PHYS121-01/02: University Physics I & PHYS210-01/02: Introductory Physics Laboratory (Syllabus and Course Structure)

Course Overview

This document outlines the syllabus and structure for PHYS121-01/02: University Physics I and PHYS210-01/02: Introductory Physics Laboratory at the University of Guam, Fall 2025. The course covers foundational topics in general physics, including classical mechanics, heat, and thermodynamics, with an emphasis on problem-solving and laboratory skills.

Course Description

• PHYS121: First of a two-semester calculus-based general physics sequence. Topics include mechanics, heat, and thermodynamics. Prerequisite: MA203 or concurrent enrollment.

• PHYS210: Laboratory course focusing on experiments related to mechanics, heat, and sound. Must be taken concurrently with PHYS121.

Textbooks

• Required: University Physics with Modern Physics, by Young, Freedman & Ford, 15th edition.

• Suggested: Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics, by Serway, Jewett, 10th edition.

Class Schedule and Format

• PHYS121-01: Online Asynchronous. All lectures and course assignments can be completed online.

• PHYS210-01: Lab (in-person): Thursdays 11:00–11:50 am.

Lecture and Assignment Structure

• Lectures, worksheets, quizzes, and assignments are released and due on a weekly schedule.

• Online quizzes and assignments are available via MasteringPhysics and the course website.

• Lab assignments include prelab lessons, video simulations, and online quizzes.

Major Topics and Weekly Outline

The course is organized into weekly modules, each focusing on a specific topic in physics. Below is a summary of the main topics covered:

Week	Topic	Key Concepts
1	Introduction & Math Review	Course overview, mathematical tools for physics
2	Units, Physical Quantities, Vectors	SI units, dimensional analysis, vector operations
3-4	Motion in a Straight Line	Kinematics, displacement, velocity, acceleration
5-6	Motion in Two/Three Dimensions	Projectile motion, relative velocity
7-8	Newton's Laws of Motion	Force, mass, Newton's three laws, free-body diagrams
9-10	Applications of Newton's Laws	Friction, circular motion, dynamics
11	Work & Kinetic Energy	Work, kinetic energy, work-energy theorem
12	Potential Energy & Conservation of Energy	Potential energy, conservative forces, energy conservation
13-14	Linear Momentum & Collisions	Momentum, impulse, conservation of momentum, elastic/inelastic collisions
15-16	Rotation of Rigid Bodies	Rotational kinematics, torque, angular momentum

Key Concepts and Definitions

Units and Physical Quantities

• SI Units: The International System of Units is the standard for scientific measurements (meter, kilogram, second, etc.).

• Dimensional Analysis: Technique to check the consistency of equations and convert between units.

• Vectors: Quantities with both magnitude and direction (e.g., displacement, velocity, force).

Kinematics

• Displacement ($\Delta x$): Change in position of an object.

• Velocity ($v$): Rate of change of displacement.

• Acceleration ($a$): Rate of change of velocity.

• Kinematic Equations (constant acceleration):

$v = v_0 + at$ $x = x_0 + v_0 t + \frac{1}{2} a t^2$ $v^2 = v_0^2 + 2a(x - x_0)$

Newton's Laws of Motion

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

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

$F_{net} = m a$

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

Work and Energy

• Work ($W$): The product of force and displacement in the direction of the force.

$W = F d \cos \theta$

• Kinetic Energy ($KE$): Energy of motion.

$KE = \frac{1}{2} m v^2$

• Potential Energy ($PE$): Stored energy due to position or configuration.

• Conservation of Energy: Total energy in a closed system remains constant.

Momentum and Collisions

• Linear Momentum ($p$): Product of mass and velocity.

$p = m v$

• Impulse: Change in momentum due to a force applied over time.

$J = F \Delta t = \Delta p$

• Conservation of Momentum: In the absence of external forces, the total momentum of a system remains constant.

Rotational Motion

• Angular Displacement ($\theta$): The angle through which an object rotates.

• Angular Velocity ($\omega$): Rate of change of angular displacement.

• Angular Acceleration ($\alpha$): Rate of change of angular velocity.

• Torque ($\tau$): Rotational equivalent of force.

$\tau = r F \sin \theta$

• Moment of Inertia ($I$): Measure of an object's resistance to changes in rotational motion.

$I = \sum m_i r_i^2$

• Rotational Kinetic Energy:

$KE_{rot} = \frac{1}{2} I \omega^2$

Assessment and Grading

• Class Attendance and Participation: Required for both lecture and lab components.

• Worksheets and Quizzes: Regular assignments and quizzes via MasteringPhysics and the course website.

• Homework: Assigned weekly, with deadlines and late submission policies.

• Lab Assignments: Prelab lessons, video simulations, and online quizzes.

• Exams: Midterm and final exams, covering all major topics.

Component	PHYS121 Weight	PHYS210 Weight
Class Attendance & Worksheets	20%	-
Homework	20%	-
Quizzes (MasteringPhysics/Online)	20%	-
Midterm Exam	15%	-
Final Exam	25%	-
Lab Assignments	-	70%
Lab Quizzes	-	30%

Course Policies and Resources

• Academic Integrity: All work must be original. Plagiarism and cheating are strictly prohibited.

• Lab Safety: Follow all safety rules in the laboratory. Violations may result in removal from the lab and a grade of zero for the session.

• Disability Support: Accommodations are available for students with documented disabilities.

• Communication: Contact the instructor via email for questions and support. Regularly check the course website for announcements.

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.

• Collisions: Determining the final velocities of two colliding carts using conservation of momentum.

Additional Info

• MasteringPhysics is required for online assignments and quizzes.

• Lab simulations may use PhET and Microsoft Office 365 tools.

• Students are expected to spend at least 8 hours per week on course activities.