Unit 15: Modern Physics

Describe the properties and behavior of an object that exhibits both particle and wave behavior.

Boundary Statement: 

The analysis and description of electron structure is limited to energy levels, and will not include such advanced descriptions as orbitals, orbital shapes, probability functions, etc. 

Describe the emission or absorption of photons by atoms.

Boundary Statement: 

Students will only be required to discuss blackbody radiation in qualitative terms or the creation and interpretation of graphical representations blackbody spectra. 

Boundary statements: 

Where applicable, work functions for materials will be provided on the exam; students are not expected to know values of work functions, or variables of a material that influence the magnitude of a material’s work function. 

Boundary Statement: 

AP Physics 2 includes full quantitative and qualitative treatments of conservation of momentum in two dimensions.

Describe the radioactive decay of a given sample of material consisting of a finite number of nuclei.

Boundary Statement:  

Students are not expected to memorize the processes by which specific isotopes decay or the half-lives of specific isotopes.  Neutron emission and electron capture are not covered within the AP Physics 2 curriculum frameworks.  Additionally, types of neutrinos, the characteristics that distinguish neutrinos and antineutrinos, and an explanation or application of the weak force are not within the bounds of this course.