PHYS 102: General Physics

Introduction

Physics 102 is the online version of an algebra-based college course in general physics. It is the first course in a two-course sequence that covers all the basic areas of physics. The first course covers mechanics, thermodynamics, vibrations, and waves. The second course covers electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics. In addition to presenting the various physical principles that apply in the areas of physics, the courses develop skills in thinking through problems, applying basic principles, expressing problems in mathematical terms and equations, solving mathematical equations to obtain numerical results, and expressing and comparing those numerical results with experimental results. The problem-solving skills you learn here can often be applied to other areas of intellectual inquiry outside of physics.

The prerequisite for this course in physics is a good knowledge of algebra and trigonometry. There are ample exercises in the beginning to refresh your algebra and trigonometry skills. Even though calculus is not required, some knowledge of calculus will be helpful and may be used if you desire.

This first course in physics is organized into three parts. Part 1 introduces you to mechanics. This part covers motion in one and two dimensions, the laws of motion, concepts of work, energy and momentum, rotational motion, and properties of solids and fluids. Part 2 covers thermal physics and the properties of heat. Part 3 covers periodic motion of systems of objects and wave motion in solids, liquids, and gases.

These parts are broken down further into a total of fourteen lessons. Each lesson presents learning objectives and highlights the main ideas in the lesson. Lessons include numerous sample problems that supplement the text examples to help you do the written exercises.

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Course Content

Physics 24E will cover the following subjects:

1. Mathematical background: algebra, trigonometry, vectors, scalars, vector components, solving equations, dimensions, precision and measurement
2. Kinematics: motion in one dimension and two dimensions, velocity, acceleration, relative velocity, gravitational acceleration
3. Dynamics: forces, Newton's laws of motion, mass, gravitational forces and fields, isolation of bodies in problem solving
4. Equilibrium: linear equilibrium, torque, rotational equilibrium, center of gravity, friction, static problems
5. Momentum and energy: conservation of linear momentum, impulse, work, kinetic energy, power, conservation of energy, collision problems
6. Rotational kinematics: angular quantities, circular motion, moment of inertia, angular motion, angular velocity, angular acceleration, centripetal acceleration, angular momentum, angular kinetic energy, conservation laws
7. Elasticity: elastic constants, Hooke's law, spring forces, simple harmonic motion, conservation laws
8. Fluids: statics, pressure-depth relations, Pascal's principle, fluid motion, Bernoulli's equation, viscosity
9. Thermal energy: temperature, thermal expansion of solids, liquids and solids, specific heat, latent heat, heat transfer by conduction, convection and radiation
10. Ideal gas: pressure, volume, and temperature relations; expansion and compressibility of an ideal gas; relative humidity and saturated vapor pressure
11. Kinetic theory: theory of specific heats of gases, molecular kinetic energy.
12. Thermodynamics: first and second laws of thermodynamics, entropy changes, heat engines, refrigerators, heat pumps
13. Wave motion: velocity of wave motion, longitudinal and transverse waves, sinusoidal waves, period, wavelength, superposition of waves, stationary waves on vibrating strings and in air columns, resonance, interference, decibel in power and intensity.

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Course Objectives

When you complete Physics 102, you should be able to do the following:

• identify and distinguish between the basic physical quantities used in the physical sciences (force, mass, units, vectors, scalars)
• use the physical principles and laws that relate the physical quantities in the physical world (f = ma, f = gmm/r2, w = fx, t = fr, q = mcT, E, B, wavelength)
• apply the physical principles in example physical problems (force diagram, vector components, energy levels)
• use mathematical and logical reasoning to analyze the example physical problems to obtain solutions (resolving vector equations, solve algebraic equations)
• explain, interpret, and assess results of solving example problems and relate the numerical results to measured experimental results (errors in calculations, errors in measurement, suggestions for improving calculations and experimental procedures).

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Texts and Materials

Required

You will need a basic scientific calculator and the following two textbooks for the course:

Serway and Faughn, College Physics, 7th edition (2005)

Gordon and Serway, Student Solutions Manual and Study Guide for the 7th edition of Serway and Faughn's College Physics.

You can order the textbooks from the Higher Grounds bookstore at the Friday Center either online or by using the book order form.

Optional

The following materials are not required but you may find them useful:

• Pocket Guide to Accompany College Physics by V. Gordon Lind, Utah State University

This 5" x 7" handbook provides formulas and helpful hints at a glance and gives students a convenient reference booklet--an invaluable companion when it comes time to reviewing concepts and solving problems just before exams.

• Interactive Physics Simulations by Raymond Serway and Knowledge Revolution

Approximately 150 simulations are available on computer disk in either Macintosh or IBM format to be used in conjunction with the program Interactive Physics II from Knowledge Revolution. About 100 of these simulations are visual representations of selected worked examples and end-of-chapter problems from the text. The remaining simulations are demonstrations that complement concepts or applications discussed in the text. A student version of the Interactive Physics II program is available at a reduced cost.

• Discovery Exercises for Interactive Physics by Jon Staib, James Madison University

This is a workbook that was developed to be used in conjunction with the Interactive Physics Simulations described above. The workbook features directed student exercises to accompany the simulations provided on disk that will be packaged with the workbook. The workbook can be used as a tutorial for reviewing physical concepts or as the basis for a number of computer-generated laboratory experiences.

• Interactive Physics Player Workbook by Cindy Schwartz

This is a workbook that has forty simulations to be used with Interactive Physics II. The student player version of the Interactive Physics II software is included. Each simulation usually contains four sections: Physics Review, Simulation Details, The Exploration, and Self-test Questions. Other boxed sections in many of the simulations include Hint, Exploration, Mathematics Help, and Optional.

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How the Course Works

PHYS 102 consists of fourteen lessons.  Each lesson has objectives, a reading assignment, notes on the concepts covered and practice problems. The notes should be read in conjunction with the text book--they are not meant to replace the text explanations but instead to highlight main ideas and unify concepts. You may find the Mathematical Review in Appendix A helpful as well as the worked examples and the questions at the end of each chapter.

Practice Problems. Practice is very important in order to succeed in this course. Each lesson contains a Conceptual Question and a list of practice problems that have been selected from the exercise problems at the end of the chapter. I only ask you to submit your answer to the Conceptual Question; however, it is very important that you do all the practice problems listed. You owe it to yourself to attempt, and more importantly, to understand each practice problem before you work on the unit exams. Problems similar to the practice problems will appear on the unit tests and the final exam. Your test grades will certainly depend on your dedication to the practice problems.

Unit Tests and Final exam. The written work that you submit for grading will be three Unit tests and a Final exam.

The unit tests are taken without your textbook or other notes. The tests will consist of a mixture of objective and subjective questions. Each unit test is worth 100 points. Although there is no time limit for the tests, they have been designed to require 60 to 75 minutes to complete. When you are ready to take your unit tests, e-mail me, and I will send the test to you.

You may use a basic scientific calculator on all assignments.

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Final Exam and Grading

Along with the unit tests, you must complete a cumulative final exam in this course. The final exam will be supervised and will cover all the topics covered in the course. You will need to make arrangements for taking your final exam under supervision. Please read the information about scheduling your final examination early in the semester so that you will have enough time to make arrangements.

You will have three hours to complete the final exam. You must earn a passing grade on the final exam to pass the course. Your course grade will be determined as follows:

course grade = ( unit test 1 + unit test 2 + unit test 3 + 2 X final exam)/5

Special note: For example, if your final exam score is 80, and your unit test scores are 65, 75, 85 respectively, then your course grade = (65 + 75 + 85 + 2 X 80)/5 = 77.

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Honor Code

The Honor Code and the Campus Code embody the ideals of academic honesty, integrity, and responsible citizenship, and have governed the performance of all academic work and student conduct at the University for more than 100 years. Your enrollment in this University course presupposes a commitment to the principles embodied in these codes and a respect for this most significant University tradition. Your participation in this course comes with the expectation that your work will be completed in full observance of the Honor Code.

Academic dishonesty in any form is unacceptable, because any breach in academic integrity, however small, strikes destructively at the University's life and work. If you have any questions about the Honor Code, please consult with someone in the Office of the Student Attorney General or the Office of the Dean of Students.

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Communication

You will communicate with me and submit your assignments via e-mail. There is a link to my e-mail address at the top of every lesson page. Be sure to include “SPC PHYS 102” and your name in the Subject line. It is essential to inform me and Student Services of any change in your e-mail address.

If you have any questions regarding the content of the course and your progress, contact me.

If you have any questions about course credits, transfers, withdrawal, extensions, and so on, contact Student Services at the Friday Center for Continuing Education, telephone 919-962-1134 or 800-862-5669.

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Lessons

To complete the course, work through each of the lessons in order and submit your required work to me via e-mail. You may work at your own pace, but you need to complete all work within nine months of your enrollment date.

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Lesson 1