PHY 220 General Physics I – Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview

Introduction to PHY 220 General Physics I

This course provides a foundational understanding of classical physics, focusing on mechanics and related physical phenomena. It is designed for college students pursuing science and engineering disciplines, emphasizing both conceptual understanding and quantitative problem-solving skills.

• Course Instructor: Richard Vallery

• Materials: College Physics, 17th Edition by Young; Mastering Physics Online Homework System

• Format: Online course with scheduled exams, homework, and laboratory components

Course Requirements and Description

Mathematical Fluency and Prerequisites

Mathematics is integral to the study of physics. Students are expected to have a working knowledge of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. The course will highlight and review essential mathematical concepts as needed.

• Key Requirement: Ability to apply mathematical reasoning to physical problems

• Preparation: Review relevant math chapters before each topic

Course Content and Structure

Physics 220 covers the first half of a standard one-year college physics sequence, focusing on mechanics. The course includes lectures, discussions, laboratory work, and online assignments. Topics range from kinematics and Newton's laws to rotational dynamics and equilibrium.

• Lecture Topics: See schedule below for weekly topics

• Laboratory: Experiments reinforce lecture concepts

• Homework: Online assignments via Mastering Physics

Course Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

• Apply kinematic concepts to analyze motion in one or two dimensions

• Apply Newton's laws to explain the movement of objects

• Analyze forces, both qualitatively and quantitatively

• Apply conservation laws (energy, linear momentum, angular momentum) to physical systems

• Utilize vectors and the principle of superposition in problem-solving

Grading Policies

Assessment Components

Grades are determined by performance in homework, quizzes, laboratory work, module exams, and the final exam. The grading breakdown is as follows:

Component	Weight
Homework	5%
Quizzes	10%
Lab	15%
Module Exams	15% each (x3)
Final Exam	15%

Letter grades are assigned according to the following scale:

Grade	Range
A	92.0 – 100%
A-	90.0 – 91.9%
B+	88.0 – 89.9%
B	82.0 – 87.9%
B-	80.0 – 81.9%
C+	78.0 – 79.9%
C	72.0 – 77.9%
C-	70.0 – 71.9%
D+	68.0 – 69.9%
D	60.0 – 67.9%
F	Below 59.9%

Key Topics and Weekly Schedule

Lecture Topics and Associated Readings

The following table outlines the weekly topics, associated textbook readings, and laboratory activities:

Week	Date	Topic	Reading	Lab
1	8/26	Math and Vectors	Ch. 1, 1-1	1) Data Analysis
2	9/2	Kinematic Quantities	Ch. 2, 2-1	2) Graphing 1-D Motion
3	9/9	Freefall & Relative Motion	Ch. 2, 2-4, 2-5	3) Free Fall
4	9/16	2D Kinematics	Ch. 3, 3-1	4) Projectile Motion
5	9/23	Newton's Laws	Ch. 4, 4-1	5) Forces and Equilibrium
6	9/30	Mass, Weight, and Normal	Ch. 4, 4-5	6) Newton's Second Law
7	10/7	Applications of Newton's Laws	Ch. 4, 4-6	7) Friction
8	10/14	Friction and Plastic Forces	Ch. 5, 5-1	8) Circular Motion
9	10/21	Uniform Circular Motion	Ch. 5, 5-2	No Lab
10	10/28	Review of Angular Forces	Ch. 6, 6-1	9) Work and Energy
11	11/4	Conservation of Energy	Ch. 7, 7-1	10) Conservation of Energy
12	11/11	Collisions and Conservation of Momentum	Ch. 8, 8-1	11) Rotational Motion
13	11/18	Rotational Quantities	Ch. 9, 9-1	12) Torque
14	11/25	Torque	Ch. 9, 9-2	No Lab
15	12/2	Rotational Dynamics	Ch. 10, 10-1	13) Archimedes' Principle
16	12/4	Angular Momentum and Equilibrium	Ch. 10, 10-2

Exam Dates: See schedule for module exams and final exam.

Key Concepts and Definitions

Vectors and Kinematics

Vectors are quantities that have both magnitude and direction, essential for describing motion in physics. Kinematics is the study of motion without considering its causes.

• Displacement: Change in position of an object

• Velocity: Rate of change of displacement

• Acceleration: Rate of change of velocity

Key Equations:

• $v = \frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t}$

• $a = \frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t}$

Newton's Laws of Motion

Newton's laws describe the relationship between forces and motion:

• First Law (Inertia): An object remains at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by a net force.

• Second Law: The net force on an object is equal to its mass times its acceleration.

• Third Law: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Key Equation:

• $F_{net} = m a$

Conservation Laws

Conservation laws are fundamental principles in physics:

• Conservation of Energy: Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.

• Conservation of Momentum: The total momentum of a closed system remains constant.

Key Equations:

• $E_{total, initial} = E_{total, final}$

• $p = m v$

Rotational Dynamics

Rotational motion involves objects spinning about an axis. Key concepts include torque, angular momentum, and rotational equilibrium.

• Torque: A measure of the force causing an object to rotate

• Angular Momentum: Product of rotational inertia and angular velocity

Key Equations:

• $\tau = r F \sin \theta$

• $L = I \omega$

General Education and Student Learning Outcomes

Knowledge Outcomes

• Explain how physical scientists use observations and theory to understand the universe

• Describe the structure and processes of the physical universe

Essential Skills Outcomes

• Design and evaluate approaches to open-ended problems

• Communicate solutions clearly and insightfully

• Use quantitative analysis to support conclusions

Course Policies and Support

Attendance and Participation

• Attendance is not taken during lectures, but participation in assignments and labs is required

• Homework and quizzes are submitted online

Disability and Academic Honesty

• Contact Disability Support Services for accommodations

• Academic honesty is strictly enforced; plagiarism and cheating will be reported

Getting Help

• Instructor office hours and email support available

• University resources for tutoring and support

Important Dates

• August 25: Classes Begin

• September 18: Exam #1

• October 16: Exam #2

• November 7: Drop Deadline

• December 3: Exam #3

• December 11: Exam #4 and Final Exam (4:00 – 5:50 pm)

Summary

This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of PHY 220 General Physics I, including course structure, grading, weekly topics, and key learning outcomes. Students are encouraged to actively participate, seek help when needed, and apply mathematical reasoning to master the principles of physics.