This course is designed to introduce physics at an entry level by examining the principal laws of physics leading to a conceptual understanding of how these principles relate to everyday life. The topics in this course include Newton's laws, properties of matter, heat and thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, and waves. Students will apply these principles using practical examples, facilitated discussions, and experiments conducted through a virtual laboratory.
Explain the concept of electric charge and potential, and Coulombs law.
Solve series and parallel circuit problems.
Describe magnetism, magnetic forces and electromagnets.
Determine the applications of electromagnetic induction.
Summarize the value of the scientific investigation process through usage of the scientific method.
Heat and Thermodynamics
Distinguish between heat and temperature.
Explain heat transfer by conduction, convection, radiation, and Newtons law of cooling.
Analyze the relationship between changes of phase and transfer of energy.
Explain the laws of thermodynamics and their practical applications.
Mechanics: Newtons Laws of Motion, Momentum, Energies, and Gravity
Apply Newtons three laws of motion to objects with position, motion, and forces.
Describe momentum, kinetic and potential energies, and conservation of energy and momentum.
Describe how simple machines work in terms of force, distance, and mechanical advantage.
Explain the universal law of gravitation and its relationship to the force of gravity on Earth and in our solar system.
Properties of Matter
Explain the atomic nature of matter including models of the atom.
Describe the states and properties of matter.
Determine the relationship between gases and atmospheric pressure.
Compare plasma to an ideal gas.
Waves
Describe the properties and types of waves.
Explain how the properties of materials affect wave propagation.
Explain reflection, refraction, and interference in sound waves and their applications.
Explain reflection, refraction, interference, and diffraction in light waves and their applications.
The University of Phoenix reserves the right to modify courses.
While widely available, not all programs are available in all locations or in both online and on-campus formats. Please check with a University Enrollment Advisor.
Transferability of credit is at the discretion of the receiving institution. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm whether or not credits earned at University of Phoenix will be accepted by another institution of the student’s choice.
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