Teaching Physics and Chemistry

Specific course content will be selected from the following topics:

The scientific method.  Organization of science, describing the physical world, measurements, direct and inverse relationships, graphical analysis, SI system of units, scientific notation.

Kinetics.  Speed and velocity, acceleration, forces and motion, inertia; Newton’s Laws of Motion; friction, momentum, conservation laws, work, kinetic energy, power, simple machines; gravitation, projectile motion, circular motion.

Heat and Thermodynamics.  Heat and temperature, changes of phase, heat transfer, greenhouse effect and consequences for power generation and thermal pollution.

Atoms, elements and compounds.  Early experiments, fundamental particles, isotopes, Bohr model, lasers, compounds and mixtures, states of matter, properties of gases, liquids, solids and liquid crystals. Periodic table, metals and non-metals, types of bonding, equations, ionic compounds, covalent compounds.

Principles and Applications of Chemistry.  Acids and bases, acid rain, air pollution, batteries, soaps and detergents.

Electricity and Magnetism.  Static electricity, Coulomb’s Law, electric fields, electric circuits, resistance, Ohm’s Law, power. Magnetism, magnetic fields, connection between electricity and magnetism, induction, electric motors and generators.

Properties and Nature of Light.  Speed of light, reflection, mirrors, refraction, lenses, telescopes. Nature of light: wave or particle? Diffraction grating, spectral analysis, electromagnetic spectrum, polarized light.

The Nucleus.  Structure of the nucleus, isotopes, radioactivity, radioactive decay, radiometric dating, nuclear fission, fusion, nuclear reactors, environmental issues.

The laboratory component of the course will investigate phenomena discussed in classes.