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Corey Mousseau

This course is one of several courses designed for Algebra Based AP Physics 1 and College Level Physics.  In this course we will cover the topics of one and two dimensional motion. 

The videos and resources will include lectures, demonstrations, and plenty of worked out example problems with High School physics curriculum and the AP Physics 1 curriculum in mind. This is perfect for any student planning to take the AP exam or any Introductory College physics student.  While this course does not cover calculus based physics, any student enrolled in such course will still benefit from the ground work laid out here. 

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This course is one of several courses designed for Algebra Based AP Physics 1 and College Level Physics.  In this course we will cover the topics of one and two dimensional motion. 

The videos and resources will include lectures, demonstrations, and plenty of worked out example problems with High School physics curriculum and the AP Physics 1 curriculum in mind. This is perfect for any student planning to take the AP exam or any Introductory College physics student.  While this course does not cover calculus based physics, any student enrolled in such course will still benefit from the ground work laid out here. 

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What's inside

Learning objective

Students will learn about vibrations, oscillations, and simple harmonic motion modeled through springs, pendulums, and circular motion

Syllabus

Introduction to Simple Harmonic Motion - Springs
Periodic Motion Workbook
Physics Course Online Course Map
Introduction to Simple Harmonic Motion
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Offers lectures, demonstrations, and worked examples tailored for high school physics curriculum and the AP Physics 1 curriculum, which is useful for exam preparation
Covers vibrations, oscillations, and simple harmonic motion, which are fundamental concepts in physics and engineering
Explores simple harmonic motion through springs, pendulums, and circular motion, which are common models used in physics education
Includes coverage of damped harmonic motion, which is a more advanced topic that builds upon the basics of simple harmonic motion
Does not cover calculus-based physics, so students in calculus-based courses may need to supplement their learning with additional resources

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Reviews summary

Physics periodic motion for ap/hs

According to learners, this course is a highly effective resource for students studying periodic motion in high school and AP Physics 1 or introductory college physics. Many found the explanations clear and easy to follow, particularly appreciating the numerous worked example problems that help solidify understanding of concepts like SHM, springs, and pendulums. The course aligns well with the AP curriculum. Some students mentioned a desire for more practice problems or quizzes to supplement the material and further test their comprehension.
Teaching style is effective and engaging.
"The instructor is very good at explaining physics concepts."
"I enjoyed the teaching style, it made the lectures engaging."
"The teacher made complex topics approachable."
Helpful solved problems provided.
"The worked-out examples made the equations and concepts much more concrete."
"Seeing the problems solved step-by-step was key to my understanding."
"Plenty of example problems to practice along with."
Concepts are explained very clearly.
"The explanations for simple harmonic motion were incredibly clear, making a difficult topic much easier."
"I finally understood how springs and pendulums relate after watching these lectures."
"The step-by-step breakdown of complex ideas was very helpful."
Excellent fit for high school and AP.
"This course is perfect for preparing for the AP Physics 1 exam."
"Helped me tremendously with my high school physics class."
"Covers the material needed for the AP curriculum effectively."
Could use additional exercises.
"I wish there were more practice problems included to work through."
"Needed to find extra practice questions outside the course to feel fully prepared."
"The quizzes provided were good, but more practice would be beneficial."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Physics - Periodic Motion - High School and AP Physics with these activities:
Review Algebra and Trigonometry
Review fundamental algebra and trigonometry concepts to ensure a solid foundation for understanding the mathematical models used in periodic motion.
Browse courses on Trigonometry
Show steps
  • Review trigonometric functions and identities.
  • Practice solving algebraic equations and manipulating formulas.
  • Work through example problems involving trigonometric functions.
Read 'Fundamentals of Physics' by Halliday and Resnick
Read relevant chapters in a standard physics textbook to reinforce understanding of the concepts.
Show steps
  • Identify chapters related to oscillations and waves.
  • Read the chapters and work through example problems.
Solve SHM Problems
Practice solving a variety of problems related to simple harmonic motion to improve problem-solving skills.
Show steps
  • Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
  • Solve the problems and check your answers.
  • Review solutions to understand any mistakes.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Build a Simple Pendulum and Measure its Period
Build a simple pendulum and measure its period to experimentally verify the theoretical relationships.
Show steps
  • Gather materials for building a pendulum.
  • Build the pendulum and measure its length.
  • Measure the period of oscillation for different lengths.
  • Compare experimental results with theoretical predictions.
Create a Video Explaining Damped Harmonic Motion
Create a video explaining damped harmonic motion to solidify understanding and improve communication skills.
Show steps
  • Research damped harmonic motion.
  • Write a script for the video.
  • Record and edit the video.
  • Share the video with peers for feedback.
Read 'Vibrations and Waves' by A.P. French
Read a book that provides a more in-depth treatment of vibrations and waves.
View Vibrations and Waves on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Vibrations and Waves' by A.P. French.
  • Read chapters related to simple harmonic motion and damped oscillations.
Create a Simulation of SHM
Develop a computer simulation of simple harmonic motion to visualize the motion and explore the effects of different parameters.
Show steps
  • Choose a programming language or simulation software.
  • Implement the equations of motion for SHM.
  • Add features to visualize the motion and control parameters.
  • Test and refine the simulation.

Career center

Learners who complete Physics - Periodic Motion - High School and AP Physics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Acoustical Engineer
Acoustical engineers work with sound and vibrations, designing spaces and products to optimize or minimize sound. This course, covering simple harmonic motion, vibrations, and oscillations, helps build a foundation in understanding the physical principles that govern sound waves. The course's focus on springs, pendulums, and circular motion provides a framework for understanding how these principles apply to acoustic phenomena. Knowledge of damped harmonic motion will be very helpful in understanding acoustic environments. A student who wishes to become an acoustical engineer will find that this course provides an important base in the physics of sound. This role often requires a master's degree.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers design and analyze mechanical systems, often dealing with components that vibrate or oscillate. This course on periodic motion helps build a foundation in understanding the physics of these systems. The coursework on simple harmonic motion as modeled through springs and pendulums directly applies to common mechanical components. The course also covers circular motion which may apply to rotating machinery. A student considering mechanical engineering should take this course to develop an understanding of the underlying principles of motion. This role typically requires a bachelor's degree.
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace engineers design and test aircraft and spacecraft, which involves understanding complex vibrations and oscillations. This course, with its focus on periodic motion, helps build a foundation for analyzing the behavior of these structures. The study of harmonic motion, including damped harmonic motion, is crucial for managing vibrations in aerospace structures. The course's explanations of springs, pendulums, and circular motion will be relevant to the design of these structures. Students interested in aerospace engineering should take this course to gain a core understanding of these physical principles. This role typically requires a bachelor's degree.
Physics Teacher
Physics teachers educate students in the principles of physics, including motion, vibrations, and oscillations. This course on periodic motion, designed with the High School and AP Physics curriculum in mind, directly relates to the subject matter they will teach. The course's lectures, demonstrations, and example problems will help prepare a teacher to explain these concepts effectively. A physics teacher will also find the course's approach to the simple pendulum, damped harmonic motion and circular motion particularly relevant. This course may be useful for a future physics teacher, as the content is directly related to the curriculum. This role typically requires a bachelor's degree.
Structural Engineer
Structural engineers design buildings and infrastructure, which requires an understanding of how structures respond to vibrations. This course focusing on periodic motion and simple harmonic motion, helps build a foundation for understanding these dynamics. The course's treatment of springs and pendulums provides a relatable model for understanding structural vibrations. A student interested in structural engineering should take this course to gain insight into the physics underlying vibrations and oscillations in structures. This role typically requires a bachelor's degree.
Robotics Engineer
Robotics engineers design, build and program robots, often utilizing mechanical systems that involve periodic motion. This course, focused on vibrations, oscillations and simple harmonic motion helps lay a foundation for understanding the physics behind these movements. The course's coverage of springs, pendulums, and circular motion is particularly useful for understanding the operation of robotic joints and actuators. A student interested in robotics engineering may find this course helpful in preparation for the field. This role typically requires a bachelor's degree.
Geophysicist
Geophysicists study the Earth's physical properties, including seismic waves that exhibit periodic motion. This course may be useful, as it focuses on simple harmonic motion, a simplified representation of wave propagation. The course's coverage of vibrations and oscillations can help build a foundation for understanding the physics of seismic waves. The study of pendulums provides an example of motion related to the Earth's movement. A student interested in geophysics may find this course helpful as an introduction to the physics behind Earth's processes. This role often requires a master's degree.
Instrumentation Engineer
Instrumentation engineers design and manage systems used to measure physical quantities, some of which involve principles of periodic motion. This course, which covers simple harmonic motion, lays a foundation for understanding the principles behind sensors and measurement devices. The course's coverage of springs, pendulums, and circular motion provides relevant models for understanding how various instruments work. The course may be useful to a future instrumentation engineer, as it can provide a useful base knowledge. This role typically requires a bachelor's degree.
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical engineers work on medical devices and systems, some of which involve movement that can be described with periodic motion. This course may help a biomedical engineer by building a foundation in the physics of vibrations and oscillations. The course's coverage of springs, pendulums, and circular motion may be relevant to movement within the body and the design of medical devices. Studying damped harmonic motion will also help in understanding how systems return to equilibrium. A student interested in biomedical engineering may find this course useful in their studies. This role typically requires a bachelor's degree.
Automotive Engineer
Automotive engineers design and develop vehicles, addressing aspects such as suspension systems, which operate with principles of periodic motion. This course, focusing on oscillations and vibrations, may help build a foundation for understanding these systems. The course's treatment of springs and damped harmonic motion is particularly relevant to suspension design. A student interested in automotive engineering may find this course helpful as a first step to learning about vehicle mechanics. This role typically requires a bachelor's degree.
Data Analyst
Data analysts interpret and present data, and the problem solving skills involved in physics, which includes modeling periodic motion, may be valuable. This course, covering simple harmonic motion through springs and pendulums, involves mathematical and logical thinking that may be useful to a data analyst. This course may be useful as it provides a logical framework to approach problems. This is a practical role and a degree is helpful, but not always required.
Software Developer
Software developers create applications that may involve simulations of physical phenomena, including periodic motion. This course may be useful in understanding the physics principles necessary to simulate motion. Coverage of oscillations and modeling motions using the behavior of springs and pendulums may be relevant to future simulations that a software developer might create. Although this course is not directly related to software development, it can help build a logical approach to problem solving. This role typically requires a bachelor's degree.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts examine data to advise on investments and financial strategy. While this course is not directly related to finance, the logical thinking and analytical ability honed through modeling physical systems may be valuable in performing financial analysis. This course may be useful, as it offers practice in quantitative analysis. This role typically requires a bachelor's degree.
Technical Writer
Technical writers create documentation for technical products or processes. Understanding fundamental physics concepts, such as those covered in the course on periodic motion, may be helpful when documenting technical equipment, even if it does not directly relate to periodic motion. While not a core skill, this course may be useful to a technical writer, as it can broaden their understanding of the field. This role typically requires a bachelor's degree.
Science Journalist
Science journalists report on scientific developments. Although this course on periodic motion is not directly applicable to their work, the knowledge gained provides context for reporting on physics related topics. Understanding modeling techniques of this course may help a science journalist understand scientific reporting. The course may be useful to a science journalist who seeks to improve their understanding of physics concepts. This role typically requires a bachelor's degree.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Physics - Periodic Motion - High School and AP Physics.
Provides a detailed treatment of vibrations and waves, including simple harmonic motion, damped oscillations, and forced oscillations. It valuable resource for students seeking a deeper understanding of these topics. It expands on the course material by providing more advanced mathematical treatments and real-world examples. This book is often used as a supplemental text in upper-level undergraduate physics courses.
Provides a comprehensive overview of physics concepts, including mechanics, waves, and oscillations. It commonly used textbook in introductory physics courses. Reading relevant chapters will reinforce the concepts covered in the course. It is particularly helpful for understanding the underlying principles of simple harmonic motion.

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