What is Physics?

Physics is science's attempt to explain everything in the physical world. The goal is to use a small set of laws and principles to explain the behavior of matter. Physics is the most fundamental of sciences. The concepts in physics provide a framework and enhance ones understanding of all other sciences.

Freshman Physics is designed to give students a conceptual framework of modern physics and a strong foundation for other sciences. Through inquiry based experimentation students will understand how physical principles and concepts are developed. From observations and data whenever possible they will be able to derive some of these principles. This course will demonstrate that physical knowledge is acquired experimentally and woven into physical theory through the use of limited mathematical analysis. The topics to be examined in the course include: scientific processes, motion, forces, energy, momentum, electrostatics, electric current, waves, sound, light, electromagnetism, and atomic theory.