The Road to Success in AP Physics

Physics is divided into major fields Mechanics- motion and its causes Thermodynamics-heat and temperature Vibrations and wave phenomena- specific types of repetitive motion and sound Optics-light Electromagnetism- electricity, magnetism and light Relativity-particles moving at any speed, including very high speeds Quantum mechanics- behavior of submicroscopic particles

Physics is based on the scientific method

Scientific Method … is a systematic approach used to answer a question or study a situation in science. It is both an organized way for scientists to do research and a way for scientists to verify the work of other scientists.

Steps of Scientific Method 1. State the problem. 2. Research the problem by gathering data and making observations 3. Form a hypothesis. 4. Test the hypothesis by creating an experiment. 5. Record and analyze data. 6. Draw conclusions from the data. Identify error and improvements to be made.

Identify the problem that is to be answered. State the Problem Identify the problem that is to be answered.

Research the Problem Collect data and information about the question. You can do this by collection two types of information: Quantitative information: numerical observations and data. Qualitative information: non-numerical observations.

Form a hypothesis A hypothesis is an educated prediction of what the answer to the question can be. A hypothesis is formed from research and data collected. Once a hypothesis is created, then an experiment can be designed to that the hypothesis can be tested for truth.

Test the hypothesis An experiment is a set of controlled observations that test a hypothesis. In an experiment, a scientist will set up and change one variable at a time.

Parts of an Experiment A variable is a quantity that can have more than one value. The variable that is changed in an experiment is called the independent variable. (You can only have 1) The variable that you watch to see how it changes as a result of your changes to the independent variable is called the dependent variable. (Can have more than 1)

The essential part of the experiment: The control (group) is the standard for comparison. It is the group that does not get the treatment. Example: If you wanted to know the best kind of light for plants to grow. You would use different kinds of light in the experiment, but some plants would have no light. This would be the control or the plant that all growth would be compared to. Experimental data is not valid unless you have a control.

Arriving at a Conclusion A conclusion is a judgment based on the data obtained in the experiment. If data supports the hypothesis, then it is said to be correct. If data does not support the hypothesis, then it must be thrown out.

Other Science Terms A theory is an explanation that has been supported by many experiments. Theories state broach principles of nature. A scientific law describes a relationship in nature that is supported by many experiments and for which no exceptions has been found.

Tools for studying Physics Physics uses two basics tools for studying concepts: Models: a replica or description designed to show the structure or workings of an object, system or concept. Systems: a set of items or interactions considered a distinct physical entity for the purpose of study.

Inquiry-Based Experiments which means you (or your lab group) will need to figure out what to do to perform an experiment that answers a question about some aspect of physics . In this course, you will usually be given only an objective or goal and a general idea of how to go about achieving it. You and your lab group (with help) will decide the specifics of what to do, what to measure (and how to measure it), and how to make sure you are getting good results. This is a form of Guided inquiry.

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