Introduction to Mechanics

Course Description:

This is the first semester of an introductory one-year college level algebra-based physics course, which covers basic principles of mechanics. We cover kinematics (the description of observed motion), dynamics (the description of the causes of motion i.e. forces, torques), energy and momentum (an alternative description of dynamics in terms of conserved quantities), thermodynamics (temperature, heat transfer), fluids, and waves. We learn to solve simple quantitative problems that illustrate these physical principles. We discuss how this framework explains some of the phenomena we observe in everyday life and in nature. The laboratory experiments give us an opportunity to quantitatively test the principles learned in lecture. We learn to collect and analyze data, as well as write a scientific report.
Pre- or co-requisite: MAT 1275

Required Texts:

College Physics 2e, Urone, Hinrichs et al., 2022, OpenStax

Grading:

  • Lecture Grade 75%
    • Homework Participation 10%
    • Quizes 15%
    • Exam 1 25%
    • Exam 2 25%
    • Final Exam 25%
  • Lab Grade 25%

Class Schedule

dates

Week Topic Chapter Homework
Volume I
1 Introducing Physics 1 1, 17,  [22, 29, 30]
2 1D Kinematics 2 3, 12, 18, 23, 44, 46, 66
3 2D Kinematics 3 5, 16, 18, 24, 25, 26, 27, 43
4 Dynamics 4 6, 9, 13, 20, 22, 35, 41
5 EXAM 1, More DYNAMICS 5 4, 7, 18, 19
6 Circular Motion and Gravity 6 4, 11, 19, 23, 25, 33, 35, 45
7 Work, Energy AND POWER 7 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 13, 20, 21, 25, 27, 48, 59
8 Momentum and Collisions 8 27, 30, 44, 50
9 Statics and Torque 9 2A, 3, 5, 6, 29
10 EXAM 2, Fluid STATICS 11 2, 12, 15, 25, 36, 41, 45
12 FLUID DYNAMCIS 12 4, 13, 19, 23a, 28
13 Temperature, Gas Laws 13 4, 11, 25a, 32, 39, 46
14 HEAT, HEAT TRANSFER, THERMODYNAMICS 14, 15 Ch14: 6, 11, 13, 24 CH15: 4, 14, 20, 30, 48
14 MECHANICAL WAVES, SOUND 16,
17
CH16: 52, 53 CH17: 2, 16, 42
15 REVIEW AND Final Exam

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