AP Physics 2

  • AP Physics 2 Syllabus Mrs. Burkhart Calallen High School 

    Course Description: The AP Physics 2 course is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course that explores topics such as thermodynamics, electrostatics, electrical circuits, magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop critical thinking and reasoning skills. 

    Course Objectives: 

    • Understand the principles of physics at an introductory college level 

    • Develop skills in creating representations, using mathematical routines, scientific questioning and argumentation 

    • Design and conduct hands-on laboratory investigations to apply physics concepts 

    Resource Materials: 

    • College Physics for the AP Physics 1 &2 Courses Third Edition 

    • Lab notebook for lab reports 

    Course Outline:  

    • Unit 9 - Thermodynamics  

    • Unit 10 - Electric Force, Field, and Potential 

    • Unit 11 - Electric Circuits  

    • Unit 12 - Magnetism and Electromagnetism  

    • Unit 13 - Geometric Optics  

    • Unit 14 - Waves, Sound, and Physical Optics  

    • Unit 15. Modern Physics 

    Lab Investigations (minimum 25% of instructional time): 

    • Linearization Lab 

    • Gas Law labs 

    • Pressure versus volume 

    • Pressure versus temperature 

    • Calorimetry 

    • Electroscope Lab 

    • Mapping Electric field lines 

    • Potential Mapping 

    • Homemade Capacitors 

    • Circuits Investigation 

    • Resistivity of Conductive Dough 

    • Electric Motors 

    • Electromagnetic Induction 

    • Focus: thin lens experiment 

    • What Do I See? Image location 

    • Snell's Law 

    • Diffraction and Interference 

    • Photoelectric Effect 

    • Half-Life 

    Science Practices: 

    1. Creating Representations - Students will use multiple representations like maps of equipotential lines to depict physical phenomena. 

    1. Mathematical Routines - Students will apply mathematical concepts like Ohm's Law to solve physics problems. 

    1. Scientific Questioning & Argumentation - Students will design experiments, analyze data, and justify claims based on evidence. 

    Assessment: Students will maintain a lab notebook documenting all lab reports and investigations throughout the course.