Physics Unit 9

Big Idea:

Light is a wave of changing electric and magnetic fields, known as the electromagnetic spectrum and frequency and wavelength determines the characteristics and behaviors of light as well as where it falls on the EM spectrum. Electric charges generate fields of force which affect interactions of objects.

Student Expectations:

Priority TEKS

P.7(E) describe and predict image formation as a consequence of reflection from a plane mirror and refraction through a thin convex lens

Focus TEKS

P.7(A) examine and describe oscillatory motion and wave propagation in various types of media;

P.7(B) investigate and analyze characteristics of waves, including velocity, frequency, amplitude, and wavelength, and calculate using the relationship between wavespeed, frequency, and wavelength;

P.7(C) compare characteristics and behaviors of transverse waves, including electromagnetic waves and the electromagnetic spectrum, and characteristics and behaviors of longitudinal waves, including sound waves;

P.7(D) investigate behaviors of waves, including reflection, refraction, diffraction, interference, resonance, and the Doppler effect;

Ongoing TEKS

P.1(A) demonstrate safe practices during laboratory and field investigations; and

P.1(B) demonstrate an understanding of the use and conservation of resources and the proper disposal or recycling of materials.

P.2(A) know the definition of science and understand that it has limitations, as specified in subsection (b)(2) of this section;

P.2(B) know that scientific hypotheses are tentative and testable statements that must be capable of being supported or not supported by observational evidence.

P.2(C) know that scientific theories are based on natural and physical phenomena and are capable of being tested by multiple independent researchers. Unlike hypotheses, scientific theories are well established and highly reliable explanations, but may be subject to change;

P.2(D) design and implement investigative procedures, including making observations, asking well defined questions, formulating testable hypotheses, identifying variables, selecting appropriate equipment and technology, evaluating numerical answers for reasonableness , and identifying causes and effects of uncertainties in measured data;

P.2(E) demonstrate the use of course apparatus, equipment, techniques, and procedures, including multimeters (current, voltage, resistance), balances, batteries, dynamics demonstration equipment, collision apparatus, lab masses, magnets, plane mirrors, convex lenses, stopwatches, trajectory apparatus, graph paper, magnetic compasses, protractors, metric rulers, spring scales, thermometers, slinky springs, and/or other equipment and materials that will produce the same results;

P.2(F) use a wide variety of additional course apparatus, equipment, techniques, materials, and procedures as appropriate such as ripple tank with wave generator, wave motion rope, tuning forks, hand-held visual spectroscopes, discharge tubes with power supply (H, He, Ne, Ar), electromagnetic spectrum charts, laser pointers, micrometer, caliper, computer, data acquisition probes, scientific calculators, graphing technology, electrostatic kits, electroscope, inclined plane, optics bench, optics kit, polarized film, prisms, pulley with table clamp, motion detectors, photogates, friction blocks, ballistic carts or equivalent, resonance tube, stroboscope, resistors, copper wire, switches, iron filings, and/or other equipment and materials that will produce the same results;

P.2(G) make measurements with accuracy and precision and record data using scientific notation and International System (SI) units;

P.2(H) organize, evaluate, and make inferences from data, including the use of tables, charts, and graphs

P.2(I) communicate valid conclusions supported by the data through various methods such as lab reports, labeled drawings, graphic organizers, journals, summaries, oral reports, and technology-based reports; and

P.2(J) express relationships among physical variables quantitatively, including the use of graphs, charts, and equations.

P.3(A) analyze, evaluate, and critique scientific explanations by using empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and experimental and observational testing, so as to encourage critical thinking by the student;

P.3(B) communicate and apply scientific information extracted from various sources such as current events, news reports, published journal articles, and marketing materials;

P.3(E) express, manipulate, and interpret relationships symbolically in accordance with accepted theories to make predictions and solve problems mathematically;

P.4(A) generate and interpret graphs and charts describing different types of motion, including investigations using technology such as motion detectors or photogates;

P.4(B) describe and analyze motion in one dimension using equations and graphical vector addition with the concepts of distance, displacement, speed, average velocity, instantaneous velocity, frames of reference, and acceleration;

P.4(D) calculate the effect of forces on objects, including the law of inertia, the relationship between force and acceleration, and the nature of force pairs between objects using methods, including free-body force diagrams;

Student Learning Targets:

• I will describe the properties of an electromagnetic wave:
  • How an electromagnetic wave propagates.
  • Identify what factors affect the speed of an electromagnetic wave.
  • Identify parts of an electromagnetic wave.
• I will describe the entire electromagnetic spectrum:
  • Order the entire spectrum according to wavelength, frequency, energy, and speed.
  • Order the visible spectrum according to wavelength, frequency, energy, and speed.
• I will apply the Law of Reflection to plane (flat) mirrors:
  • Define the normal line.
  • Define the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection.
• I will geometrically solve plane mirror problems:
  • Draw the ray diagram for a flat mirror.
  • Describe the image size as either smaller, true size, or enlarged.
  • Describe the orientation as either upright or inverted.
  • Describe the type of image as either real or virtual.
• I will apply the Law of Refraction to a variety of problem:
  • Define the normal line.
  • Define the angle of incidence and the angle of refraction.
  • Analyze the wave speed.
  • Analyze the frequency.
  • Analyze the wave length.
  • Define and calculate the index of refraction.
  • Analyze and sketch the direction of propagation (bending rules).
  • Solve Snell’s Law problems.
• I will describe and solve Total Internal Reflection and critical angle problems.
• I will solve problems using the wave equation.
• I will geometrically draw ray diagrams for convex (converging) lenses and describe the images formed:
  • Describe the image size as either smaller, true size, or enlarged.
  • Describe the orientation as either upright or inverted.
  • Describe the type of image as either real or virtual.
• I will geometrically draw ray diagrams for concave (diverging) lenses and describe the images formed:
  • Describe the image size as either smaller, true size, or enlarged.
  • Describe the orientation as either upright or inverted.
  • Describe the type of image as either real or virtual.
• I will solve lens problems using the Lens equation.
• I will identify examples of reflection, refraction, diffraction, interference, Doppler Effect, and polarization for electromagnetic waves:
  • Analyze the wave speed for each of the above phenomena.
  • Analyze the frequency for each of the above phenomena.
  • Analyze the wavelength for each of above phenomena.
  • Analyze the direction of propagation for each of the above phenomena.
• I will know the primary and secondary colors of light and pigments:
  • Analyze the addition of colors.
  • Analyze the subtraction of colors.
  • Analyze color filters.
• I will conduct data collection, data analysis and inferences, and develop well-defined conclusions while demonstrating proper and safe use and care of scientific equipment.

Essential Questions:

• What is the function of a wave?

Extra Information:

Adopted Textbook: Conceptual Physics - Pearson, Prentice Hall

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