Physics I Syllabus: Mechanics, Motion, and Energy

Course Overview: Physics I (Mechanics)

This syllabus outlines the weekly topics, textbook references, and assignments for a college-level introductory physics course focused on classical mechanics. The course covers foundational concepts such as measurement, kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, and rotational motion.

Course Structure

• Duration: 15 weeks

• Assignments: Weekly, due Mondays by 11:59pm

• Lecture Tests: Two scheduled midterms

• Text References: Chapters and sections from the designated textbook (abbreviated as GC and L)

Weekly Topics and Academic Context

Week 1: Introduction, Measurement, Estimating

This week introduces the scientific method, measurement systems, and estimation techniques essential for physics.

• Measurement: The process of quantifying physical quantities using standard units (SI units).

• Estimation: Making approximate calculations to check the plausibility of results.

• Key Formula: $\text{Percent Error} = \frac{\text{Measured Value} - \text{True Value}}{\text{True Value}} \times 100\%$

• Example: Estimating the height of a building using shadow length and similar triangles.

Week 2: Describing Motion in 1D

Focuses on kinematics in one dimension, including position, velocity, and acceleration.

• Kinematics: The study of motion without considering its causes.

• Key Equations: $v = \frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t}$ $a = \frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t}$

• Example: Calculating the velocity of a car traveling 100 m in 5 s.

Week 3: Kinematics in 2&3D, Vectors

Extends kinematics to two and three dimensions, introducing vectors and their properties.

• Vector: A quantity with both magnitude and direction (e.g., displacement, velocity).

• Vector Addition: $\vec{A} + \vec{B} = (A_x + B_x)\hat{i} + (A_y + B_y)\hat{j}$

• Example: Finding the resultant displacement of a boat moving northeast.

Week 4: Dynamics: Newton's Laws

Introduces Newton's three laws of motion, which form the foundation of classical mechanics.

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

• Newton's Second Law: $\vec{F} = m\vec{a}$

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

• Example: Analyzing forces on a block sliding down an inclined plane.

Week 5-6: Application and Continuation of Newton's Laws

Applies Newton's laws to various physical situations, including friction, tension, and circular motion.

• Friction: The resistive force between surfaces in contact. $f = \mu N$

• Circular Motion: $a_c = \frac{v^2}{r}$

• Example: Calculating the tension in a rope during circular motion.

Week 7: Static Equilibrium

Explores conditions for objects at rest, focusing on forces and torques in equilibrium.

• Equilibrium Conditions: $\sum \vec{F} = 0$ $\sum \tau = 0$

• Torque: $\tau = rF\sin\theta$

• Example: Balancing a seesaw with different masses.

Week 8: Work & Energy

Introduces the concepts of work, kinetic energy, and potential energy.

• Work: $W = Fd\cos\theta$

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

• Potential Energy: $PE = mgh$

• Example: Calculating work done by a force moving an object up a hill.

Week 9: Conservation of Energy

Discusses the principle that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.

• Conservation of Energy: $E_{\text{initial}} = E_{\text{final}}$

• Mechanical Energy: $E = KE + PE$

• Example: Analyzing a pendulum's energy at different points in its swing.

Week 10: Simple Machines

Examines devices that change the direction or magnitude of a force, such as levers and pulleys.

• Mechanical Advantage: $\text{MA} = \frac{\text{Output Force}}{\text{Input Force}}$

• Example: Calculating the mechanical advantage of a lever.

Week 11: Linear Momentum

Introduces momentum and its conservation in collisions.

• Momentum: $p = mv$

• Conservation of Momentum: $p_{\text{initial}} = p_{\text{final}}$

• Example: Analyzing a collision between two carts.

Week 12: Rotational Motion

Explores rotational kinematics and dynamics, including angular velocity and acceleration.

• Angular Velocity: $\omega = \frac{\Delta \theta}{\Delta t}$

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

• Example: Calculating the moment of inertia of a solid disk.

Week 13-14: Angular Momentum

Discusses angular momentum and its conservation in rotational systems.

• Angular Momentum: $L = I\omega$

• Conservation of Angular Momentum: $L_{\text{initial}} = L_{\text{final}}$

• Example: Figure skater spinning faster by pulling in arms.

Week 15: Exam Week

Final assessments and review of course material.

Summary Table: Weekly Topics

Week	Topic	Text Reference	Assignment/Test
1	Introduction, Measurement, Estimating	GC1, L01, L01a	Assignment due Monday
2	Describing Motion in 1D	GC2, L02, L03	MP00
3	Kinematics: 2&3D, Vectors	GC3, L04, L05	MP01
4	Dynamic: Newton's Laws	GC4, L06, L07	MP02
5	Application of Newton's Laws	GC5, L08-L10	MP03
6	Newton's Laws Continued		MP04
7	Static Equilibrium	GC12.1-12.3, 10.4, L11-L14	Lecture Test 1
8	Work & Energy	GC7, L15-L17	MP05
9	Conservation of Energy	GC8, L18, L19	MP06
10	Simple Machines	L20
11	Linear Momentum	GC9, L21, L22	MP07
12	Rotational Motion	GC10, L23-L26	MP08, Lecture Test 2
13	Angular Momentum	GC11, L27	MP10
14	Angular Momentum Cont.	L28
15	Exam Week

Additional info: Textbook references (GC, L) are likely abbreviations for chapters and lecture notes in the course's main text. Assignments labeled MP00-MP10 are weekly problem sets or homework.