Course Overview

In the Acellus General Physics course, Dr. Russell Clothier explores the nature of our physical environment
and explains how natural phenomena occur in terms of mathematics. He leads students through an
investigation of matter and its motion through time and space, along with related concepts such as energy and
force. Acellus General Physics is A-G Approved through the University of California.

Course Objectives & Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of Acellus General Physics, students will be able to: solve problems using measured
numbers, using significant digits, scientific notation, the metric system, math with units, and conversions;
apply the concepts of position and displacement, average velocity, position graphs, velocity graphs and
acceleration, positive, minus, and zero acceleration, 1-D kinematic equations; solve motion equations, motion
problems, and for a quadratic for time; and make connections between vectors an 2-D motion, graphical
addition of vectors, vector components, vector magnitude and direction, analytical addition of vectors; and
break down and solve 2-D motion and projectile motion problems.
Students will also be able to solve problems using Newton's second law (single force), Newton's first law
(multiple forces, weight), Newton's third law (normal force, kinetic and static friction); solve 2-D force
problems and examples of these problems; solve inclined plane and examples of inclined plane; explain and
apply principles of uniform circular motion, centripetal force and acceleration, period, centripetal versus
centrifugal force, and the force and acceleration of gravity, as well as gravity and orbits; connect work,
including positive and negative work, work and energy, kinetic energy, gravitational potential energy,
mechanical energy, energy problems with and without work, and power;discuss momentum, impulse,
conservation of momentum, collisions, inelastic collisions, and recoil; and compare fluids, pressure, pressure
and depth, buoyant force, and flow rate.
Students will be able to measure heat, temperature, thermal expansion, heat and temperature change,
calorimetry, phase change, measuring gases, behavior of gases, and the first law of thermodynamics; convey
interaction of oscillations, Hooke's Law, simple harmonic motion, period and frequency, oscillation of
pendulums, waves, wave properties, interference, standing waves, and the standing wave equation; compare
and contrast sound waves, sound properties, and the speed of sound, as well as string instruments, open pipes,
and closed pipes; identify and connect light waves, color, the electromagnetic spectrum, reflection, index of
refraction, refraction, and internal refraction; and investigate lenses and images, ray tracing, a convex lens with
a real image, magnification, and a convex lens with a virtual image.
Finally, students will be able to measure electric charges, Coulob's Law, force from multiple charges, electric
field, electric potential energy, electric potential, and potential difference; calculate electric current and
circuits, resistance and Ohm's Law, simple circuits, electric power, series and parallel, and series and parallel
resistors; and integrate concepts involving magnetic forces, magnetic fields, magnetic field from a current and
from current loops, and magnetic force on moving charges.

Scope and Sequence

Unit 1 – Introduction to PhysicsThis unit discusses what Physics is, measured numbers, using significant
digits, scientific notation, and the metric system. Also covered are math with units, and conversions.Unit 2 –
1-D KinematicsThis unit discusses position and displacement, average velocity, position graphs, velocity
graphs and acceleration, positive, minus, and zero acceleration, 1-D kinematic equations, using motion
equations, solving motion problems, and solving a quadratic for time.Unit 3 – Vectors and 2-D
KinematicsThis unit discusses vectors an 2-D motion, graphical addition of vectors, vector components,
vector magnitude and direction, analytical addition of vectors, breaking down and solving 2-D motion, and
projectile motion.Unit 4 – Forces and Newton's LawsThis unit introduces dynamics and discusses Newton's
second law – single force, Newton's first law, multiple forces, weight, Newton's third law and normal force,
kinetic and static friction, how to do 2-D force problems and examples of these problems, inclined plane and
examples of inclined plane.

Unit 5 – Circular Motion and GravityThis unit discusses uniform circular motion, centripetal force and
acceleration, period, centripetal versus centrifugal force, and the force and acceleration of gravity, as well as
gravity and orbits.Unit 6 – EnergyThis unit discusses work, including positive and negative work, work and
energy, kinetic energy, gravitational potential energy, mechanical energy, energy problems with and without
work, and power.Unit 7 – MomentumThis unit covers momentum, impulse, conservation of momentum,
collisions, inelastic collisions, and recoil.