Grade 10 Physics Curriculum Summary (U.S.)

Key Concepts:

• Force: Push or pull; vector quantity

• Newton’s Three Laws of Motion

• Free-body diagrams

• Friction (Static & Kinetic)

• Tension, Normal Force, Air Resistance

• Net Force & Equilibrium

• Inclined Planes and Pulley Systems

Skills Developed:

• Drawing and interpreting free-body diagrams

• Calculating net force and acceleration using $F=ma$

• Applying Newton’s laws to everyday situations (e.g., elevators, ramps)

Key Concepts:

• Work: $W=F\cdot d\cdot \cos \theta$

• Kinetic & Potential Energy

• Mechanical Energy: Conservation of total energy

• Power: $P=W/t$ or $P=Fv$

• Efficiency and Energy Losses (mostly heat due to friction)

Skills Developed:

• Using energy conservation to solve problems

• Calculating work done by varying forces

• Interpreting power ratings in real-world devices

Key Concepts:

• Linear Momentum: $p=mv$

• Impulse-Momentum Theorem: $F\cdot \Delta t=\Delta p$

• Conservation of Momentum

  • Elastic vs. inelastic collisions

• Recoil and Explosion Problems

Skills Developed:

• Solving 1D collision problems

• Applying conservation laws to different systems

• Understanding momentum in real-world contexts (e.g., airbags, sports)

Key Concepts:

• Uniform Circular Motion

  • Centripetal acceleration: ac=v2ra_c = \frac{v^2}{r}ac​=rv2​

  • Centripetal force: Fc=mv2rF_c = \frac{mv^2}{r}Fc​=rmv2​

• Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation

  • F=Gm1m2r2F = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2}F=Gr2m1​m2​​

• Orbits and Satellites

  • Orbital speed and period

  • Gravitational potential energy

Skills Developed:

• Calculating forces in circular motion

• Understanding motion of planets and satellites

• Applying gravity laws in multi-body systems

Key Concepts:

• Wave Equation: $v=f\lambda$

• Periodic Motion and Harmonic Motion

  • Springs (Hooke’s Law): $F=-kx$

  • Pendulums

• Sound Properties

  • Standing waves, resonance

  • Sound intensity and decibels

Skills Developed:

• Solving wave problems using the wave equation

• Analyzing wave interference and resonance

• Modeling systems like mass-spring oscillators

Key Concepts:

• Temperature vs. Heat

• Specific Heat Capacity

  • $Q=mc\Delta T$

• Phase Changes and Latent Heat

  • $Q=mL$

• Thermal Expansion

• Heat Transfer Mechanisms

  • Conduction, convection, radiation

Key Concepts:

• Current, Voltage, and Resistance

  • Ohm’s Law: $V=IR$

  • Series and parallel circuits

• Kirchhoff’s Rules (Intro Level)

• Power in Electrical Circuits

  • $P=IV$

• Magnetic Fields and Forces

  • Right-hand rule

  • Magnetic force on moving charges

  • Electromagnetic induction (basic Faraday’s Law)

Skills Developed:

• Analyzing circuits with multiple resistors

• Using tools like multimeters and circuit simulators

• Understanding electromagnetism basics (e.g., how motors work)

Core Lab Skills:

• Designing experiments with independent/dependent variables

• Measuring and recording with precision

• Graphing and data analysis (linearization, error margins)

• Drawing scientific conclusions and writing lab reports

Example Labs:

• Ball drop for acceleration due to gravity

• Frictional force measurement

• Work and energy ramp investigations

• Momentum conservation with carts and sensors