECOND SEMESTER

Waves

Slinky waves

Fixed end-phase change
Loose end-no phase change

Water Waves

Reflection/Refraction
Wavelength, Frequency, Period, Speed of Waves
Diffraction
Interference

Light and Optics

Law of reflection
Snell's Law/Index of Refraction
Total internal reflection
Geometric optics
Converging/Diverging lenses
Converging/Diverging mirrors
Lens formula

Interference of Light

Young's Two Slit Experiment
Single Slit interference patterns

Applications of Wave Optics

The air wedge
The soap or oil film
The interferometer/The diffraction grating

Heat and Thermal Energy

Expansion and contraction of solids and liquids
First Law of Thermodynamics--The mechanical equivalent of heat
Specific Heats
Latent Heats
Transfer of heat

Radiation
Conduction
Convection

(The Thermal Behavior of Gases)

Boyle's Law
Charles' Law
Ideal Gas Law

(The Theory of Heat)

Defining Temperature
Second Law of Thermodynamics
Heat Engines

Static Electricity

Charge
Inducing a Charge
Coulomb's Law

Current Electricity

Ohms, Amps, Watts, Volts
Ohm's Law
Series and Parallel resistors

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