The course is an introductory physics course intended for students majoring in science or engineering. This course is the first of a three-quarter sequence. Course content includes the laws of motion, energy, momentum, and static equilibrium.
Prerequisites
Calculus I (Math& 151) or concurrent enrollment
Quarters Offered
Fall
Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to demonstrate the following knowledge or skills:
- Use vector mathematics including component algebra, unit vectors, and the scalar product.
- Convert between different units of all sorts, and correctly use significant figures.
- Solve various problems using the problem-solving strategy of drawing a suitable diagram, listing the knowns and unknowns, deriving a proper equation, substituting for the given values, and obtaining a numerical value for the unknown.
- Solve problems involving constant acceleration in one and two dimensions, including chase, circular motion, and projectile motion problems.
- Apply Newton's laws of motion to the solution of problems, including those involving linear, two-dimensional, circular, and rotational motion.
- State the conservation principles of mass, energy, and momentum, and apply these principles to problems involving linear, two-dimensional, circular, and rotational motion.
- Present clearly explained problem solutions.
- Present experimental results in clearly written laboratory reports.
Institutional Outcomes
IO2 Quantitative Reasoning: Students will be able to reason mathematically.
Course Content Outline
- Measurement and Vectors
Standards of length, mass, and time
Scalar and vector quantities
Unit vectors and components
Addition of vectors, multiplication of vectors by scalars, and scalar products - Motion in One Dimension
Speed and velocity
Acceleration
Motion with constant acceleration
Freefall - Two-dimensional motion
Projectile motion
Uniform circular motion - The Laws of Motion
Inertial mass
Newton's laws of motion
Weight
Friction
Applications of Newton’s laws - Work and Energy
Work
Kinetic energy
Potential energy
Conservation of energy
Power - Momentum
Momentum and impulse
Collisions
Center of mass - Rotational Motion
Angular concepts
Torque and rotational inertia
Rolling motion
Angular momentum
Static equilibrium - Gravitation (if time permits)
Newton’s law of gravitation
Gravitational potential energy
Kepler’s laws of orbital motion 1. Electric Charge and Electric Field
Department Guidelines
Exams and Quizzes 50-60% Homework 20-30% Laboratory Reports 20%
PO5 should be assessed: Students will be able to solve problems by gathering, interpreting, combining and/or applying information from multiple sources.