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FAQ Coverage Gaps

<<<<<<< HEAD Generated: 2025-11-10 Analysis: Concepts from learning graph not covered in current FAQ (v1.0)

Overview

This report identifies the 50 concepts from the 200-concept learning graph that are not currently addressed in the FAQ. Concepts are prioritized based on their centrality in the learning graph (number of dependencies) and importance to the overall course structure.

Current FAQ Coverage: 150/200 concepts (75%) Concepts Not Covered: 50 concepts (25%)

Critical Gaps (High Priority)

These are high-centrality concepts with many dependencies that should be addressed in FAQ expansion.

1. Vector Subtraction

  • Category: Foundation
  • Dependencies: 3 concepts depend on this
  • Centrality: High
  • Suggested Question: "How do I subtract vectors?"
  • Suggested Answer Focus: Component method, graphical method, relationship to addition
  • Priority: HIGH

2. Dot Product

  • Category: Foundation
  • Dependencies: 2 concepts depend on this (Work calculations)
  • Centrality: High
  • Suggested Question: "What is the dot product and when is it used in physics?"
  • Suggested Answer Focus: Definition, geometric interpretation, work calculation
  • Priority: HIGH

3. Cross Product

  • Category: Foundation
  • Dependencies: 2 concepts depend on this (Torque calculations)
  • Centrality: High
  • Suggested Question: "What is the cross product and when is it used in physics?"
  • Suggested Answer Focus: Definition, right-hand rule, torque and angular momentum
  • Priority: HIGH

4. Trigonometry for Physics

  • Category: Foundation
  • Dependencies: 5 concepts depend on this
  • Centrality: Very High
  • Suggested Question: "How is trigonometry used in physics problems?"
  • Suggested Answer Focus: Vector components, inclined planes, projectile motion
  • Priority: HIGH

5. Proportional Reasoning

  • Category: Foundation
  • Dependencies: 4 concepts depend on this
  • Centrality: High
  • Suggested Question: "What is proportional reasoning and why is it important in physics?"
  • Suggested Answer Focus: Direct proportion, inverse proportion, square relationships
  • Priority: HIGH

6. Velocity-Time Graphs

  • Category: Kinematics
  • Dependencies: 3 concepts depend on this
  • Centrality: High
  • Suggested Question: "How do I interpret velocity-time graphs?"
  • Suggested Answer Focus: Slope indicates acceleration, area represents displacement
  • Priority: HIGH

7. Acceleration-Time Graphs

  • Category: Kinematics
  • Dependencies: 2 concepts depend on this
  • Centrality: Medium
  • Suggested Question: "How do I interpret acceleration-time graphs?"
  • Suggested Answer Focus: Constant vs. variable acceleration, area represents velocity change
  • Priority: MEDIUM-HIGH

8. Horizontal Projection

  • Category: Kinematics
  • Dependencies: Part of projectile motion family
  • Centrality: Medium
  • Suggested Question: "What is horizontal projection and how do I analyze it?"
  • Suggested Answer Focus: Initial vertical velocity = 0, constant horizontal velocity
  • Priority: MEDIUM

9. Angled Projection

  • Category: Kinematics
  • Dependencies: Part of projectile motion family
  • Centrality: Medium
  • Suggested Question: "How do I analyze projectiles launched at an angle?"
  • Suggested Answer Focus: Component resolution, range equation, maximum height
  • Priority: MEDIUM

10. Coefficient of Friction

  • Category: Dynamics
  • Dependencies: Used in many friction problems
  • Centrality: High
  • Suggested Question: "What is the coefficient of friction?"
  • Suggested Answer Focus: Definition, typical values, relationship to surfaces
  • Priority: HIGH

11. Mass vs Weight

  • Category: Dynamics
  • Dependencies: Fundamental concept
  • Centrality: High
  • Suggested Question: "What is the difference between mass and weight?"
  • Suggested Answer Focus: Mass as intrinsic property, weight as force, location dependence
  • Priority: HIGH (Note: This is actually covered in glossary, should be in FAQ)

12. Inclined Plane

  • Category: Dynamics
  • Dependencies: 4 concepts depend on this
  • Centrality: High
  • Suggested Question: "How do I analyze forces on an inclined plane?"
  • Suggested Answer Focus: Component resolution, normal force, friction on slopes
  • Priority: HIGH

13. Atwood Machine

  • Category: Dynamics
  • Dependencies: Classic problem type
  • Centrality: Medium
  • Suggested Question: "What is an Atwood machine and how do I solve problems involving it?"
  • Suggested Answer Focus: Setup, tension analysis, system acceleration
  • Priority: MEDIUM

14. Pulley Systems

  • Category: Dynamics
  • Dependencies: Related to mechanical advantage
  • Centrality: Medium
  • Suggested Question: "How do pulley systems work?"
  • Suggested Answer Focus: Force direction change, mechanical advantage, ideal vs. real
  • Priority: MEDIUM

15. Banked Curves

  • Category: Dynamics
  • Dependencies: Advanced circular motion
  • Centrality: Medium
  • Suggested Question: "What are banked curves and why are they used?"
  • Suggested Answer Focus: Normal force component provides centripetal force, ideal banking angle
  • Priority: MEDIUM

Medium Priority Gaps

These concepts have moderate centrality or are part of important concept families.

Energy Concepts (5 gaps)

  1. Work by Constant Force
  2. Suggested Question: "How do I calculate work done by a constant force?"

  3. Priority: MEDIUM

  4. Work by Variable Force

  5. Suggested Question: "How is work calculated when force varies?"

  6. Priority: MEDIUM

  7. Energy Diagrams

  8. Suggested Question: "What are energy diagrams and how do I use them?"

  9. Priority: MEDIUM

  10. Efficiency

  11. Suggested Question: "What is efficiency and how is it calculated?"

  12. Priority: MEDIUM

  13. Simple Machines

  14. Suggested Question: "What are the six simple machines?"

  15. Priority: MEDIUM

  16. Mechanical Advantage

  17. Suggested Question: "What is mechanical advantage?"

  18. Priority: MEDIUM

  19. Lever

  20. Suggested Question: "How do levers work and what are the three classes?"

  21. Priority: MEDIUM

  22. Pulley as Machine

  23. Suggested Question: "How do pulleys provide mechanical advantage?"

  24. Priority: MEDIUM

  25. Inclined Plane as Machine

  26. Suggested Question: "How does an inclined plane reduce required force?"
  27. Priority: MEDIUM

Momentum Concepts (3 gaps)

  1. Perfectly Inelastic Collisions
  2. Suggested Question: "What are perfectly inelastic collisions?"

  3. Priority: MEDIUM

  4. 2D Collisions

  5. Suggested Question: "How do I analyze collisions in two dimensions?"

  6. Priority: MEDIUM

  7. Rocket Propulsion

  8. Suggested Question: "How does rocket propulsion work?"
  9. Priority: MEDIUM

Rotation Concepts (5 gaps)

  1. Angular Displacement
  2. Suggested Question: "What is angular displacement?"

  3. Priority: MEDIUM

  4. Angular Acceleration

  5. Suggested Question: "What is angular acceleration?"

  6. Priority: MEDIUM

  7. Rotational Kinematics

  8. Suggested Question: "What are the rotational kinematic equations?"

  9. Priority: MEDIUM

  10. Rotational Inertia

  11. Suggested Question: "What is rotational inertia and how does it differ from mass?"

  12. Priority: MEDIUM

  13. Rotational Kinetic Energy

  14. Suggested Question: "What is rotational kinetic energy?"

  15. Priority: MEDIUM

  16. Angular Momentum

  17. Suggested Question: "What is angular momentum?"

  18. Priority: MEDIUM

  19. Conservation of Angular Momentum

  20. Suggested Question: "What is conservation of angular momentum?"
  21. Priority: MEDIUM

Lower Priority Gaps

These are specialized topics or leaf nodes in the learning graph with fewer dependencies.

Oscillations Concepts (10 gaps)

  1. Restoring Force
  2. Suggested Question: "What is a restoring force?"

  3. Priority: LOW-MEDIUM

  4. Amplitude

  5. Suggested Question: "What is amplitude in oscillatory motion?"

  6. Priority: LOW

  7. Period

  8. Suggested Question: "What is the period of oscillation?"

  9. Priority: LOW

  10. Frequency

  11. Suggested Question: "What is frequency and how does it relate to period?"

  12. Priority: LOW

  13. Angular Frequency

  14. Suggested Question: "What is angular frequency in SHM?"

  15. Priority: LOW

  16. Hooke's Law

  17. Suggested Question: "What is Hooke's Law?"

  18. Priority: MEDIUM

  19. Spring Constant

  20. Suggested Question: "What is the spring constant?"

  21. Priority: MEDIUM

  22. Pendulum (general)

  23. Suggested Question: "How do pendulums work?"

  24. Priority: LOW

  25. Simple Pendulum

  26. Suggested Question: "What is a simple pendulum?"

  27. Priority: LOW

  28. Physical Pendulum

  29. Suggested Question: "What is a physical pendulum and how does it differ from a simple pendulum?"

  30. Priority: LOW

  31. Damped Harmonic Motion

  32. Suggested Question: "What is damped harmonic motion?"

  33. Priority: LOW-MEDIUM

  34. Forced Oscillations

  35. Suggested Question: "What are forced oscillations?"
  36. Priority: LOW-MEDIUM

Waves Concepts (11 gaps)

  1. Transverse Waves
  2. Suggested Question: "What are transverse waves?"

  3. Priority: LOW-MEDIUM

  4. Longitudinal Waves

  5. Suggested Question: "What are longitudinal waves?"

  6. Priority: LOW-MEDIUM

  7. Wave Properties

  8. Suggested Question: "What are the fundamental properties of waves?"

  9. Priority: MEDIUM

  10. Wavelength

  11. Suggested Question: "What is wavelength?"

  12. Priority: LOW

  13. Wave Frequency

  14. Suggested Question: "What is wave frequency?"

  15. Priority: LOW

  16. Wave Period

  17. Suggested Question: "What is wave period?"

  18. Priority: LOW

  19. Wave Speed

  20. Suggested Question: "What determines wave speed?"

  21. Priority: LOW-MEDIUM

  22. Superposition Principle

  23. Suggested Question: "What is the superposition principle for waves?"

  24. Priority: MEDIUM

  25. Nodes and Antinodes

  26. Suggested Question: "What are nodes and antinodes?"

  27. Priority: LOW

  28. Wave Reflection

  29. Suggested Question: "What happens when waves reflect?"

  30. Priority: LOW

  31. Wave Refraction

  32. Suggested Question: "What causes wave refraction?"

  33. Priority: LOW-MEDIUM

  34. Wave Diffraction

  35. Suggested Question: "What is wave diffraction?"

  36. Priority: LOW

  37. Shock Waves

  38. Suggested Question: "What are shock waves and when do they form?"
  39. Priority: LOW

Sound Concepts (10 gaps)

  1. Sound Waves
  2. Suggested Question: "What are sound waves?"

  3. Priority: MEDIUM

  4. Speed of Sound

  5. Suggested Question: "What determines the speed of sound?"

  6. Priority: MEDIUM

  7. Sound Intensity

  8. Suggested Question: "What is sound intensity?"

  9. Priority: MEDIUM

  10. Decibel Scale

  11. Suggested Question: "How does the decibel scale work?"

  12. Priority: MEDIUM

  13. Pitch

  14. Suggested Question: "How does pitch relate to frequency?"

  15. Priority: MEDIUM

  16. Loudness

  17. Suggested Question: "What determines loudness?"

  18. Priority: LOW

  19. Ultrasound

  20. Suggested Question: "What is ultrasound and what is it used for?"

  21. Priority: LOW

  22. Infrasound

  23. Suggested Question: "What is infrasound?"

  24. Priority: LOW

  25. Beats

  26. Suggested Question: "What causes beats in sound?"

  27. Priority: MEDIUM

  28. Harmonics

  29. Suggested Question: "What are harmonics?"

  30. Priority: MEDIUM

  31. Acoustic Resonance

  32. Suggested Question: "What is acoustic resonance?"
  33. Priority: LOW

Light Concepts (5 gaps) - ALL MISSING

  1. Light Waves
  2. Suggested Question: "What are light waves?"

  3. Priority: HIGH

  4. Electromagnetic Spectrum

  5. Suggested Question: "What is the electromagnetic spectrum?"

  6. Priority: HIGH

  7. Visible Spectrum

  8. Suggested Question: "What is the visible spectrum?"

  9. Priority: MEDIUM

  10. Speed of Light

  11. Suggested Question: "Why is the speed of light constant?"

  12. Priority: HIGH

  13. Luminous Intensity

  14. Suggested Question: "What is luminous intensity?"
  15. Priority: LOW

Optics Concepts (28 gaps) - MAJORITY MISSING

  1. Reflection (general)
  2. Suggested Question: "What is reflection?"

  3. Priority: MEDIUM

  4. Law of Reflection

  5. Suggested Question: "What is the law of reflection?"

  6. Priority: MEDIUM

  7. Plane Mirrors

  8. Suggested Question: "How do plane mirrors form images?"

  9. Priority: MEDIUM

  10. Spherical Mirrors

  11. Suggested Question: "What are spherical mirrors?"

  12. Priority: LOW

  13. Concave Mirrors

  14. Suggested Question: "How do concave mirrors work?"

  15. Priority: MEDIUM

  16. Convex Mirrors

  17. Suggested Question: "How do convex mirrors work?"

  18. Priority: MEDIUM

  19. Mirror Equation

  20. Suggested Question: "What is the mirror equation?"

  21. Priority: LOW-MEDIUM

  22. Magnification

  23. Suggested Question: "What is magnification?"

  24. Priority: LOW-MEDIUM

  25. Snell's Law

  26. Suggested Question: "What is Snell's Law?"

  27. Priority: HIGH

  28. Index of Refraction

  29. Suggested Question: "What is the index of refraction?"

  30. Priority: HIGH

  31. Total Internal Reflection

  32. Suggested Question: "What is total internal reflection?"

  33. Priority: HIGH

  34. Critical Angle

  35. Suggested Question: "What is the critical angle?"

  36. Priority: MEDIUM

  37. Lenses (general)

  38. Suggested Question: "How do lenses work?"

  39. Priority: HIGH

  40. Convex Lenses

  41. Suggested Question: "How do convex lenses form images?"

  42. Priority: MEDIUM

  43. Concave Lenses

  44. Suggested Question: "How do concave lenses form images?"

  45. Priority: MEDIUM

  46. Lens Equation

  47. Suggested Question: "What is the lens equation?"

  48. Priority: LOW-MEDIUM

  49. Thin Lens Formula

  50. Suggested Question: "What is the thin lens formula?"

  51. Priority: LOW

  52. Ray Diagrams

  53. Suggested Question: "How do I draw ray diagrams for lenses and mirrors?"

  54. Priority: MEDIUM

  55. Focal Length

  56. Suggested Question: "What is focal length?"

  57. Priority: MEDIUM

  58. Dispersion

  59. Suggested Question: "What causes dispersion?"

  60. Priority: MEDIUM

  61. Prism

  62. Suggested Question: "How does a prism separate white light?"

  63. Priority: MEDIUM

  64. Color Addition

  65. Suggested Question: "What is color addition?"

  66. Priority: LOW

  67. Color Subtraction

  68. Suggested Question: "What is color subtraction?"

  69. Priority: LOW

  70. Optical Diffraction

  71. Suggested Question: "What is optical diffraction?"

  72. Priority: LOW

  73. Young's Double Slit

  74. Suggested Question: "What is Young's double slit experiment?"

  75. Priority: LOW-MEDIUM

  76. Single Slit Diffraction

  77. Suggested Question: "What is single slit diffraction?"

  78. Priority: LOW

  79. Diffraction Grating

  80. Suggested Question: "What is a diffraction grating?"

  81. Priority: LOW

  82. Polarization

  83. Suggested Question: "What is polarization of light?"
  84. Priority: LOW-MEDIUM

Electricity Concepts (17 gaps) - MAJORITY MISSING

  1. Positive Charge
  2. Suggested Question: "What is positive charge?"

  3. Priority: LOW

  4. Negative Charge

  5. Suggested Question: "What is negative charge?"

  6. Priority: LOW

  7. Conservation of Charge

  8. Suggested Question: "What is conservation of charge?"

  9. Priority: MEDIUM

  10. Conductors

  11. Suggested Question: "What are conductors?"

  12. Priority: MEDIUM

  13. Insulators

  14. Suggested Question: "What are insulators?"

  15. Priority: MEDIUM

  16. Semiconductors

  17. Suggested Question: "What are semiconductors?"

  18. Priority: LOW

  19. Superconductors

  20. Suggested Question: "What are superconductors?"

  21. Priority: LOW

  22. Charging by Friction

  23. Suggested Question: "How does charging by friction work?"

  24. Priority: MEDIUM

  25. Charging by Contact

  26. Suggested Question: "How does charging by contact work?"

  27. Priority: MEDIUM

  28. Charging by Induction

  29. Suggested Question: "How does charging by induction work?"

  30. Priority: MEDIUM

  31. Grounding

  32. Suggested Question: "What is grounding?"

  33. Priority: MEDIUM

  34. Coulomb's Law

  35. Suggested Question: "What is Coulomb's Law?"

  36. Priority: HIGH

  37. Electric Force

  38. Suggested Question: "How do I calculate electric force?"

  39. Priority: MEDIUM

  40. Electric Field Lines

  41. Suggested Question: "How do I interpret electric field lines?"

  42. Priority: MEDIUM

  43. Field Strength

  44. Suggested Question: "What is electric field strength?"

  45. Priority: MEDIUM

  46. Electric Potential Energy

  47. Suggested Question: "What is electric potential energy?"

  48. Priority: MEDIUM

  49. Electric Potential

  50. Suggested Question: "What is electric potential?"

  51. Priority: HIGH

  52. Voltage

  53. Suggested Question: "What is voltage?"
  54. Priority: HIGH

Summary Statistics by Priority

High Priority Gaps: 15 concepts

  • Foundation: 5 (vector operations, trig, proportional reasoning)
  • Kinematics: 2 (graphs)
  • Dynamics: 4 (coefficient of friction, mass vs weight, inclined plane, pulley systems)
  • Light: 3 (light waves, EM spectrum, speed of light)
  • Optics: 3 (Snell's Law, index of refraction, total internal reflection, lenses)
  • Electricity: 3 (Coulomb's Law, electric potential, voltage)

Medium Priority Gaps: 25 concepts

  • Energy: 9 (work types, efficiency, simple machines)
  • Momentum: 3 (collision types, rocket propulsion)
  • Rotation: 7 (all rotational concepts)
  • Oscillations: 4 (Hooke's Law, spring constant, damped/forced)
  • Waves: 4 (wave properties, superposition, wave speed)
  • Sound: 6 (sound properties, decibel, pitch, beats, harmonics)
  • Optics: 10 (mirrors, lenses, ray diagrams)
  • Electricity: 10 (charging methods, conductors, conservation)

Low Priority Gaps: 10 concepts

  • Oscillations: 6 (amplitude, period, frequency, pendulum details)
  • Waves: 9 (wave types, properties, phenomena)
  • Sound: 4 (ultrasound, infrasound, loudness, acoustic resonance)
  • Light: 2 (visible spectrum, luminous intensity)
  • Optics: 8 (diffraction, polarization, color)
  • Electricity: 6 (charge types, semiconductors, field details)

Phase 1: Critical Gaps (Add 15-20 questions)

Target: Address all HIGH priority gaps Focus: Foundation math, core dynamics, light fundamentals, essential optics, basic electricity Impact: Increase coverage from 75% to 85% Timeline: Next iteration (v1.1)

Phase 2: Important Concepts (Add 15-20 questions)

Target: Address MEDIUM priority gaps in Energy, Rotation, Sound Focus: Complete energy concepts, add rotation fundamentals, expand sound coverage Impact: Increase coverage from 85% to 92% Timeline: Version 1.2

Phase 3: Specialized Topics (Add 10-15 questions)

Target: Address remaining MEDIUM and selected LOW priority gaps Focus: Complete optics, electricity, specialized wave/oscillation topics Impact: Increase coverage from 92% to 97% Timeline: Version 1.3

Phase 4: Comprehensive Coverage (Add 5-10 questions)

Target: Address remaining LOW priority gaps Focus: Complete all 200 concepts Impact: Achieve 100% coverage Timeline: Version 2.0

Conclusion

The current FAQ v1.0 achieves 75% concept coverage (150/200 concepts), appropriately emphasizing high-centrality foundational concepts (82% coverage) while providing adequate coverage of specialized topics. The 50 uncovered concepts are distributed across all taxonomies but concentrate in specialized areas (Sound, Light, Optics, Electricity) that are thoroughly addressed in chapter content.

Immediate Action Items: 1. Add 15-20 HIGH priority questions focusing on: - Foundation mathematical tools (5 questions) - Advanced dynamics topics (4 questions) - Light fundamentals (3 questions) - Essential optics (3 questions) - Core electricity concepts (3 questions)

  1. This expansion would increase coverage to 85% and address the most significant gaps.

Long-term Strategy: - Systematic expansion over 3-4 iterations - Prioritize based on learning graph centrality - Maintain balance across Bloom's Taxonomy levels - Continue high answer quality standards (examples, links, appropriate length)

The gap analysis provides a clear roadmap for FAQ enhancement while confirming that current coverage appropriately prioritizes fundamental concepts for initial release.

This document identifies physics concepts from the learning graph that are not currently addressed in the FAQ, organized by priority for potential future additions.

Generated: 2025-11-10 Total Concepts in Learning Graph: 200 Concepts Covered in FAQ: 95 Gaps: 105 concepts (52.5%)

High Priority Gaps (Critical)

These are high-centrality concepts with many dependencies that would benefit from FAQ coverage. Students frequently encounter these concepts and may have questions.

1. Graphical Analysis

  • Taxonomy: Foundation
  • Why Important: Foundation skill for interpreting position-time, velocity-time, and acceleration-time graphs
  • Dependencies: 14+ concepts depend on this
  • Suggested Question: "How do I interpret and analyze physics graphs?"
  • Bloom's Level: Apply

2. Position-Time Graphs

  • Taxonomy: Kinematics
  • Why Important: Visual representation of motion, slope gives velocity
  • Dependencies: Foundation for understanding kinematics
  • Suggested Question: "How do I read and interpret position-time graphs?"
  • Bloom's Level: Apply

3. Velocity-Time Graphs

  • Taxonomy: Kinematics
  • Why Important: Visual representation of velocity, slope gives acceleration, area gives displacement
  • Dependencies: Essential for understanding motion analysis
  • Suggested Question: "What information can I get from a velocity-time graph?"
  • Bloom's Level: Apply

4. Acceleration-Time Graphs

  • Taxonomy: Kinematics
  • Why Important: Completes the trilogy of motion graphs
  • Dependencies: Links to velocity-time graphs
  • Suggested Question: "How do acceleration-time graphs relate to velocity and position?"
  • Bloom's Level: Analyze

5. Vector Components

  • Taxonomy: Foundation
  • Why Important: Essential for 2D motion, projectile motion, force resolution
  • Dependencies: 12+ concepts require component decomposition
  • Suggested Question: "How do I break vectors into components?"
  • Bloom's Level: Apply

6. Dot Product

  • Taxonomy: Foundation
  • Why Important: Used to calculate work (W = F·d)
  • Dependencies: Foundation for work calculations
  • Suggested Question: "What is the dot product and when do I use it?"
  • Bloom's Level: Apply

7. Cross Product

  • Taxonomy: Foundation
  • Why Important: Used to calculate torque (τ = r × F)
  • Dependencies: Foundation for rotational motion
  • Suggested Question: "What is the cross product and how does it relate to torque?"
  • Bloom's Level: Apply

8. Relative Velocity

  • Taxonomy: Kinematics
  • Why Important: Understanding motion from different reference frames
  • Dependencies: Important for 2D motion and Doppler Effect
  • Suggested Question: "How do I calculate relative velocity between moving objects?"
  • Bloom's Level: Apply

9. Inclined Plane

  • Taxonomy: Dynamics
  • Why Important: Common problem type, requires component analysis
  • Dependencies: Applied in many force problems
  • Suggested Question: "How do I analyze forces on an inclined plane?"
  • Bloom's Level: Apply

10. Atwood Machine

  • Taxonomy: Dynamics
  • Why Important: Classic system for studying Newton's Laws
  • Dependencies: Common lab and problem scenario
  • Suggested Question: "What is an Atwood machine and how does it demonstrate Newton's Laws?"
  • Bloom's Level: Understand

11. Pulley Systems

  • Taxonomy: Dynamics/Energy
  • Why Important: Simple machines, mechanical advantage
  • Dependencies: Links dynamics to energy concepts
  • Suggested Question: "How do pulley systems provide mechanical advantage?"
  • Bloom's Level: Apply

12. Banked Curves

  • Taxonomy: Dynamics
  • Why Important: Real-world application of circular motion
  • Dependencies: Combines centripetal force with component analysis
  • Suggested Question: "How do banked curves allow cars to turn at higher speeds?"
  • Bloom's Level: Analyze

13. Energy Diagrams

  • Taxonomy: Energy
  • Why Important: Visual tool for understanding energy conservation
  • Dependencies: Used throughout energy and oscillation topics
  • Suggested Question: "How do I interpret and draw energy diagrams?"
  • Bloom's Level: Apply

14. Power

  • Taxonomy: Energy
  • Why Important: Rate of energy transfer, practical applications
  • Dependencies: Connects work and energy to time
  • Suggested Question: "What is power and how is it different from energy?"
  • Bloom's Level: Understand

15. Efficiency

  • Taxonomy: Energy
  • Why Important: Practical measure of machine performance
  • Dependencies: Important for simple machines and real applications
  • Suggested Question: "How do I calculate the efficiency of a machine?"
  • Bloom's Level: Apply

16. Simple Machines

  • Taxonomy: Energy
  • Why Important: Broad category with many applications
  • Dependencies: Includes levers, pulleys, inclined planes, etc.
  • Suggested Question: "What are the six types of simple machines and how do they work?"
  • Bloom's Level: Understand

17. Mechanical Advantage

  • Taxonomy: Energy
  • Why Important: Quantifies benefit of using machines
  • Dependencies: Applied to all simple machines
  • Suggested Question: "What is mechanical advantage and how is it calculated?"
  • Bloom's Level: Apply

18. 2D Collisions

  • Taxonomy: Momentum
  • Why Important: Extends collision analysis to two dimensions
  • Dependencies: Requires vector component analysis
  • Suggested Question: "How do I analyze collisions in two dimensions?"
  • Bloom's Level: Apply

19. Wave Properties

  • Taxonomy: Waves
  • Why Important: Foundation for all wave concepts
  • Dependencies: Wavelength, frequency, amplitude, speed
  • Suggested Question: "What are the fundamental properties that describe all waves?"
  • Bloom's Level: Remember

20. Wavelength

  • Taxonomy: Waves
  • Why Important: Key wave property, related to frequency and speed
  • Dependencies: Used in wave speed equation
  • Suggested Question: "What is wavelength and how does it relate to frequency?"
  • Bloom's Level: Understand

Medium Priority Gaps

These concepts have moderate centrality or are more specialized topics that may benefit from FAQ coverage.

Foundation Concepts (9 concepts)

  1. Unit Conversion - Converting between measurement systems
  2. Dimensional Analysis - Checking equation validity
  3. Error Analysis - Understanding measurement uncertainties
  4. Scientific Notation - Expressing very large/small numbers
  5. Trigonometry for Physics - Using trig functions in problem-solving
  6. Proportional Reasoning - Understanding direct/inverse relationships
  7. Vector Addition - Combining vectors graphically or analytically
  8. Vector Subtraction - Finding vector differences
  9. Significant Figures - Proper precision in calculations

Suggested Category: Technical Details Estimated Questions: 5-7

Kinematics Concepts (4 concepts)

  1. Uniform Motion - Motion at constant velocity
  2. Uniformly Accelerated Motion - Motion with constant acceleration
  3. Horizontal Projection - Special case of projectile motion
  4. Angled Projection - General projectile motion

Suggested Category: Technical Details or Core Concepts Estimated Questions: 3-4

Dynamics Concepts (5 concepts)

  1. Static Equilibrium - Objects at rest with balanced forces
  2. Dynamic Equilibrium - Objects moving with constant velocity
  3. Static Friction - Friction preventing motion
  4. Coefficient of Friction - Quantifying friction
  5. Normal Force - Perpendicular contact force

Suggested Category: Technical Details Estimated Questions: 3-4

Energy Concepts (5 concepts)

  1. Work by Constant Force - Basic work calculation
  2. Work by Variable Force - Integration for changing forces
  3. Conservative Forces - Path-independent work
  4. Non-conservative Forces - Path-dependent work, energy dissipation
  5. Mechanical Energy - Sum of kinetic and potential energy

Suggested Category: Technical Details or Core Concepts Estimated Questions: 3-4

Momentum Concepts (2 concepts)

  1. Center of Mass - Balance point of mass distribution
  2. Rocket Propulsion - Application of conservation of momentum

Suggested Category: Core Concepts or Advanced Topics Estimated Questions: 2

Rotation Concepts (4 concepts)

  1. Angular Displacement - Angle rotated about axis
  2. Angular Velocity - Rate of angular displacement change
  3. Angular Acceleration - Rate of angular velocity change
  4. Rotational Kinematics - Equations for rotational motion

Suggested Category: Technical Details Estimated Questions: 3-4

Oscillations Concepts (8 concepts)

  1. Amplitude - Maximum displacement in oscillation
  2. Period - Time for one complete cycle
  3. Frequency - Cycles per unit time
  4. Angular Frequency - 2π times frequency
  5. Spring Constant - Measure of spring stiffness
  6. Simple Pendulum - Idealized pendulum
  7. Physical Pendulum - Extended rigid body pendulum
  8. Damped Harmonic Motion - Oscillations with energy loss

Suggested Category: Technical Details or Core Concepts Estimated Questions: 5-6

Note: Oscillations is underrepresented in current FAQ (36% coverage), making these medium-high priority.

Waves Concepts (9 concepts)

  1. Transverse Waves - Perpendicular oscillation to propagation
  2. Longitudinal Waves - Parallel oscillation to propagation
  3. Wave Period - Time for one wavelength to pass
  4. Constructive Interference - Waves adding in phase
  5. Destructive Interference - Waves canceling out of phase
  6. Superposition Principle - Waves combine by adding displacements
  7. Standing Waves - Stationary interference pattern
  8. Nodes and Antinodes - Points of zero/maximum displacement
  9. Wave Reflection - Waves bouncing off boundaries

Suggested Category: Technical Details or Core Concepts Estimated Questions: 6-7

Sound Concepts (7 concepts)

  1. Speed of Sound - Wave speed in air (~343 m/s)
  2. Sound Intensity - Power per area
  3. Decibel Scale - Logarithmic loudness measure
  4. Pitch - Perceived frequency
  5. Loudness - Perceived amplitude
  6. Ultrasound - Sound above human hearing range
  7. Infrasound - Sound below human hearing range

Suggested Category: Technical Details Estimated Questions: 4-5

Note: Sound is significantly underrepresented (27% coverage), making these medium-high priority.

Light Concepts (2 concepts)

  1. Electromagnetic Spectrum - Full range of electromagnetic waves
  2. Visible Spectrum - Wavelengths humans can see

Suggested Category: Core Concepts Estimated Questions: 2

Optics Concepts (19 concepts)

  1. Law of Reflection - Angle in equals angle out
  2. Plane Mirrors - Flat reflecting surfaces
  3. Spherical Mirrors - Curved reflecting surfaces
  4. Concave Mirrors - Converging mirrors
  5. Convex Mirrors - Diverging mirrors
  6. Mirror Equation - Relating object/image distances
  7. Magnification - Ratio of image to object size
  8. Index of Refraction - Ratio of light speeds
  9. Critical Angle - Minimum angle for total internal reflection
  10. Convex Lenses - Converging lenses
  11. Concave Lenses - Diverging lenses
  12. Lens Equation - Relating distances for lenses
  13. Thin Lens Formula - Approximation for thin lenses
  14. Ray Diagrams - Graphical image location method
  15. Focal Length - Distance to focal point
  16. Real Images - Images that can be projected
  17. Virtual Images - Images that cannot be projected
  18. Prism - Refracting optical element
  19. Optical Diffraction - Light bending around obstacles

Suggested Category: Technical Details Estimated Questions: 12-15

Note: Optics is significantly underrepresented (34% coverage) and is a large taxonomy, making these medium-high priority.

Electricity Concepts (13 concepts)

  1. Positive Charge - Charge of protons
  2. Negative Charge - Charge of electrons
  3. Conservation of Charge - Charge cannot be created/destroyed
  4. Conductors - Materials allowing charge flow
  5. Insulators - Materials preventing charge flow
  6. Semiconductors - Materials with controllable conductivity
  7. Superconductors - Zero-resistance materials at low temperature
  8. Charging by Friction - Triboelectric effect
  9. Charging by Contact - Charge transfer by touching
  10. Charging by Induction - Charge redistribution without contact
  11. Grounding - Connecting to Earth to neutralize charge

Suggested Category: Technical Details or Core Concepts Estimated Questions: 8-10

Note: Electricity is significantly underrepresented (25% coverage), making these medium-high priority.

Low Priority Gaps

These are specialized or advanced concepts that are adequately covered in chapter content and have limited FAQ value.

Specialized Topics

  • Lever - Specific type of simple machine
  • Pulley as Machine - Pulley analyzed as machine
  • Inclined Plane as Machine - Inclined plane analyzed as machine
  • Perfectly Inelastic Collisions - Specific collision type
  • Rotational Kinetic Energy - Energy form
  • Rolling Motion - Combined rotation and translation
  • Forced Oscillations - Externally driven oscillations
  • Acoustic Resonance - Sound resonance phenomena
  • Beats - Interference of close frequencies
  • Harmonics - Integer multiples of fundamental frequency
  • Shock Waves - Supersonic disturbances
  • Color Addition - Combining colored lights
  • Color Subtraction - Filtering light
  • Young's Double Slit - Historic interference experiment
  • Single Slit Diffraction - Diffraction through single opening
  • Diffraction Grating - Multiple-slit interference
  • Polarization - Orientation of transverse wave oscillations
  • Electric Field Lines - Visual representation of fields
  • Field Strength - Electric field magnitude
  • Electric Potential Energy - Energy in electric field
  • Electric Potential - Potential energy per unit charge
  • Voltage - Potential difference

Total: 22 concepts

Assessment: These concepts are adequately explained in chapters and glossary. FAQ questions would largely duplicate existing content without adding significant value. Consider addressing only if specific student questions arise.

Summary Statistics

Priority Count Percentage of Gaps
High (Critical) 20 19%
Medium 63 60%
Low (Specialized) 22 21%
Total Gaps 105 100%

Recommendations

Phase 1: Address Critical Gaps (+20 questions)

Focus on the 20 high-priority concepts listed above. These are foundational, high-centrality concepts that students frequently ask about.

Estimated Work: - Time: 3-4 hours - New questions: 20 - Expected coverage increase: 47.5% → 57.5% - Expected quality score increase: 88 → 92

Phase 2: Selective Medium Priority (+15-20 questions)

Target underrepresented taxonomies: - Sound: Add 4-5 questions (current 27% → target 50%) - Oscillations: Add 5-6 questions (current 36% → target 50%) - Optics: Add 6-8 questions (current 34% → target 45%)

Estimated Work: - Time: 2-3 hours - New questions: 15-20 - Expected coverage increase: 57.5% → 67.5% - Expected quality score increase: 92 → 95

Phase 3: Responsive Additions (Ongoing)

Monitor student questions during course delivery. Add FAQ entries for: - Frequently asked questions not currently covered - Common misconceptions that emerge - Topics students find most challenging

Approach: Organic growth based on actual student needs

Conclusion

The current FAQ covers 47.5% of concepts with strong quality (88/100). Addressing the 20 high-priority gaps would raise coverage to 57.5% and quality to 92/100, providing excellent support for student learning. Medium-priority concepts should be addressed selectively based on taxonomy underrepresentation and student feedback.

Low-priority gaps do not require FAQ coverage as they are adequately addressed in chapter content and glossary. The strategic approach is to focus on high-centrality, frequently-questioned concepts rather than attempting comprehensive coverage of all 200 concepts.

Next Review: After Phase 1 implementation Update Frequency: Quarterly or as student needs emerge Maintenance: Track student questions to identify emerging gaps

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