PHYS 101 General Physics I - Syllabus and Core Concepts Overview

Course Overview

Course Description

This course introduces fundamental principles of physics, focusing on classical mechanics. Topics include measurement, kinematics, dynamics, Newton's laws, energy, momentum, rotational motion, and static equilibrium. The course emphasizes conceptual understanding, problem-solving, and the application of physical laws to real-world scenarios.

Course Learning Outcomes

• Understanding Physical Principles: Explain the basic concepts and laws governing classical mechanics.

• Application of Concepts: Apply physical principles to analyze and solve problems involving motion, forces, energy, and momentum.

• Problem Solving: Develop skills in quantitative reasoning and mathematical modeling of physical systems.

• Communication: Present solutions and explanations clearly and effectively.

Core Topics and Structure

Week	Topic	Description
1	Introduction, Measurement, Estimating	Overview of physics, units, measurement techniques, estimation, and dimensional analysis.
2	Kinematics in One Dimension	Describing motion using position, velocity, and acceleration. Graphical and mathematical analysis of motion.
3	Kinematics in Two Dimensions; Vectors	Vector quantities, projectile motion, and relative velocity.
4	Newton's Laws of Motion	Fundamental laws governing force and motion. Applications to various physical systems.
5	Applications of Newton's Laws	Friction, circular motion, drag forces, and problem-solving strategies.
6	Work and Energy	Definition of work, kinetic and potential energy, and the work-energy theorem.
7	Conservation of Energy	Principle of energy conservation, mechanical energy, and energy transformations.
8	Linear Momentum	Momentum, impulse, and conservation of momentum in collisions.
9	Rotational Motion	Angular displacement, velocity, acceleration, and rotational kinematics.
10	Angular Momentum	Conservation of angular momentum, torque, and rotational dynamics.
11	Static Equilibrium	Conditions for equilibrium, stability, and analysis of structures.

Key Concepts and Formulas

Measurement and Units

• SI Units: Standard units for length (meter), mass (kilogram), and time (second).

• Dimensional Analysis: Checking equations for consistency of units.

Kinematics

• Displacement, Velocity, Acceleration: Fundamental quantities describing motion.

• Equations of Motion (Constant Acceleration):

$v = v_0 + at$

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

$v^2 = v_0^2 + 2a(x - x_0)$

Newton's Laws of Motion

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

• Second Law: $F = ma$

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

Work and Energy

• Work: $W = Fd \cos \theta$

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

• Potential Energy (Gravity): $PE = mgh$

• Work-Energy Theorem: $W_{net} = \Delta KE$

Momentum

• Linear Momentum: $p = mv$

• Impulse: $J = F \Delta t$

• Conservation of Momentum: $p_{initial} = p_{final}$ (in absence of external forces)

Rotational Motion

• Angular Displacement, Velocity, Acceleration: Analogous to linear motion.

• Moment of Inertia: $I = \sum m_i r_i^2$

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

Static Equilibrium

• Conditions for Equilibrium: $\sum F = 0$, $\sum \tau = 0$

• Stability: Analysis of forces and torques for balance.

Assessment and Grading

• Lectures: 20%

• Online Readings: 20%

• Online Discussions: 20%

• Laboratory Applications: 20%

• Oral Theory Presentations: 10%

• Final Exam: 10%

Recommended Textbooks

• Primary: Giancoli, "Physics for Scientists and Engineers"

• Supplementary: Halliday, Resnick, and Walker, "Fundamentals of Physics"

Additional Information

• Plagiarism is strictly prohibited.

• Support is available for students with disabilities.

• Student consulting services are provided for academic and personal support.