SPH3U1    Physics 1.
This is the first physics course for high school students (grade 11). It is based on the 'new curriculum' in Ontario.

The textbook that we use is "Nelson Physics 11", by A. Hirsch et al.
 

Please note the following:

  1. Any errors are mine and do not reflect on my school board.
  2. Each lesson is essentially one day's class.
  3. The lessons are all in Microsoft Word 97. I have given up trying to put the lessons into HTML. It is too hard to edit them as I think of ways to improve things, add formulas etc. Formatting is also easier in Word.
  4. The lessons are not 100% complete or perfect. There are things that I would like to add and improve when I have time. I will be making changes fairly often.

 

What is Physics?
Physics is the most fundamental of the natural sciences. It includes the study of electricity and magnetism, gravitation, electronics, the motion of projectiles and rotating bodies, heat, light, sound, and the interaction between the smallest particles in nature (electrons, protons, neutrons, quarks). Because of their fundamental nature, the concepts of physics underlie much of modern astronomy, chemistry, biology, medicine and engineering. Discoveries in physics continue to improve space travel, speed up global communications, lead to new products and technologies – e.g. improving medical diagnostic technologies.

 

Course Outline: (85 teaching days?)

  1. MECHANICS (MOTION & FORCES, ENERGY, WORK & POWER) (19 days)
  2. WAVES & SOUND (15 days)
  3. LIGHT & GEOMETRIC OPTICS (14 days)
  4. ELECTRICITY (15 days)
  5. ELECTROMAGNETISM (13 days)
  6. NUCLEAR PHYSICS (7-10 days)

Last updated: May 2011
Mr. Michael Harwood