About This Course
This is the first of an algebra-based two semester sequence in classical physics. Topics include one- and two-dimensional kinematics; forces; Newton’s Laws; circular motion; energy; momentum; torque; temperature; and heat. Emphasis is on problem solving. Laboratory experiments are included in this course.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to
- State the fundamental laws and principles of mechanics and heat;
- Find the resultant vector of two or more vectors using algebraic and graphical methods;
- Use the kinematic equations to solve problems involving constant acceleration;
- Use newton’s laws to solve problems;
- Recognize the conditions for which the laws of conservation of mechanical energy are valid;
- Use the conservation of momentum to solve problems involving collision;
- Solve problems involving torque and rigid bodies;
- Draw free body diagrams and use the diagrams to solve physical problems;
- Use algebra and trigonometry to solve physical problems in mechanics and heat;
- Make physical measurements and record data accurately;
Material Includes
- Giancoli, D. (2014). Physics: Principles with applications (7th ed.).
- Boston, MA: Pearson. SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS/MATERIALS Cutnell, J. D. & Johnson, K. W. (2012). Physics (9th ed.).
- Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons. Serway, R. & Vuille, C. (2012). College physics (9th ed.). Boston, MA: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning.
Curriculum
Week 1: Measurement
A. Uncertainty
B. Significant figures
C. Units and standards
D. International System of Units (S.I. Units)
E. Unit conversions
F. Dimensions and dimensional analysis
Week 2: Kinematics in One Dimensions
A. Reference frames
B. Po-sition, distance and displacement
C. Average speed and av-erage velocity
D. Instantaneous velocity
E. Acceleration
Week 3: Kinematics in Two Dimensions
A. Vectors and scalars
B. Adding and subtracting vectors
i. Graphically
ii. Algebrai-cally
C. Multiplication of vectors and scalars
D. Projectile motion
E. Relative velocity
Week 4: Newton’s Laws of Motion
A. Force and mass
B. Newton’s First Law of Motion
C. Newton’s Second Law of Motion
D. Newton’s Third Law of Motion
E. Types of forces
i. Weight - the force of gravity
ii. The normal force iii. Friction
F. Free-body diagrams
G. Problems involving friction, the normal force and weight
Week 5: Circular Motion and Gravitation
A. Uniform circular motion
B. Banked and unbanked curves
C. Non-Uniform circular motion
D. Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation
E. Geophysical applications of Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation
F. Satellites and weightlessness
Week 6: Revision and Midterm
Week 7 – 8: Work and Energy
A. Work done by
i. Constant forces
ii. Varying forces
B. Kinetic energy
C. The Work-Kinetic Energy Theorem
D. Potential energy
E. Conservative and non-conservative forces
F. Mechanical energy
G. Conservation of mechanical energy
H. Conservation of energy with dissipative forces
I. Power
Week 9: Momentum and Force
A. Conservation of momentum
B. Impulse and collisions
C. Conservation of momentum during collisions
i. Elastic collisions
ii. Inelastic collision
D. Center of mass
Week 10: Rotational Motion
A. Angular velocity and angular acceleration
B. Rotational kinematic equations of motion
C. Torque and rotational inertia
D. Rotational kinetic energy
E. Angular momentum and its conservation
Week 11: Temperature and Heat
A. Types of thermometers
B. Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics
C. Thermal expansion in solids
D. Heat as energy transfer
E. Internal energy
F. Specific heat
G. Latent heat
H. Calorimetry
I. Conduction, convection and radiation
Week 12 – 13: Laboratory Reports
A. Making Measurements
B. Analysing Data
C. Graphs
D.
Week 14: Revision
Week 15: Finals
Your Instructors
Free