Course Overview

This document outlines the weekly schedule, topics, and assignments for PHYS2310/2310H, a college-level introductory physics course. The course covers foundational concepts in classical mechanics, including units, vectors, motion, Newton's laws, energy, momentum, rotation, equilibrium, gravitation, and periodic motion.

Course Topics by Week

Key Topics and Concepts

Units, Physical Quantities, and Vectors

• Units and Dimensional Analysis: Understanding SI units, converting between units, and checking equations for dimensional consistency.

• Significant Figures: Rules for determining the precision of measurements and calculations.

• Vectors: Quantities with both magnitude and direction; operations include addition, subtraction, and decomposition into components.

Motion in One and Two Dimensions

• 1D Motion: Described by displacement, velocity, and acceleration. Key equations for constant acceleration:

• 2D Motion: Includes projectile motion and uniform circular motion. Position and velocity are treated as vectors.

Newton's Laws of Motion

• First Law (Inertia): An object remains at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by a net force.

• Second Law: The net force on an object equals mass times acceleration:

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

• Free-Body Diagrams: Visual tools to analyze forces acting on a system.

Work, Energy, and Conservation

• Work:

• Kinetic Energy:

• Work-Energy Theorem:

• Potential Energy: Energy stored due to position (e.g., gravitational, elastic).

• Conservation of Energy: Total mechanical energy is conserved in the absence of non-conservative forces.

Momentum and Collisions

• Linear Momentum:

• Impulse:

• Conservation of Momentum: Total momentum is conserved in isolated systems.

• Collisions: Elastic (kinetic energy conserved) and inelastic (kinetic energy not conserved).

Rotation and Angular Quantities

• Angular Velocity and Acceleration: ,

• Moment of Inertia:

• Rotational Kinetic Energy:

• Torque:

• Angular Momentum:

• Conservation of Angular Momentum: in the absence of external torques.

Equilibrium and Statics

• Conditions for Equilibrium: ,

• Applications: Analyzing forces and torques in structures and objects at rest.

Gravitation and Periodic Motion

• Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation:

• Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM): Motion where restoring force is proportional to displacement.

• Spring-Mass System: ,

• Pendulum:

Assessment Structure

• Weekly lectures and recitations

• Regular homework assignments and quizzes

• Checkpoints for formative assessment

• Three midterm exams and a comprehensive final exam

Additional Info

• Some weeks include university holidays or breaks (e.g., Labor Day, Thanksgiving).

• Comprehensive reviews are scheduled before the final exam, with an emphasis on later course material.