PHY 111: General Physics I – Course Syllabus and Topic Overview

Course Overview

PHY 111: General Physics I is an introductory physics course designed for non-science majors, pre-medical, and health-related fields. The course emphasizes conceptual understanding and problem-solving in mechanics, waves, fluids, and thermodynamics. It fulfills the ASU Scientific Thinking in Natural Sciences General Studies requirement.

Course Objectives

• Introduce fundamental physics concepts relevant to non-science majors and pre-med students.

• Emphasize conceptual understanding of mechanics, waves, fluids, and thermodynamics.

• Develop skills in applying physics to practical applications, including biological and medical applications.

• Foster scientific thinking and quantitative reasoning.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply the fundamental principles of classical mechanics to analyze motion, forces, energy, and momentum.

• Analyze periodic motion and wave phenomena, including oscillatory systems and wave behavior.

• Evaluate physical systems involving fluids, including pressure, buoyancy, and fluid flow.

• Explain and apply the core concepts of thermodynamics, including temperature, heat, work, and entropy.

• Solve physics problems using algebraic and trigonometric methods, both qualitatively and quantitatively.

• Connect physics principles to real-world situations and physical applications.

• Assess the validity and physical reasonableness of problem-solving results.

Course Topics

The course is organized into thematic units covering the following topics:

Unit Name	Topics
Unit 1: Mathematical Tools for Physics	Exponential Notation Dimensional Analysis Solving Equations Trigonometry Vectors and Scalars
Unit 2: One-Dimensional Kinematics	Position, Velocity, and Acceleration Constant Velocity and Constant Acceleration Graphical Analysis of Motion
Unit 3: Two-Dimensional Kinematics	Vector Addition and Subtraction Projectile Motion Relative Motion
Unit 4: Forces and Newton's Laws of Motion	Newton's First, Second, and Third Laws Gravitational Forces and Weight Normal, Tension, and Other Forces Friction and Drag Forces Deformation of Solids Elasticity, Stress, and Strain
Unit 5: Applications of Newton's Laws	Motion in Circular and Gravity Angular Velocity Centripetal Acceleration and Force
Unit 6: Uniform Circular Motion and Gravitation	Energy and Work Kinetic and Potential Energy Conservation of Energy
Unit 7: Work and Energy	Work-Energy Theorem Conservation of Mechanical Energy
Unit 8: Linear Momentum, Impulse, and Collisions	Linear Momentum and Force Impulse and Momentum Elastic and Inelastic Collisions
Unit 9: Torque, Rotational Motion, and Angular Momentum	Torque Rotational Acceleration Angular Momentum Rotational Kinetic Energy Conservation of Angular Momentum
Unit 10: Oscillatory Motions and Waves	Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) Driven Oscillations and Resonance Wave Motion and Types of Waves Interference and Standing Waves Sound Waves Doppler Effect
Unit 11: Fluid Statics and Dynamics	Density and Pressure Variation of Pressure with Depth Pascal's Principle Gauge Pressure, Absolute Pressure, and Atmospheric Pressure Archimedes' Principle Surface Tension Fluid Flow and Bernoulli's Equation
Unit 12: Temperature, Ideal Gas Law, Heat, and First Law of Thermodynamics	Temperature Scales Thermal Expansion Ideal Gas Law Specific Heats Heat Transfer The First Law of Thermodynamics

Key Formulas and Concepts

• Newton's Second Law: $F = ma$

• Kinematic Equations (constant acceleration):

  • $v = v_0 + at$

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

  • $v^2 = v_0^2 + 2a(x - x_0)$

• Work-Energy Theorem: $W = \Delta K$

• Conservation of Energy: $E_{\text{total}} = K + U = \text{constant}$

• Momentum: $p = mv$

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

• Rotational Kinetic Energy: $K_{\text{rot}} = \frac{1}{2} I \omega^2$

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

• Wave Speed: $v = f \lambda$

• Ideal Gas Law: $PV = nRT$

• First Law of Thermodynamics: $\Delta U = Q - W$

Textbook and Readings

• Primary Text: OpenStax College Physics (free online resource)

• Optional: Young & Freedman, Sears and Zemansky's College Physics

• Mastering Physics access required for homework assignments.

Grading Policy

• Pearson Assignments: 10%

• Unit Tests: 60%

• Final Exam: 30%

• Practice Exams: extra credit (2%)

Course Policies and Support

• Academic integrity is strictly enforced.

• Use of generative AI tools is not permitted for assignments or exams.

• Accommodations available for students with disabilities.

• Technical support available via ASU Help Desk.

Additional info:

• This syllabus provides a comprehensive outline of the course structure, topics, grading, and policies for PHY 111: General Physics I at Arizona State University.

• For detailed weekly schedules, refer to the official course site or the linked detailed syllabus.