Course Overview

Introduction to College Physics I

This course provides a foundational understanding of classical physics, focusing on the principles of mechanics and thermodynamics. It is designed for undergraduate students and does not require calculus. The course emphasizes analytical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and multiple modes of inquiry.

• Course Number: PHYS 225-001

• Credit Hours: 3

• Instructor: Mr. Brian Schuff

• Class Location: Marteena 312

• Required Textbook: College Physics: A Strategic Approach, 4th Edition by Knight, Jones, and Field

Course Structure and Topics

Main Topics Covered

The course is organized into weekly modules, each focusing on key concepts in mechanics and introductory thermodynamics. Below is a summary of the main topics and subtopics:

• Units, Physical Quantities, and Vectors

• Kinematics: Motion in one and two dimensions, velocity, acceleration

• Dynamics: Newton's Laws, forces, free-body diagrams

• Work and Energy: Conservation of energy, power

• Momentum: Impulse, collisions, conservation of momentum

• Rotational Motion: Angular velocity, torque, rotational inertia

• Equilibrium and Elasticity

• Gravitation: Newton's law of gravitation, orbits

• Properties of Matter: Density, pressure, fluids

• Thermodynamics: Heat, kinetic theory, thermal properties

Student Learning Objectives & Outcomes

General Education Objectives

• Objective 1: Use analytical thinking skills to evaluate information critically.

• Objective 2: Apply multiple modes of inquiry, including quantitative and qualitative reasoning.

• Objective 4: Use a wide range of disparate information and knowledge to draw inferences, test hypotheses, and make decisions.

Physics-Specific Learning Outcomes

• Develop, use, and manipulate symbolic mathematical representations of data and physical systems.

• Interpret relationships between elements of physical systems and characterize these relationships with mathematical expressions.

• Create accurate, complete, and clearly labeled graphical representations to present and analyze data and relationships between elements of physical systems.

• Appropriately draw inferences from graphic representations of physical systems.

• Use quantitative information in context to support solutions to physics problems.

• Identify modes of thinking (algebraic, graphic, and/or verbal) about physics problems.

• Translate between different modes of thinking about physics problems to explicate the underlying logic of the answer.

Key Concepts and Definitions

Units and Measurement

Physics relies on precise measurement and standardized units to describe physical quantities.

• SI Units: The International System of Units is used for consistency in scientific communication.

• Physical Quantities: Properties that can be measured, such as length, mass, time, and temperature.

• Significant Figures: Digits in a measurement that are known with certainty plus one estimated digit.

Kinematics

Kinematics is the study of motion without considering its causes.

• Displacement (): Change in position.

• Velocity (): Rate of change of displacement.

• Acceleration (): Rate of change of velocity.

Key Equations:

Dynamics

Dynamics examines the forces that cause motion.

• Newton's First Law: An object at rest remains at rest, and an object in motion remains in motion unless acted upon by a net external force.

• Newton's Second Law: The net force on an object is equal to the mass times its acceleration.

• Newton's Third Law: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Key Equation:

Work, Energy, and Power

Energy concepts are central to understanding physical systems.

• Work (): The product of force and displacement in the direction of the force.

• Kinetic Energy (): Energy due to motion.

• Potential Energy (): Energy stored due to position.

• Conservation of Energy: Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.

Key Equations:

Momentum and Collisions

Momentum is a measure of motion, and its conservation is a fundamental principle in physics.

• Momentum (): Product of mass and velocity.

• Impulse (): Change in momentum due to a force applied over time.

• Conservation of Momentum: In a closed system, total momentum remains constant.

Key Equations:

Rotational Motion

Rotational motion involves objects spinning about an axis.

• Angular Velocity (): Rate of change of angular position.

• Torque (): A measure of the force causing rotation.

• Rotational Inertia (): Resistance to change in rotational motion.

Key Equations:

Gravitation

Gravitational forces govern the motion of planets and other celestial bodies.

• Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation: Every mass attracts every other mass with a force proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

Key Equation:

Properties of Matter and Thermodynamics

These topics explore the physical properties of materials and the laws governing heat and energy transfer.

• Density (): Mass per unit volume.

• Pressure (): Force per unit area.

• Temperature: Measure of average kinetic energy of particles.

• Heat: Energy transferred due to temperature difference.

Key Equations:

Course Grading Policy

Grading Components

• Homework: 20%

• Participation: 15%

• Midterm Exam: 45% (lowest may be replaced by Final Exam grade if higher)

• Final Exam: 20%

Grade Scale

Course Policies

Homework and Participation

• Homework is assigned through Pearson Mastering Physics.

• Participation is tracked via in-class activities and online modules.

• Late homework incurs a penalty of 10% per day, up to a total deduction of 50%.

Exams and Make-Up Policies

• Midterm and final exams are scheduled as per the university calendar.

• Make-up exams require documentation for permissible absences.

• Non-exam absences also require documentation for participation credit.

Academic Integrity

• Proper attribution is required for all sources and tools used.

• Collaboration is allowed only as specified by the instructor.

Course Schedule (Sample Weeks)

Additional Resources

• Students are encouraged to use all study tools in the Mastering Physics platform.

• Active participation in class and online modules is recommended for success.

• Practice and preparation are essential for mastering concepts and performing well on assessments.

Additional info: The syllabus also includes university policies, technical requirements, and support resources, which are important for overall academic success but are not directly related to physics content.