P111 Introductory Physics I (Mechanics)

Prof. D. T. Petasis

Syllabus:

This is the first course in the calculus-based Introductory Physics sequence. It covers the fundamentals of classical mechanics. An outline of the topics that we will study this semester is given on page two of this syllabus. There are no physics prerequisites for this course. The math prerequisites are a basic knowledge of algebra and trigonometry. Introductory calculus is expected as a co-requisite.

I will assign several homework problems every week. The attached assignment list gives general reading and problem assignments for each week. The problems indicate the minimum level of achievement expected of all students. Solutions to the homework will be placed on reserve in the secretary's office (Carr 245). There will be a weekly quiz similar to the underlined problems in the homework assignment. This quiz will be graded and will count toward your grade according to the grading scheme below. Friendly advice: Doing homework problems is essential in understanding the concepts presented in lecture. Consequently, you should try all the problems assigned each week. In addition, exam and quiz problems will be based on the homework, so you must make sure that you keep up with the homework.

A weekly ninety-minute recitation will also be scheduled. During the first hour of recitation several difficult concepts from lecture will be reinforced and studied in more depth. We will follow the topics in "Tutorials in Introductory Physics" by McDermott and Shaffer. During the last half hour we will discuss any difficulties you might have with the homework. Quizzes will generally be held on the day after recitation.

There will be three one-hour exams, given approximately on the dates shown on the assignment list, and a three-hour cumulative final exam at a date and time to be announced later. You will be given handouts with review problems and I will also hold review sessions prior to each exam to go over homework and review problems. All exams will be closed-book exams. A formula sheet will be given with every exam.

You will also be required to complete six experimental labs taught by Prof. Willey. The lab topics will be related to the material covered in class as shown on page two. These labs are essential in helping you apply and understand many of the concepts covered in lecture. Your lab grade will be factored into your cumulative grade at the end of the semester according to the grading scheme below.

Lectures: MWF 11:00-11:50 AM Carr 113
Lab: T 1:30-4:20 PM Carr 107
Recitation:
Texts: "University Physics" by Young & Freedman (11th edition)
"Tutorials in Introductory Physics" by McDermott and Shaffer
Office Hours: MWF 10:00-11:00 AM
TTh 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
W 2:30-3:30 PM
If you need to see me at other times please set up an appointment.
Homework: Assigned every week (see attached assignment list).
Grading: Exams I, II, III 15% each
Final Exam 30% (cumulative)
Quizzes 15%
Labs 5%
Class Participation 5%

Schedule:

Dates Topic Chap. Homework

Jan. 14-Jan. 16 Units, Physical Quantities, Vectors 1 (all) Ch. 1: 7, 10, 11, 14, 16, 24, 27, 32, 35, 36, 40, 42, 44, 46, 50, 54, 65, 82, 86
Jan. 19-Jan. 23 Motion Along a Straight Line 2 (sec. 1-5) Ch. 2: 3, 6, 8, 10, 19, 22, 31, 32, 40, 46, 54, 55, 58, 66, 76, 92
Jan. 26-Jan. 30 Motion in Two and Three Dimensions 3 (all) Ch. 3: 2, 6, 8, 9, 12, 14, 18, 19, 21, 23, 26, 34, 37, 38, 46, 58, 59, 60, 63, 64, 71
Feb. 2-Feb. 6 Newton's Laws of Motion 4 (all) Ch. 4: 4, 10, 17, 20, 24, 30, 32, 33, 39, 42, 45, 46, 49
Feb. 9 Exam I 1-3
Feb. 11-Feb. 20 Applications of Newton's Laws 5 (sec. 1-4) Ch. 5: 2, 3, 7, 8, 11, 13, 15, 17, 21, 30, 31, 39, 43, 46, 56, 60, 62, 84, 99, 104, 114, 118
Feb. 23-Feb. 27 Work and Kinetic Energy 6 (all) Ch. 6: 1, 4, 5, 15, 19, 24, 30, 34, 37, 38, 46, 49, 58, 64, 70, 73, 81, 82, 93
Mar. 1-Mar. 5 Potential Energy and Energy Conservation 7 (all) Ch. 7: 5, 9, 14, 17, 28, 33, 38, 42, 46, 47, 49, 55, 63, 65, 66, 68, 74, 75, 86
Mar. 8 Exam II 4-6
Mar. 10-Mar. 12 Momentum, Impulse and Collisions 8 (sec. 1-5) Ch. 8: 4, 8, 12, 19, 22, 27, 35, 40, 46, 64, 70, 73, 81, 88, 94, 99, 102
Mar. 15-Mar. 21 Spring Break
Mar. 22-Mar. 26 Rotation of Rigid Bodies 9 (sec. 1-5) Ch. 9: 8, 10, 13, 19, 22, 26, 27, 37, 41, 52, 78, 85, 86, 89, 92
Mar. 29-Apr. 2 Dynamics of Rotational Motion 10 (sec. 1-3) Ch. 10: 1, 3, 4, 13, 14, 19, 20, 62, 63, 66
Apr. 5 Exam III 7-9
Apr. 7-Apr. 9 Dynamics of Rotational Motion (cont.) 10 (sec. 4-6) Ch. 10: 35, 40, 70, 74, 75, 83
Apr. 12-Apr. 16 Equilibrium and Elasticity 11 (sec. 1-3) Ch. 11: 1, 12, 13, 14, 18, 21, 59, 66, 68, 72, 73
Apr. 19-Apr. 26 Periodic Motion 13 (sec. 1-5) Ch. 13: 4, 7, 8, 19, 24, 41, 51, 52, 54, 56, 61, 64, 74, 86

Laboratory:

Lab Topics

Experimenting with Vectors
Acceleration due to Gravity
Friction and Acceleration
Uniform Circular Motion and Centripetal Force
Collisions in One and Two Dimensions
Springs, Simple Harmonic Oscillation and Measuring Mass