Physics

Physics — Grade 11

American Curriculum · Ages 16-17

Eleventh grade Physics is the standard placement in the traditional US sequence, taken after biology and chemistry and usually alongside Algebra II or Pre-Calculus. Most districts run an algebra-based course; strong students take AP Physics 1, which covers similar ground but is assessed on reasoning and explanation rather than computation alone.

The course opens with kinematics and Newton's laws, moves through work, energy, power, momentum and rotational motion, then into waves, sound and electric circuits. AP Physics 1 is known for a low score distribution nationally, and the reason is consistent: students who can compute an answer but cannot justify it in words lose most of the available marks in the free-response section.

Key topics covered

• Kinematics — Motion in one and two dimensions, graphs and projectile problems.
• Newton's Laws — Free-body diagrams, systems of bodies, friction and inclined planes.
• Work, Energy & Power — Work-energy theorem, conservation of energy and power calculations.
• Momentum & Collisions — Impulse, conservation of momentum and centre of mass.
• Rotational Motion — Torque, rotational inertia, angular momentum and equilibrium.
• Simple Harmonic Motion & Waves — Oscillations, pendulums, wave behaviour and sound.
• Circuits & Written Reasoning — DC circuits, plus constructing justified free-response answers.