I. Introduction
Highschool Physics (algebra-based) focuses on physical motion, forces, energy, momentum, gravity and builds into electricity and magnetism, light/sound waves, and often an introduction to modern physics and thermodynamics.
II. Outline
- Foundations: Measurement & Modeling
- SI units, conversions, scientific notation
- significant figures, uncertainty, error
- graphing, slope, proportions, best-fit lines
- Vectors & Math Tools
- scalars vs vectors, components, trig review
- vector addition/subtraction, relative motion basics
- Motion (Kinematics)
- position/velocity/acceleration
- p/v/a versus time graphs
- constant-acceleration equations
- projectile motion (2D)
- Forces & Newton’s Laws (Dynamics)
- free-body diagrams
- Newton’s 1st/2nd/3rd laws
- friction, normal force, tension, springs
- inclines, connected objects
- Work, Energy, & Power
- work and kinetic energy
- forms of potential energy
- conservation of energy
- power and efficiency
- Momentum & Impulse
- impulse–momentum theorem
- conservation of momentum
- elastic/inelastic collisions, explosions
- center of mass
- Circular Motion & Gravitation
- uniform circular motion, centripetal acceleration/force
- motion in orbit
- universal gravitation, weight vs mass
- Rotation
- torque and rotational equilibrium
- rotational and rolling motion
- angular momentum
- Waves & Sound
- wave properties
- amplitude, wavelength, frequency, speed
- superposition, interference
- standing waves, resonance
- sound waves, harmonics, Doppler effect
- wave properties
- Electrostatics & Circuits
- charge, Coulomb’s law
- electric field and electric potential
- current, voltage, resistance (Ohm’s law)
- series/parallel circuits, power in circuits
- basic measuring tools
- Magnetism & Electromagnetism
- magnetic fields and forces
- electromagnets and motors (conceptual)
- electromagnetic induction (Faraday/Lenz) (intro)
- Light & Optics
- reflection, refraction, Snell’s law (often)
- mirrors and lenses, ray diagrams
- wave optics intro: diffraction/interference (sometimes)
- Heat & Thermodynamics
- temperature vs heat, specific heat, phase changes
- energy transfer: conduction/convection/radiation
- ideal gas law
- 1st/2nd Laws of Thermodynamics
- Modern Physics
- atomic models
- nuclear physics, radiation, half-life
- relativity/quantum ideas
III. Free Books
- LightAndMatter.com - Open-Source Physics Books
- His book ‘Conceptual Physics’ is good for algebra-based physics.
- Physics LibreTexts - Introduction to Physics (Park)
- OpenStax.org - College Physics for AP® Courses 2e
- Useful if your course tracks AP-style topics
IV. Video Series
- Flipping Physics (great for problem-solving + AP Physics 1 pacing)
- The Physics Classroom (written tutorial + videos)
- Khan Academy
V. See Also
Kinematics, Dynamics, Electrostatics
