PHYS 1100 Course Outline and Study Guide: Calculus-Based Physics 1

PHYS 1100 – Physics 1: Course Overview

Course Description

PHYS 1100 is the first half of a standard first-year calculus-based university physics sequence. The course focuses on Newtonian mechanics, including vectors, kinematics, Newton’s laws, work and energy, momentum, rotation, gravitation, and fluid mechanics. Laboratory work emphasizes experimental measurement, uncertainty analysis, graphing, and scientific communication.

• Newtonian Mechanics: Study of motion, forces, and energy using calculus.

• Laboratory Skills: Measurement, uncertainty, data analysis, and reporting.

• AI-Supported Learning: Integration of AI tools for study and review, not for assessment submission.

Course Goals and Learning Outcomes

• Vectors: Explain vector properties and use vector methods to solve mechanics problems.

• Kinematics & Dynamics: Apply kinematics and Newton’s laws to analyze motion and forces in one, two, and three dimensions.

• Conservation Principles: Apply conservation of work, energy, impulse, momentum, and angular momentum.

• Rotational Motion & Gravitation: Analyze rotational motion, torque, rigid-body dynamics, gravitation, and introductory fluid mechanics.

• Calculus-Based Reasoning: Use derivatives, integrals, and graphs to describe physical relationships.

• Problem-Solving: Use structured strategies for multi-step quantitative problems, with correct notation, units, diagrams, and reasoning.

• Laboratory Analysis: Perform measurements, propagate uncertainty, analyze graphs, use statistics, and communicate results.

• Responsible AI Use: Use AI tools to strengthen understanding and reasoning, not to replace independent work.

Course Structure and Schedule

Weekly Topics and OpenStax Sections

The course follows a structured sequence, covering foundational topics in mechanics and fluid physics. Laboratory sessions reinforce theoretical concepts with hands-on experiments.

Week	Topic	OpenStax Sections	Lab Activity
1	Vectors	2.1–2.4	—
2	Motion Along a Straight Line	3.1–3.6	No Lab
3	Motion in 2 and 3 Dimensions	4.1–4.5	Intro to measurements, uncertainties, ioLab unit
4	Newton's Laws of Motion	5.1–5.7	Acceleration on an Incline Surface
5	Applications of Newton’s Laws	6.1–6.4	Projectile Motion
6	Midterm 1 Prep	Ch. 2–6	—
7	Work and Kinetic Energy	7.1–7.4	Friction
8	Potential Energy; Conservation of Energy	8.1–8.5	Uniform Circular Motion
9	Linear Momentum and Collisions	9.1–9.7	The Ideal Spring
10	Midterm 2 Prep	Ch. 7–9	—
11	Fix-Axis Rotation	10.1–10.8	Simple Pendulum
12	Angular Momentum	11.1–11.3	Torque
13	Midterm 3 Prep	Ch. 10, 11	—
14	Gravitation	13.1–13.7	Project 1
15	Fluid Mechanics	14.1–14.7	Project 2

Key Topics Covered

• Vectors and Vector Operations

• Kinematics in One, Two, and Three Dimensions

• Newton’s Laws of Motion

• Applications: Friction, Circular Motion, Drag Forces

• Work, Energy, and Conservation Principles

• Linear Momentum and Collisions

• Rotational Motion and Angular Momentum

• Gravitation

• Fluid Mechanics

Assessment and Grading

Evaluation Components

Component	Weight
Midterms	30%
Projects	5%
Quizzes	10%
Labs	25%
Final Exam	30%

Grading Scheme

Grade	Percentage (%)
A+	90–100
A	85–89
A−	80–84
B+	76–79
B	72–75
B−	68–71
C+	64–67
C	60–63
C−	55–59
D	50–54

Laboratory and Participation Policies

Attendance and Laboratory Requirements

• Attendance at all class and laboratory sessions is expected.

• Laboratory sessions are in-person; punctuality and preparation are required.

• Missed labs, quizzes, or tests generally receive a grade of zero unless documented extenuating circumstances are approved.

• Make-up assessments are scheduled during the final week of classes.

AI-Supported Learning in PHYS 1100

Purpose and Responsible Use

AI tools such as Google NotebookLM are integrated to support study, review, and practice. They are not substitutes for instructor guidance or independent work.

• Permitted Uses: Asking questions, reviewing concepts, generating practice material, comparing methods, and preparing for labs and assessments.

• Prohibited Uses: Submitting AI-generated work for graded assessments unless explicitly permitted.

• Verification: Students must verify AI-generated responses against official course materials.

Recommended Study Workflow

1. Preview: Read chapter summaries and review formula sheets.

2. Ask: Use AI tools to clarify concepts and equations.

3. Derive: Work through relationships and calculus steps independently.

4. Practice: Solve problems on paper or in a notebook.

5. Check: Use AI to discuss mistakes and verify units or generate similar problems.

6. Consolidate: Create study guides or self-quizzes and identify topics needing instructor help.

7. Confirm: Use official course materials and instructor guidance as the final authority.

Key Physics Concepts and Calculus Applications

Vectors and Kinematics

Vectors are fundamental in describing physical quantities such as displacement, velocity, and acceleration. Kinematics uses calculus to relate position, velocity, and acceleration.

• Vector Addition: Combine vectors using graphical or component methods.

• Calculus in Kinematics: Velocity is the derivative of position; acceleration is the derivative of velocity.

Key Equations:

• Position as a function of time: $x(t)$

• Velocity: $v(t) = \frac{dx}{dt}$

• Acceleration: $a(t) = \frac{dv}{dt}$

Newton’s Laws of Motion

Newton’s laws describe the relationship between forces and motion. Calculus is used to analyze changing forces and motion in multiple dimensions.

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

• Second Law: The net force equals mass times acceleration.

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

Key Equation:

• Newton’s Second Law: $\vec{F}_{\text{net}} = m \vec{a}$

Work, Energy, and Conservation Principles

Work and energy concepts are central to mechanics. Calculus is used to compute work done by variable forces and to analyze energy conservation.

• Work: $W = \int \vec{F} \cdot d\vec{x}$

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

• Potential Energy: $U = mgh$ (gravitational), $U = \frac{1}{2} k x^2$ (spring)

• Conservation of Energy: $E_{\text{total}} = K + U$ (constant in isolated systems)

Momentum and Collisions

Momentum is conserved in isolated systems. Calculus is used to analyze impulse and momentum changes.

• Linear Momentum: $\vec{p} = m \vec{v}$

• Impulse: $\vec{J} = \int \vec{F} dt$

• Conservation of Momentum: $\sum \vec{p}_{\text{initial}} = \sum \vec{p}_{\text{final}}$

Rotational Motion and Angular Momentum

Rotational dynamics extend Newtonian mechanics to rotating bodies. Calculus is used to relate angular quantities and analyze torque and angular momentum.

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

• Angular Acceleration: $\alpha = \frac{d\omega}{dt}$

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

• Torque: $\tau = I \alpha$

• Angular Momentum: $L = I \omega$

Gravitation and Fluid Mechanics

Gravitation describes the attraction between masses; fluid mechanics analyzes the behavior of liquids and gases.

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

• Fluid Pressure: $P = \frac{F}{A}$

• Buoyant Force: $F_{\text{buoy}} = \rho g V$

Academic Integrity and Responsible AI Use

• Submit only your own work; follow instructor directions regarding AI use.

• Use AI tools for study and review, not for graded submissions unless permitted.

• Be able to explain all physics, mathematics, and calculations in submitted work.

Additional info:

• This course outline is based on the OpenStax University Physics, Volume 1, and covers the foundational chapters in mechanics and fluid physics.

• Laboratory activities are closely aligned with lecture topics to reinforce theoretical understanding.

• AI tools are recommended for study support but must be used responsibly and verified against official course materials.