Optional Unit - Applications of Kinematics & Dynamics

This Optional Unit forms an extension to Core Unit I, kinematics and dynamics. It provides examples of force and motion in more detail. The Law of Conservation of Momentum is one of the most fundamental principles in physics. It can be used to predict what will happen when two or more objects in a system collide or explode. It applies to any isolated interaction between objects, regardless of whether or not kinetic energy is conserved. It is even plausible to speculate that the total momentum in the universe remains constant.

Before introducing the formal concept or diving into the mathematical equations a discussion of the topic should introduce the lesson. Asking students what they think the concept is - Ex: What is friction? - will generate a discussion of their personal experiences. Use student experiences to develop the discussion further relating to real-life applications. Students will find more success understanding the formal definition by reflect on the discussion of real-life applications.

Foundational Objectives for Physics and the Common Essential Learnings In this unit students will increase their abilities to: Experience an improvement in problem solving ability through regular practice. Explain commonly experienced physical phenomena . Demonstrate an understanding of cause and effect. Demonstrate effective communication through reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Give examples which illustrate how scientific and technological developments often occur in response to social needs. Judge the importance and relevance of ideas to a topic. Apply independent learning skills to a wide variety of tasks. Explain relationships that exist between different things. Reduce complex problems into smaller, more manageable components. Support the development of a positive disposition to life-long learning. (IL) Use a wide range of possibilities for developing their knowledge of the major concepts within physics. (COM) Develop an understanding of how knowledge is obtained, evaluated, refined and changed within physics. (CCT) Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of how to compute, measure, estimate and interpret mathematical data, when to apply these skills and techniques, and why these processes apply within the particular framework of physics. (NUM)