Physics

1. Explain how engines combustion engines transform energy from one form to another, describe the energies
in each form.
a. What evidence is there that the various energy forms are present during this conversion
Outcomes:
illustrate, by use of examples from natural and technological systems, that energy exists in a variety of
forms (e.g., mechanical, chemical, thermal, nuclear, solar)
describe evidence for the presence of energy; i.e., observable physical and chemical changes, and
changes in motion, shape or temperature
analyze and illustrate how the concept of energy developed from observation of heat and mechanical
devices (e.g., the investigations of Rumford and Joule; the development of pre-contact First Nations and
Inuit technologies based on an understanding of thermal energy and transfer)

2. What is kinetic energy? How would you describe it to someone who knows nothing about physics?
a. What variables do we need to find an object's kinetic energy?
Outcomes:
Outcome: define kinetic energy as energy due to motion, and define potential energy as energy due to
relative position or condition
quantify kinetic energy using E = 1/2 mv and relate this concept to energy conservation in
k
2

transformations (e.g., for an object falling a distance "h" from rest: mgh = Fd = 1/2 mv )
2

define kinetic energy as energy due to motion, and define potential energy as energy due to relative
position or condition

3. What is potential energy? Can it exist in more than one form? In what ways can potential energy be stored?
a. How is gravitational potential energy related to work?
Outcomes:
relate gravitational potential energy to work done using E = mgh and W Fd and show that a change in
p

energy is equal to work done on a system: E = W

quantify kinetic energy using E = 1/2 mv and relate this concept to energy conservation in
k
2

transformations (e.g., for an object falling a distance "h" from rest: mgh = Fd = 1/2 mv )
2

define kinetic energy as energy due to motion, and define potential energy as energy due to relative
position or condition
4. What is the difference distance and displacement?
a. How do I use the above variables for calculating speed and velocity?
Outcomes:
define, compare and contrast scalar and vector quantities
describe displacement and velocity quantitatively

5. What is acceleration and how is it different from velocity? Use examples in your day to day activities of where
you may see this phenomena.
Outcomes:
define acceleration, quantitatively, as a change in velocity during a time interval

6. How do Force and Distance relate to Joules? Explain in terms of their units.
Outcomes:
derive the SI unit of energy and work, the joule, from fundamental units
recall, from previous studies, the operational definition for force as a push or a pull, and for work as
energy expended when the speed of an object is increased, or when an object is moved against the
influence of an opposing force