Syllabus for Physics 110 -- Mechanics

 

Course description

 

     Physics is the study of the physical world--a rather broad topic!  Physicists are interested in phenomena ranging from the smallest constituents of matter to the origin of the cosmos, as well as pretty nearly every state or organization of matter or energy between these extremes.  In order to make any progress in studying such a variety of systems of different complexities, sizes, and energy scales, physicists try to look for simple underlying principles.  In a nutshell, the goal of physics is to understand all phenomena in terms of a small set of principles.

 

     In this course, we will consider the most fundamental branch of physics, called classical mechanics or the study of motion.  Since ours is a world of constant motion, classical mechanics is the basis for other fields of physics as well as chemistry, biology, and engineering.  But besides its being useful, the study of motion can be appreciated by everyone for being one of the most beautiful achievements of human intelligence.

 

     We will begin our exploration of mechanics by defining the basic concepts of distance, velocity, and acceleration, learning a language suited for the precise description of motion.  We will then inquire into the causes of motion, encountering forces and Newton's Laws of Motion.  Using Newton's laws, we will be able to understand a great variety of phenomena involving objects in motion as well as static configurations or structures.  Next we will develop two powerful tools for understanding motion phenomena, the concepts of energy and momentum.  Using energy and momentum ideas will not only allow us to understand a wider class of mechanical phenomena, but the conservation laws themselves can be taken as our most concise statement of the laws of mechanics.  Finally, we will consider the motion of rotating bodies and develop an elegant analogy to simple linear motion that allows us to understand seemingly complex rotational motions.

 

     Throughout the course, we will concentrate on developing two kinds of skills:  (1) an intuitive, qualitative understanding of phenomena, and (2) quantitative reasoning and problem solving.  Problem solving is a very important part of the course, and it is certainly one of my goals to convince you that thinking hard about a puzzle in physics can be a lot of fun.  Also, solving problems is the only sure-fire way to make certain that you truly understand an idea, and many of the ideas in this course are somewhat deeper than they appear at first glance.  The laboratory component is another important part of the course, allowing for some hands-on experience (and tinkering) with mechanical systems, which is an excellent way to develop intuition.

 

     A brief word about the next courses in the sequence:  Physics 120 considers three important phenomena--heat, waves, and light--which appear quite distinct, but, like so many ideas in physics, are subtly and beautifully interrelated.  Electricity and magnetism, both involving the important concept of the field, are principal topics of Physics 130.  Modern Physics (Physics 205) follows with a look into Einstein's special theory of relativity, quantum mechanics, and an introduction to atomic and nuclear physics.

 

Class Meetings: 

Section 1:  MWThF 2nd hour, D108 SMC.

Section 2:  MWThF 3rd hour, D108 SMC.

 

Instructor: 

Section 1: Dick Reno, Office:  D115 SMC, ext. 7025, rreno@knox.edu

Section 2: Chuck Schulz, Office:  D116 SMC, ext. 7397, cschulz@knox.edu

Text:  

Douglas C. Giancoli, Physics for Scientists and Engineers, 3rd ed. (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 2000).

Course calendar is on-line:(Calendar)

 

Homework: 

     Problems will be assigned on Mondays (due the next Thursday) and on Thursdays (due the next Monday).  Homework problems, adapted from Giancoli's text, will be available on-line.  The Tycho Physics software displays the problems, with individually-customized random numerical parameters for each student, provides hints if requested, and gives instant feedback by telling you when your answer is correct.  For full credit, homework sets are due by 9:00 am on the due day.

     Working out the homework problems is probably the single most important aspect of the course for learning physics.  It is in the effort to understand specific problems that real progress is made in understanding.  You are encouraged to work together in groups on the homework problems; you may consult other books or people, and  you should especially feel free to consult your instructor if you have trouble with any problem.

 

Labs:

Laboratory sessions will be held every Tuesday in SMC D105 (across the hall from the classroom). Information for the laboratory component of the course will be distributed on Mondays in class before each lab meeting. . You should read the lab and complete the pre-lab assignment before each lab meeting. Lab instructor: Tom Moses."

Lab Report Due Date: Friday 4PM, following the lab on Tues. Reports should be dropped in a box across the hall from the lab (D105).

Late Policy: Late labs get a 10% deduction per (business) day.

Exams: 

There will be two mid-term exams and a final exam, as well as periodic small quizzes.

            Exam 1             Friday, Oct 9

            Exam 2             Friday, Nov 6

            Final exam

 

Grade Weighting:         

Homework                               15%

Labs                                         15%

Midterms                                  35%
Quizzes                                    10%

Final                                         25%

 

Late Policy: 

Homework may be completed for half credit up to one week late.  Naturally, special arrangements can be made (in advance, whenever possible) for sports competitions, illness, etc.  As usual in science courses, it is absolutely vital not to fall behind in the homework.

 

Approximate Calendar

 

Week   Topic                                                                           Reading

0, 1      Kinematics                                                                   Ch 1, 2

2          Force vectors, Newton's laws                                       Ch 3, 4

3          Applications of Newton's laws                                     Ch 4
     Exam 1

4          Friction, circular motion                                                Ch 5

5          Projectile motion                                                           Ch 5, 3

6          Gravitation, work and kinetic energy                             Ch 6, 7

7          Potential energy, conservation of energy                        Ch 8

     Exam 2

8          Linear momentum, collisions                                          Ch 9

9-10     Rotational dynamics, angular momentum                       Ch 10

    Final exam