PHYS 2333: College Physics I – Course Overview and Study Guide

PHYS 2333: College Physics I – Course Overview and Study Guide

Course Description and Structure

This course is a calculus-based introduction to Physics, focusing on the principles of kinematics and dynamics, conservation of energy and momentum, rotational motion, waves, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics. It is designed for students in science and engineering disciplines.

• Prerequisites: Calculus I (Math 1431 or equivalent), or permission of instructor.

• Textbook: Essential University Physics (4th Ed., Vol. 1) by Richard Wolfson (Pearson).

• Online Homework: Pearson Mastering Physics platform.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand and apply the fundamental concepts of kinematics and mechanics.

• Develop problem-solving skills using both conceptual understanding and quantitative analysis.

• Interpret and use equations, diagrams, and graphs to analyze physical systems.

• Communicate scientific reasoning clearly in both written and oral forms.

• Apply physics concepts to real-world engineering and scientific problems.

Course Topics and Schedule

The course is organized into modules, each covering specific chapters and topics. Below is a summary of the main topics and their subtopics, as outlined in the course schedule:

Module 1: Kinematics and Newton's Laws (Chapters 1-5)

• Introduction to Physics and Unit Conversions

  • Understanding SI units and converting between units.

  • Significant figures and scientific notation.

• Vectors and Vector Addition

  • Definition of vectors and scalars.

  • Graphical and analytical methods for vector addition.

  • Example: Adding displacement vectors using the parallelogram method.

• 1D and 2D Kinematics

  • Position, velocity, and acceleration in one and two dimensions.

  • Projectile motion equations:

    • $x = v_{0x} t$

    • $y = v_{0y} t - \frac{1}{2} g t^2$

  • Graphical analysis of motion (position-time, velocity-time graphs).

• Newton's Laws of Motion

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

  • Second Law: $F = m a$

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

  • Free-body diagrams and force analysis.

• Friction and Circular Motion

  • Static and kinetic friction: $f_s \leq \mu_s N$, $f_k = \mu_k N$

  • Centripetal acceleration: $a_c = \frac{v^2}{r}$

Module 2: Work, Energy, and Conservation Laws (Chapters 6-8)

• Work and Kinetic Energy

  • Definition of work: $W = F d \cos \theta$

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

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

• Potential Energy and Conservation of Energy

  • Gravitational potential energy: $U_g = m g h$

  • Elastic potential energy: $U_s = \frac{1}{2} k x^2$

  • Conservation of mechanical energy: $E_{mech} = K + U$ (remains constant if only conservative forces act)

• Power

  • Definition: $P = \frac{W}{t}$

  • Units: Watts (W)

Module 3: Momentum and Collisions (Chapters 9-11)

• Linear Momentum

  • Definition: $p = m v$

  • Impulse: $J = F \Delta t$

  • Impulse-Momentum Theorem: $J = \Delta p$

• Conservation of Momentum

  • In isolated systems, total momentum is conserved.

  • Applications to collisions (elastic and inelastic).

• Collisions

  • Elastic collision: Both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.

  • Inelastic collision: Only momentum is conserved.

  • Example: Two carts colliding on a frictionless track.

Module 4: Rotational Motion and Equilibrium (Chapters 12-13)

• Rotational Kinematics

  • Angular displacement, velocity, and acceleration.

  • Relationship between linear and angular quantities: $v = r \omega$

• Torque and Rotational Dynamics

  • Torque: $\tau = r F \sin \theta$

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

  • Rotational analog of Newton's second law: $\tau = I \alpha$

• Equilibrium and Center of Mass

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

  • Center of mass calculation for discrete and continuous systems.

Module 5: Oscillations, Waves, and Thermodynamics (Chapters 14-16)

• Simple Harmonic Motion

  • Mass-spring system: $x(t) = A \cos(\omega t + \phi)$

  • Frequency and period: $f = \frac{1}{T}$, $\omega = 2 \pi f$

• Waves

  • Types of waves: transverse and longitudinal.

  • Wave speed: $v = f \lambda$

  • Standing waves and resonance.

• Thermodynamics

  • Temperature, heat, and internal energy.

  • Ideal gas law: $PV = nRT$

  • First law of thermodynamics: $\Delta U = Q - W$

Grading and Assessment

• Module Exams: 35% (average of 5 exams)

• Final Exam: 35%

• Homework and Quizzes: 25% (web-based average)

• Class Attendance and Participation: 5%

Grade Scale

Letter Grade	Percentage
A	90-100
A-	89-89.9
B+	87-88.9
B	83-86.9
B-	80-82.9
C+	77-79.9
C	73-76.9
C-	70-72.9
D+	67-69.9
D	64-66.9
F	<64

Course Policies and Expectations

• Attendance: Regular attendance is required. Unexcused absences may affect your grade.

• Makeup Policy: No makeup quizzes or exams except for excused absences (documentation required).

• Academic Honesty: Cheating, plagiarism, or unauthorized collaboration is strictly prohibited and will be handled according to university policy.

• Accessibility: Reasonable accommodations are available for students with documented disabilities.

• Online Learning: If the course moves online, students must follow etiquette for video calls and online participation.

Example Applications

• Projectile Motion: Calculating the range and maximum height of a ball thrown at an angle.

• Conservation of Energy: Analyzing a roller coaster's speed at different points using energy principles.

• Momentum Conservation: Predicting the final velocities after two cars collide.

• Rotational Dynamics: Determining the angular acceleration of a spinning disk when a torque is applied.

• Thermodynamics: Calculating the work done by a gas during expansion in a piston.

Additional info: For more detailed study, refer to the assigned textbook chapters and utilize online simulations (e.g., PhET) for interactive learning.