PH-UY 1013 Mechanics: Syllabus and Study Guide

PH-UY 1013 Mechanics: Course Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview

This course is the first in a sequence of three physics courses designed for engineering and science majors. It introduces the fundamental principles of mechanics, focusing on the motion of particles and systems, forces, energy, and related concepts. The course aims to build a strong foundation for further studies in physics and engineering.

Key Points:

• Course Credits: 3 credits (three hours per week for lectures, one hour per week for recitation)

• Prerequisites: MA-UY 1024 or equivalent (Calculus I)

• Corequisites: MA-UY 1024 or approved equivalent

Course Objectives

The primary objectives of PH-UY 1013 Mechanics are to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of physics that describe the nature of matter and energy, their interactions, and the laws governing motion.

• Understanding Basic Principles: Conservation of energy and momentum, Newton's laws of motion, and the concept of forces.

• Developing Mathematical Skills: Application of mathematical techniques such as algebra, trigonometry, and calculus to solve physics problems.

• Kinematics: Description of motion in one, two, and three dimensions using vectors and calculus. Understanding velocity, acceleration, and displacement.

• Work, Energy, and Power: Application of work and energy principles to solve problems and understand the concept of power.

• Impulse and Momentum: Definition and conservation of momentum. Application to collisions and explosions.

• Rotational Motion: Analysis of the motion of rotating objects, including angular momentum and torque.

• Gravitation: Application of Newton's law of gravitation to solve problems related to planetary motion and orbits.

• Harmonic Motion: Understanding the characteristics of oscillatory motion, including simple harmonic motion.

• Problem Solving: Development of strong problem-solving skills, including both qualitative and quantitative reasoning.

Major Topics and Schedule

The course is organized into weekly topics, each focusing on a specific area of mechanics. Below is a summary of the main topics covered:

• Units and Vectors: Introduction to physical quantities, units, and vector analysis.

• One-Dimensional Motion: Motion along a straight line, displacement, velocity, and acceleration.

• Two-Dimensional Motion: Projectile motion, circular motion, and vector components.

• Newton's Laws: The three laws of motion and their applications.

• Work and Energy: Work done by forces, kinetic and potential energy, conservation of energy.

• Momentum and Collisions: Conservation of momentum, elastic and inelastic collisions.

• Rotational Motion: Angular velocity, angular acceleration, torque, and rotational dynamics.

• Gravity: Newton's law of universal gravitation, gravitational potential energy.

• Oscillations: Simple harmonic motion, energy in oscillatory systems.

Grading Policy

The course uses a "best-of" grading system, which means your grade will be calculated from the highest scores received. The lowest two quiz grades and the lowest two homework grades are dropped at the end of the semester. Exams and quizzes are administered according to the schedule.

Component	Percentage
Homework	5%
Quizzes	10%
Midterm Exam	30%
Final Exam	35%
Participation	20%

Letter Grade Conversion:

Letter Grade	Numerical Range (%)
A	90.0-100
B+	85.0-89.9
B	80.0-84.9
B-	75.0-79.9
C+	70.0-74.9
C	65.0-69.9
C-	60.0-64.9
D	50.0-59.9
F	50.0 and below

Textbook

• Required Text: Serway, Jewett, and Peroniam, Physics for Scientists & Engineers (11th Edition)

• Access: Electronic version available through Cengage Unlimited

Academic Honesty

Students are expected to maintain academic integrity in all coursework. Violations may result in failure of the course and further disciplinary actions.

Student Support and Advocacy

• Study Help: The Polytechnic Tutoring Center offers free tutoring for physics and engineering courses.

• Disability Accommodations: Contact the Moses Center for Student Accessibility for support.

• Student Advocacy: The NYU Tandon Office of Student Advocacy provides support for mental health, personal issues, and academic performance.

Course Schedule (Sample Weeks)

Week	Monday (Lecture)	Wednesday (Lecture)	Friday (Recitation)
1	LABOR DAY	Intro and Units (1.1-1.6)	Recitation
2	Vectors (2.1-2.7)	Vectors (cont'd)	Recitation
3	One Dimensional Motion (3.1-3.9)	One Dimensional Motion (cont'd)	Recitation
4	Two Dimensional Motion (4.1-4.5)	Two Dimensional Motion (cont'd)	Recitation
5	Newton's Laws (5.1-5.8)	Newton's Laws (cont'd)	Recitation

Additional info: The full schedule includes topics such as Work and Energy, Momentum and Collisions, Rotational Motion, Gravity, and Oscillations, with corresponding homework and quiz due dates.

Key Formulas and Concepts

• Kinematic Equations (One-Dimensional Motion):

  • Displacement: $x = x_0 + v_0 t + \frac{1}{2} a t^2$

  • Velocity: $v = v_0 + a t$

  • Final velocity squared: $v^2 = v_0^2 + 2a(x - x_0)$

• Newton's Second Law: $F = m a$

• Work: $W = F d \cos \theta$

• Kinetic Energy: $KE = \frac{1}{2} m v^2$

• Potential Energy (Gravity): $PE = m g h$

• Conservation of Energy: $E_{total} = KE + PE$

• Momentum: $p = m v$

• Impulse: $J = F \Delta t = \Delta p$

• Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation: $F = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2}$

• Simple Harmonic Motion: $x(t) = A \cos(\omega t + \phi)$

• Angular Velocity: $\omega = \frac{d\theta}{dt}$

• Torque: $\tau = r F \sin \theta$

Examples and Applications

• Projectile Motion: Calculating the range and maximum height of a projectile using kinematic equations.

• Conservation of Momentum: Analyzing collisions between two objects to determine final velocities.

• Rotational Dynamics: Determining the angular acceleration of a rotating disk under applied torque.

• Gravitational Force: Computing the force between two masses separated by a distance.

• Oscillatory Motion: Describing the motion of a mass attached to a spring.

Course Policies

• Attendance: Regular attendance is expected for lectures and recitations.

• Makeup and Extensions: Quizzes and homework assignments have strict deadlines; makeup is only allowed for documented emergencies.

• Use of AI: Students may use AI tools for homework assistance, but must ensure independent understanding of concepts.

Support Resources

• Tutoring: Free tutoring available at the Polytechnic Tutoring Center.

• Disability Services: Accommodations available through the Moses Center for Student Accessibility.

• Student Advocacy: Support for personal and academic issues available through the NYU Tandon Office of Student Advocacy.