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Physics I Syllabus and Topic Overview – Western Texas College

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Physics I: Syllabus and Topic Overview

Course Description

This course covers the fundamental principles of physics, focusing on algebra and trigonometry-based approaches. Topics include mechanics, kinematics, dynamics, Newton's laws, energy, momentum, rotational motion, periodic motion, waves, fluids, and thermodynamics. The course emphasizes both conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills.

  • Prerequisites: College Algebra and Trigonometry or equivalent.

  • Textbook: MasteringPhysics with College Physics (e-book) by Young, Adams, and Chastain.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)

  • Displacement, velocity, and acceleration: Determine these quantities and apply them to motion analysis.

  • Newton's Laws: Apply Newton's laws to physical problems, including gravity.

  • Energy and Work: Solve problems involving energy, work, and conservation of energy.

  • Kinematics and Dynamics: Analyze motion in one and two dimensions, including projectile motion.

  • Mechanical Vibrations and Sound: Solve problems involving oscillations and waves.

  • Thermodynamics: Discuss the principles of heat and thermodynamics.

  • Equilibrium and Fluid Mechanics: Solve problems involving equilibrium and fluid properties.

Course Topics and Chapters

Topics

Chapters

Sections

Mechanics

1. Models, Measurements, and Vectors

1.1 Introduction 1.2 Standard Models 1.3 Units and Unit Conversions 1.4 Precision and Significant Figures 1.5 Vectors and Vector Addition

2. Motion Along a Straight Line

2.1 Displacement and Average Velocity 2.2 Instantaneous Velocity 2.3 Acceleration 2.4 Motion with Constant Acceleration

3. Motion in a Plane

3.1 Vectors in a Plane 3.2 Projectile Motion 3.3 Relative Velocity in a Plane

4. Newton's Laws of Motion

4.1 Newton's First Law 4.2 Newton's Second Law 4.3 Newton's Third Law 4.4 Free-Body Diagrams

5. Applications of Newton's Laws

5.1 Equilibrium of a Particle 5.2 Applications of Newton's Second Law 5.3 Friction Forces

6. Circular Motion and Gravitation

6.1 Uniform Circular Motion 6.2 Newton's Law of Gravitation

7. Work and Energy

7.1 Work 7.2 Kinetic Energy 7.3 Potential Energy 7.4 Conservation of Energy

8. Momentum

8.1 Conservation of Momentum 8.2 Elastic and Inelastic Collisions 8.3 Center of Mass

9. Rotational Motion

9.1 Angular Velocity and Acceleration 9.2 Rotational Kinetic Energy 9.3 Torque 9.4 Moment of Inertia

10. Dynamics of Rotational Motion

10.1 Torque and Angular Acceleration 10.2 Work and Power in Rotational Motion

Periodic Motion, Waves, and Fluids

11. Elasticity and Periodic Motion

11.1 Simple Harmonic Motion 11.2 Energy in Simple Harmonic Motion 11.3 Damped and Forced Oscillations

12. Mechanical Waves and Sound

12.1 Mechanical Waves 12.2 Sound Waves 12.3 Standing Waves and Resonance

13. Fluid Mechanics

13.1 Density 13.2 Pressure 13.3 Buoyancy 13.4 Fluid Flow Equation

Thermodynamics

14. Temperature and Heat

14.1 Temperature Scales 14.2 Heat Transfer 14.3 Thermal Equilibrium

15. Thermal Properties of Matter

15.1 The Mole and Avogadro's Number 15.2 Kinetic Theory of Gases 15.3 Heat Capacities

16. The Second Law of Thermodynamics

16.1 Heat Engines 16.2 The Second Law of Thermodynamics 16.3 Entropy

Key Concepts and Formulas

  • Kinematics Equations: ,

  • Newton's Second Law:

  • Work and Energy: , ,

  • Conservation of Momentum:

  • Rotational Motion: ,

  • Simple Harmonic Motion:

  • Wave Equation:

  • Fluid Mechanics: , ,

  • Thermodynamics: , ,

Grading and Assessment

  • Six units with major exams.

  • Final exam is comprehensive and proctored.

  • Students must adhere to academic integrity policies.

Additional Info

  • Course schedule and content may change at the instructor's discretion.

  • Online access to MasteringPhysics is required for assignments and resources.

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