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PHY 111: General Physics I – Syllabus Overview and Topic Guide

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Course Overview

Introduction to General Physics I

PHY 111 at Arizona State University is designed for non-science majors, with particular relevance for pre-medical and health-related programs. The course provides a foundational understanding of classical mechanics, waves, fluids, and thermodynamics, emphasizing conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills.

  • Credits: 3

  • Prerequisites: MAT 170 or higher with C or better, or ALEKS score of 61 or higher, or MAT 210 or higher, or Visiting University Student

  • Textbook: College Physics from OpenStax College (free online)

Course Topics

Unit Breakdown and Key Concepts

The course is organized into thematic units covering the major areas of introductory physics. Each unit is aligned with specific chapters and learning outcomes.

Unit Name

Topics

Unit 1: Mathematical Tools for Physics

  • Exponential Notation

  • Dimensional Analysis

  • Solving Equations

  • Trigonometry

  • Vectors and Scalars

Unit 2: One-Dimensional Kinematics

  • Displacement, Velocity, Acceleration

  • Constant Acceleration

  • Free Fall Motion

Unit 3: Two-Dimensional Kinematics

  • Vector Addition and Subtraction

  • Projectile Motion

  • Principle of Independence of Motion

Unit 4: Forces and Newton's Laws of Motion

  • Development of Force Concept

  • Newton's First Law of Motion

  • Newton's Second Law of Motion

  • Newton's Third Law of Motion

  • Gravitational Forces and Weight

  • Normal, Tension, and Other Examples of Forces

Unit 5: Applications of Newton's Laws

  • Friction and Drag Forces

  • Deformation of Solids

  • Elasticity, Stress and Strain

Unit 6: Uniform Circular Motion and Gravity

  • Motion in a Circle and Gravity

  • Angular Velocity

  • Centripetal Acceleration and Force

Unit 7: Work and Energy

  • Energy and Work

  • Kinetic and Potential Energy

  • Conservation of Energy

  • Mechanical Power

Unit 8: Linear Momentum, Impulse, and Collisions

  • Linear Momentum and Force

  • Impulse and Collisions

  • Conservation of Momentum

Unit 9: Torque, Rotational Motion, and Angular Momentum

  • Torque

  • Rotational Acceleration

  • Angular Momentum

  • Rotational Kinetic Energy

Unit 10: Oscillatory Motions and Waves

  • Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)

  • Driven Oscillations and Resonance

  • Wave Motion and Types of Waves

  • Interference and Standing Waves

  • Sound Waves

  • Doppler Effect

Unit 11: Fluid Statics and Dynamics

  • Density and Pressure

  • Variation of Pressure with Depth in a Fluid

  • Pascal's Principle

  • Gauge Pressure, Absolute Pressure, and Atmospheric Pressure

  • Archimedes' Principle

  • Surface Tension

  • Fluid Flow and Bernoulli's Equation

Unit 12: Temperature, Ideal Gas Law, Heat, and First Law of Thermodynamics

  • Temperature

  • Ideal Gas Law

  • Specific Heats

  • Heat Transfer

  • The First Law of Thermodynamics

Key Formulas and Concepts

Fundamental Equations

  • Kinematic Equations (Constant Acceleration):

  • Newton's Second Law:

  • Work:

  • Kinetic Energy:

  • Potential Energy (Gravitational):

  • Conservation of Energy:

  • Linear Momentum:

  • Impulse:

  • Conservation of Momentum (Collisions):

  • Torque:

  • Angular Momentum:

  • Ideal Gas Law:

  • First Law of Thermodynamics:

Course Objectives

Learning Goals

  • Introduce fundamental physics concepts relevant to non-science majors and pre-med students.

  • Emphasize conceptual understanding of mechanics, waves, fluids, and thermodynamics.

  • Develop problem-solving skills and real-world applications.

  • Highlight physics principles in medical applications, including biological and medical applications.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

  • Apply the fundamental principles of classical mechanics to analyze motion, forces, energy, and momentum.

  • Analyze periodic motion and wave phenomena, including oscillatory systems and wave behavior.

  • Evaluate physical systems involving fluids, including pressure, buoyancy, and fluid flow.

  • Explain and apply the core concepts of thermodynamics, including temperature, heat, work, and entropy.

  • Solve physics problems using algebraic and trigonometric methods, both qualitatively and quantitatively.

  • Connect physics principles to real-world situations and physical applications.

  • Assess the validity and physical reasonableness of problem-solving results.

Grading Policy

Assessment Components

  • Pearson Assignments: 10%

  • Unit Tests: 30%

  • Final Exam: 30%

  • Practice Exams: 30%

Letter grades are assigned according to the following scale:

Grade

Percentage Range

A+

96–100%

A

90–95%

A-

88–89%

B+

86–87%

B

80–85%

B-

78–79%

C+

76–77%

C

70–75%

D

60–69%

E

Below 60%

Additional info:

  • This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the course structure, topics, grading, and policies for PHY 111: General Physics I at Arizona State University.

  • Students are expected to use the provided online resources and adhere to academic integrity and conduct policies.

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