Physics I: Mechanics and Wave Motion – Course Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts of mechanics and wave motion, with a focus on problem-solving, laboratory experience, and the application of Newtonian physics. The course is designed for college students beginning their study of physics.

Course Description

• Credit Hours: Four (4) credit hours

• Topics Covered: Mechanics (motion, forces, energy, momentum), Newton's Laws, circular motion, gravitation, rotational motion, elasticity, periodic motion, mechanical waves, sound, and fluid mechanics.

• Instructional Methods: Lectures, laboratory sessions, homework assignments, midterm and final exams.

Course Objectives

• Develop basic techniques to calculate the movement of objects and the forces acting on them.

• Understand the concept of energy through a combination of instruction, laboratory experiments, and problem-solving.

• Apply physics concepts to analyze laboratory experiments and solve homework problems.

Course Structure and Schedule

The course consists of three weekly lectures, one weekly laboratory session, regular homework assignments, two midterm exams, and one cumulative final exam. The lectures follow the order of chapters in the textbook, with active class participation encouraged.

Outline of Course Schedule

Date	Chapter/Topic
Aug 25	Mathematics Review (Introduction)
Aug 27, 29	Models, Measurements, and Vectors
Sep 1	New Class
Sep 3, 5	Motion Along a Straight Line
Sep 8, 10, 12	Motion in a Plane
Sep 15	Review (Chapters 1–3)
Sep 17	Midterm 1 (Chapters 1–3)
Sep 19, 22, 24, 26	Newton’s Laws of Motion and Applications
Sep 29, Oct 1, 3, 6, 8	Circular Motion and Gravitation
Oct 10	Energy
Oct 13	Fall Break – No Class
Oct 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29	Work and Energy, Momentum
Oct 31	Review (Chapters 4–7)
Nov 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14	Rotational Motion, Dynamics of Rotational Motion
Nov 17, 19	Elasticity and Periodic Motion
Nov 21, 24	Mechanical Waves and Sound
Nov 26, 28	Thanksgiving Break – No Class
Dec 1	Fluid Mechanics
Dec 3, 5	Course Review
Dec 12	Final Cumulative Exam

Key Topics and Concepts

Mathematics Review and Introduction

• Purpose: Refresh mathematical tools needed for physics, such as algebra, trigonometry, and vector analysis.

• Key Concepts: Units, dimensional analysis, significant figures.

• Example: Converting between SI and non-SI units.

Models, Measurements, and Vectors

• Definition: Models are simplified representations of physical systems. Vectors are quantities with both magnitude and direction.

• Key Equations: Vector addition and subtraction, scalar and vector products.

• Example: Displacement as a vector: $\vec{d} = \vec{r}_f - \vec{r}_i$

Motion Along a Straight Line

• Definition: Describes the movement of objects in one dimension.

• Key Equations:

  • Average velocity: $v_{avg} = \frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t}$

  • Constant acceleration: $x = x_0 + v_0 t + \frac{1}{2} a t^2$

• Example: Free fall motion under gravity.

Motion in a Plane

• Definition: Two-dimensional motion, such as projectile motion.

• Key Equations:

  • Projectile motion: $x = v_0 \cos\theta \cdot t$, $y = v_0 \sin\theta \cdot t - \frac{1}{2} g t^2$

• Example: Ball thrown at an angle.

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: $\vec{F} = m \vec{a}$

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

• Applications: Analyzing forces in various systems, such as inclined planes and pulleys.

Circular Motion and Gravitation

• Uniform Circular Motion: Motion in a circle at constant speed.

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

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

• Example: Satellite orbits.

Work and Energy

• Work: $W = \vec{F} \cdot \vec{d}$

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

• Potential Energy: $PE = mgh$

• Conservation of Energy: $E_{total} = KE + PE = \text{constant}$ (in the absence of non-conservative forces)

Momentum

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

• Conservation of Momentum: $\sum \vec{p}_{initial} = \sum \vec{p}_{final}$ (in the absence of external forces)

• Example: Collisions (elastic and inelastic)

Rotational Motion

• Angular Displacement, Velocity, and Acceleration: $\theta$, $\omega$, $\alpha$

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

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

• Torque: $\tau = r F \sin\theta$

Elasticity and Periodic Motion

• Hooke’s Law: $F = -kx$

• Simple Harmonic Motion: $x(t) = A \cos(\omega t + \phi)$

• Example: Mass-spring system.

Mechanical Waves and Sound

• Wave Equation: $v = f \lambda$

• Types of Waves: Transverse and longitudinal

• Sound: Propagation of pressure waves in a medium

Fluid Mechanics

• Density: $\rho = \frac{m}{V}$

• Pressure: $P = \frac{F}{A}$

• Buoyant Force (Archimedes’ Principle): $F_b = \rho_{fluid} V_{displaced} g$

Course Requirements and Grading

• Textbook: College Physics by Young, Adams, Chastain, 11th edition, Pearson 2019 (MasteringPhysics Student Access required).

• Laboratory Manual: No manual required; check with Lab Teaching Assistant.

• Prerequisites: MATH 102M or MATH 103M or MATH 162M or MATH 166.

Grading Breakdown

Component	Weight
Laboratory Session	15%
Homework	15%
Midterm Exams	40% (20% each)
Final Exam	30%

Grading Scale

Score (%)	Grade
91 – 100	A
89 – 90	A-
87 – 88	B+
83 – 86	B
81 – 82	B-
77 – 80	C+
75 – 78	C
71 – 74	C-
67 – 70	D+
65 – 66	D
55 – 58	D-
0 – 50	F

Academic Integrity and Accessibility

• Academic Integrity: Students are expected to adhere to the university's honor code and policies regarding academic honesty.

• Accessibility: Students with disabilities should contact the Office of Educational Accessibility for accommodations.

Additional Resources

• Physics Learning Center: Assistance is available for all aspects of the course.

• Online Resources: Course updates and homework assignments are posted on the Canvas course page.

Additional info: The above guide is based on the provided syllabus and schedule. For detailed chapter content, refer to the assigned textbook chapters as listed in the course outline.