AP Physics 1 Unit Plan-Kinematics

Course: AP Physics 1
Duration: 2 weeks
Unit Objectives:
By the end of this unit, students will be able to:

Describe motion in one and two dimensions using appropriate representations (graphs, equations, and diagrams).
Solve problems involving displacement, velocity, acceleration, and time.
Analyze motion using kinematic equations for constant acceleration.
Interpret and create position-time, velocity-time, and acceleration-time graphs.
Apply vector addition and subtraction to analyze motion in two dimensions.

Topics:
- Scalars vs. Vectors
- Distance vs. Displacement
- Speed vs. Velocity
Activities:
- Warm-up: Discuss examples of scalar and vector quantities in everyday life.
- Lecture: Definitions and differences between scalar/vector quantities and distance/displacement.
- Activity: Motion diagrams for simple scenarios (e.g., walking forward and backward).
Homework: Read textbook section on displacement and velocity. Complete practice problems on scalar vs. vector quantities.

Topics:
- Average velocity
- Instantaneous velocity
Activities:
- Derive average velocity formula: $v_{avg} = \frac{Δ x}{Δ t}$ .
- Use motion sensors or video analysis to measure instantaneous velocity.
- Practice problems: Calculate average and instantaneous velocity for different scenarios.
Homework: Graph position vs. time for given data and calculate average velocity.

Topics:
- Definition of acceleration
- Positive vs. negative acceleration
- Relationship between velocity and acceleration
Activities:
- Lecture: Define acceleration and its units.
- Demonstration: Use a cart on a ramp to show acceleration.
- Graphing: Velocity-time graphs and interpreting slope as acceleration.
Homework: Solve problems involving acceleration and create velocity-time graphs.

Topics:
- Derivation of kinematic equations
- Application of kinematic equations
Activities:
- Derive the four kinematic equations:
  1. $v = v_{0} + a t$
  2. $S = v_{0} t + \frac{1}{2} a t^{2}$
  3. $v_{t}^{2} = v_{0}^{2} + 2 a S$
  4. $S = \frac{v + v_{0}}{2} t$
- Practice: Solve problems using these equations.
- Group activity: Analyze a real-world scenario (e.g., car braking).
Homework: Complete a worksheet on kinematic equations.

Topics:
- Position-time graphs
- Velocity-time graphs
- Acceleration-time graphs
Activities:
- Interpret graphs: Identify motion characteristics (e.g., rest, constant velocity, acceleration).
- Create graphs from motion data (e.g., using a motion sensor).
- Group activity: Match motion descriptions to graphs.
Homework: Sketch and analyze graphs for given motion scenarios.

Topics:
- Motion under gravity
- Symmetry of free-fall motion
Activities:
- Lecture: Discuss acceleration due to gravity ( $g = 9.8 {m/s}^{2}$ ).
- Demonstration: Drop objects of different masses to show independence of mass.
- Practice problems: Solve vertical motion problems using kinematic equations.
Homework: Solve free-fall problems and graph vertical motion.

Topics:
- Vector addition and subtraction
- Projectile motion
Activities:
- Break motion into components: Horizontal and vertical.
- Derive equations for projectile motion.
- Practice: Solve projectile motion problems (e.g., range, maximum height, time of flight).
Homework: Complete a worksheet on projectile motion.

Activities:
- Review key concepts: Scalars/vectors, graphs, kinematic equations, projectile motion.
- Group activity: Solve challenging problems collaboratively.
- Practice AP-style multiple-choice and free-response questions.
Homework: Study for the unit test.

Format:
- Multiple-choice questions (conceptual and calculation-based).
- Free-response questions (graph interpretation, problem-solving).
Topics Covered:
- Scalars/vectors, displacement, velocity, acceleration, kinematic equations, graphs, free fall, and projectile motion.