Physics

Physics — Grade 10

American Curriculum · Ages 15-16

Tenth grade Physics is taken either as the second year of a Physics-first sequence, where students continue into the topics not covered in ninth grade, or as an accelerated placement for students who are a year ahead in mathematics. The course is algebra-based and assumes confidence with rearranging equations and working with vectors.

Two-dimensional motion is the usual sticking point, because projectile problems require students to treat horizontal and vertical components independently: a step that feels counterintuitive until it clicks. Once vector resolution is secure, the remainder of the course, through circular motion, waves, optics and circuits, becomes considerably more approachable.

Key topics covered

• Vectors & 2D MotionResolving vectors, projectile motion and relative velocity.
• DynamicsNewton's laws applied to inclines, connected bodies, tension and friction.
• Circular Motion & GravitationCentripetal force, orbits and Newton's law of gravitation.
• Energy & MomentumWork-energy theorem, conservation laws and collision analysis.
• Waves, Sound & OpticsSuperposition, standing waves, reflection, refraction and lenses.
• Electric CircuitsOhm's law, series and parallel circuits, power and resistance.
• Experimental PhysicsDesigning investigations, linearising data and evaluating uncertainty.