Physics
2007 -- 2008
Dr. Steve Goldhaber

Course Description:

This class covers physics from the perspective of both the explorer and the historian. One major goal of this course is for each student to gain a better understanding of the world around them. Another goal of the class is to gain an understanding of how we got to today's understanding of the laws of physics. As Isaac Newton said: "If I have seen farther it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." We will learn about the giants of physics and gain an appreciation of their breakthroughs.

The units covered in this class are listed below.

1. Understanding Motion Understanding Physics, Chapters 1 - 3
   • Speed, Velocity and Acceleration
   • Freefall and Gravity
   • Astronomy, Motion, and Mechanics
   • Copernicus, Galileo, and Scientific Revolutions
   • Newton's Laws of Motion
2. Newton's Laws of Motion, Understanding Physics, Chapters 4 - 5
   • Newton's Unified Theory
   • Mass, Momentum, Work, and Energy
   • Conservation Laws
3. Heat, Understanding Physics, Chapters 6 - 7
   • Heat, A Form of Energy
   • The Carnot Cycle and the Efficiency of Engines
   • Introduction to Thermodynamics
   • The Kinetic Theory, Thermodynamics, and the Ideal Gas Law
4. Waves and Relativity, Understanding Physics, Chapters 8 - 9
   • Waves, Reflection, and Refraction
   • Properties of Sound Waves
   • Waves and Light
   • Einstein and Relativity
5. Electricity and Magnetism, Understanding Physics, Chapters 10 - 12 <— Current Unit
   • Magnets and Electricity
   • Forces and Fields
   • Properties of Electricity and Magnetism
   • Farady, Motors, and Generators
   • Energy in Today's World
   • Electromagnetism and Maxwell's Laws
   • Light is Electromagnetic Waves
6. Atoms and Quantum Mechanics, Understanding Physics, Chapters 13 - 15
   • Properties of Atoms
   • Early Models of the Atom
   • The Photoelectric Effect and its Consequences
   • The Path to the Quantum Model
   • New Models of the Atom
   • Quantum Mechanics
   • The Uncertainty and Complementarity Principles
7. Solid State and Nuclear Physics, Understanding Physics, Chapters 16 - 18
   • Quantum Mechanics and the Solid State
   • Superconductors, Semiconductors and the VLSI Chip
   • Early Discoveries About the Nucleus
   • Radioactivity, Discoveries and Applications
   • The Discovery of the Neutron and Nuclear Structure
   • The Physics of Fission and Fusion
   NB: Due to time constraints, much of this material will not be covered in depth.

We will be using the following book:
Understanding Physics, Cassidy, Holton, & Rutherford, Springer Verlag, New York, 2002

This class conforms to the relevant standards of the Colorado Department of Education Science Standards.

Course Standards

Policies and Procedures

Internet Resources