AEPA Physics (NT308) study plan

AEPA Physics (NT308) · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 7 hours per week

Week 1

Mechanics and Properties of Matter

Define and apply Newton's three laws to free-body diagrams for inclined planes, pulleys, and friction cases
Derive and use kinematic equations for constant-acceleration motion in one and two dimensions
Solve work-energy and conservation-of-momentum problems, including inelastic and elastic collisions
Build a one-page formula sheet for mechanics from memory, then verify against a textbook

A 25-problem mechanics set (kinematics, forces, energy, momentum) solved with work shown, scored and error-logged

Week 2

Apply conservation laws to rotational motion: torque, moment of inertia, angular momentum
Analyze simple harmonic motion for springs and pendulums, deriving period expressions
Distinguish and calculate stress, strain, elastic moduli, and fluid pressure/buoyancy/continuity
Explain kinetic theory and ideal-gas relations as properties-of-matter content

A written summary sheet covering rotational dynamics, SHM, and fluid/elastic properties with 10 worked examples

Week 3

Apply Coulomb's law and superposition to multi-charge field and potential problems
Compute electric field and potential for point, line, and parallel-plate configurations using Gauss's law reasoning
Analyze DC circuits with series/parallel resistors, capacitors, and Kirchhoff's rules
Calculate energy stored in capacitors and power dissipated in circuits

A circuit-and-field problem set of 20 items, including at least 3 multi-step Kirchhoff problems, fully worked

Week 4

Apply the right-hand rule to magnetic forces on moving charges and current-carrying wires
Use Faraday's and Lenz's laws to determine induced EMF magnitude and direction
Compare and contrast electric and magnetic field behavior in conductors, solenoids, and transformers
Distinguish AC from DC circuit behavior qualitatively (reactance, resonance) at an introductory level

A timed 30-question mixed Domain 1-2 practice test completed and reviewed with a written error analysis

Week 5

Model wave behavior: wavelength, frequency, speed, superposition, interference, and standing waves
Relate sound intensity, decibels, and the Doppler effect quantitatively
Apply reflection, refraction, Snell's law, and total internal reflection to ray diagrams
Solve thin-lens and mirror problems using the lens/mirror equation and magnification

A ray-diagram portfolio of 8 optics scenarios with computed image positions and a 10-item wave/sound problem set

Week 6

Explain wave-particle duality, photoelectric effect, and photon energy calculations
Analyze double-slit and diffraction patterns quantitatively
Describe the electromagnetic spectrum and polarization qualitatively
Connect optics content to modern physics applications (spectra, lasers) at an introductory level

A concept map linking waves, optics, and modern physics with 12 labeled quantitative relationships

Week 7

Apply the first and second laws of thermodynamics to cyclic processes and heat engines
Compute efficiency, entropy change, and heat transfer (conduction, specific heat, latent heat)
Explain atomic/nuclear structure, radioactive decay, and half-life calculations
Design and critique a controlled experiment, identifying variables, controls, and sources of error

A thermodynamics-plus-modern-physics problem set of 20 items plus a written experimental design for one inquiry scenario

Week 8

Synthesize all four domains by completing two full-length timed practice exams
Rank weak objectives from error logs and re-teach the top five using self-explanation
Reconstruct the master formula sheet across all domains from memory
Practice pacing strategy and question triage for the exam format

Two completed timed practice exams with a final prioritized review list and a consolidated one-page formula sheet

Week 2: Score at least 80% on a self-made 20-question mechanics quiz without notes

Week 4: Complete the timed mixed Domain 1-2 test and document at least three specific error patterns with corrections

Week 6: Explain, in writing, one wave and one optics problem end-to-end without reference materials

Week 8: Achieve at least 75% on both full-length practice exams, with all four domains represented in the final review list