PHYSICS 1

1998 - Revised by Douglas Dias, Mark Sobkowicz, Connie Patten Full Year - 4 credits

PHYSICS (1) is designed for the student who has a strong background in mathematics, has good language art skills, and an interest in science. Topics covered in the course are classical mechanics, wave phenomena, electricity and magnetism, and optics. Outside work will include problems solving limited to simple algebra and power 10 notation. Achievement in the course will be determined on the basis of quality of test grades, lab work and lab reports, and written homework (problem solving).

RATIONALE:

The purpose of this course is to give students a mathematically rigorous introduction to physics. The course emphasizes depth over coverage, consequently some areas of physics are not covered. The two major aspects of the course are learning physical concepts, and problem solving techniques.

COURSE OUTLINE:

I. One Dimensional Motion

A. Position, time, and velocity.

B. Motion Graphs

C. Accelerated Motion

II. Newton's Laws

A. Mass and Inertia

B. Force Diagrams

C. Vectors

D. Equilibrium

E. Newton's Second Law

F. Friction

G. Inclined Planes

H. Action and Reaction Forces

III. Projectile Motion

A. Vertical Motion

B. Combining Horizontal and Vertical Motion.

C. Range

IV. Circular Motion and Universal Gravitation

A. Period and Frequency

B. Centripetal Acceleration

C. Centripetal Force

D. Universal Gravitation

E. Satellite Motion

V. Energy and Momentum

A. Work

B. Kinetic Energy

C. Gravitational Potential Energy

D. Energy Conservation

E. Impulse and Momentum

F. Collisions

VI. Electrostatics and Electric Field

A. Attraction and Repulsion

B. Conductors and Insulators

C. Coulomb's Law

D. Electric Field

E. Electric Field Lines

VII. Electric Potential

A. Electric Potential Energy

B. Between Parallel Plates

C. Potential and Field

VIII. Current and DC Circuits

A. Flow of Charge

B. Series and Parallel Circuits

C. Ohm's Law

D. Electric Power

IX. Waves and Optics

A. Reflection of Pulses

B. Reflection of Light

C. Standing Waves

D. Frequency, Period, and Velocity

E. Electromagnetic Waves

F. Refraction of Pulses

G. Refraction of Light

H. Curved Mirrors and Lenses

Additional Topics, which may include Magnetism, Special Relativity, or more in depth studies of one of the topics above, may be covered if time allows.

METHODS:

A variety of instructional methods are used in the course. Interactive lectures, recitation, demonstrations, group work, projects and laboratory experiments are used at various times.

EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS:

Students are expected to do all assigned work, including homework and lab write-ups. Students are expected to actively participate in the class, and work to acquire good problem solving and critical thinking skills. Students are expected to take responsibility for making up any work they miss due to absence.

SKILLS TO BE DEVELOPED:

Physics 1 stresses problem solving skills, both conceptual and mathematical. Physics introduces many new concepts, and students must have a firm grasp of these concepts before moving on to more complex mathematical problems about those concepts. Computers are utilized in the class, for data gathering as well as simulations.

TEXTBOOK:

Physics by Dias, Patten, and Sobkowicz. It is provided to all students for return at the end of the course, or students may purchase a copy at a nominal price.

SUPPLEMENTARY READING:

Physics by Giancoli, and Conceptual Physics by Hewitt.

ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS:

The evaluation of students is based on the following:

homework

quizzes

tests

class participation

lab performance and reports

major projects