Physics

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.