PHYS.PS1: Matter and Its Interactions

PHYS.PS1.1: Develop models to illustrate the changes in the composition of the nucleus of an atom and the energy released during the processes of fission, fusion, and radioactive decay.

Nuclear Decay

PHYS.PS1.3: Investigate and evaluate the expression for calculating the percentage of a remaining atom (N(t)=N0e-?t) using simulated models, calculations, and/or graphical representations. Define the half-life (t1/2) and decay constant ?. Perform an investigation on probability and calculate half-life from acquired data (does not require use of actual radioactive samples).

Half-life

PHYS.PS2: Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions

PHYS.PS2.1: Investigate and evaluate the graphical and mathematical relationship (using either manual graphing or computers) of one-dimensional kinematic parameters (distance, displacement, speed, velocity, acceleration) with respect to an object's position, direction of motion, and time.

Distance-Time Graphs
Free-Fall Laboratory

PHYS.PS2.2: Algebraically solve problems involving constant velocity and constant acceleration in one-dimension.

Atwood Machine
Free-Fall Laboratory

PHYS.PS2.3: Algebraically solve problems involving arc length, angular velocity, and angular acceleration. Relate quantities to tangential magnitudes of translational motion.

Torque and Moment of Inertia

PHYS.PS2.7: Plan, conduct, and analyze the results of a controlled investigation to explore the validity of Newton's second law of motion in a system subject to a net unbalanced force, Fnet = ma or Fnet = ?p/?t.

Atwood Machine
Fan Cart Physics

PHYS.PS2.9: Use Newton’s law of universal gravitation, F = G(m?m?/r²), to calculate the gravitational forces, mass, or distance separating two objects with mass, given the information about the other quantities.

Pith Ball Lab

PHYS.PS2.10: Describe and mathematically determine the electrostatic interaction between electrically charged particles using Coulomb’s law, F? = k?(q?q?/r²). Compare and contrast Coulomb’s law and gravitational force, notably with respect to distance.

Coulomb Force (Static)
Pith Ball Lab

PHYS.PS2.12: Use experimental evidence to demonstrate that air resistance is a velocity dependent drag force that leads to terminal velocity.

Free-Fall Laboratory

PHYS.PS3: Energy

PHYS.PS3.1: Identify and calculate different types of energy and their transformations (thermal, kinetic, potential, including magnetic and electrical potential energies) from one form to another in a system.

Energy Conversion in a System
Inclined Plane - Sliding Objects

PHYS.PS3.2: Investigate conduction, convection, and radiation as a mechanism for the transfer of thermal energy.

Calorimetry Lab
Herschel Experiment

PHYS.PS3.4: Assess the validity of the law of conservation of linear momentum (p=mv) by planning and constructing a controlled scientific investigation involving two objects moving in one-dimension.

Air Track

PHYS.PS3.10: Develop a model (sketch, CAD drawing, etc.) of a resistor circuit or capacitor circuit and use it to illustrate the behavior of electrons, electrical charge, and energy transfer.

Circuit Builder

PHYS.PS4: Waves and Their Applications in Technologies for Information Transfer

PHYS.PS4.1: Know wave parameters (i.e., velocity, period, amplitude, frequency, angular frequency) as well as how these quantities are defined in the cases of longitudinal and transverse waves.

Longitudinal Waves
Ripple Tank

PHYS.PS4.3: Understand that the reflection, refraction, and transmission of waves at an interface between two media can be modeled on the basis of characteristics of specific wave parameters and parameters of the medium.

Ripple Tank

PHYS.PS4.7: Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning behind the idea that electromagnetic radiation can be described either by a wave model or a particle model.

Photoelectric Effect