Principles of Physics (PHYS 104) – Course Syllabus and Study Guide

Principles of Physics (PHYS 104) – Course Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of physics, designed for students with little or no background in the subject. The syllabus outlines the main topics, learning outcomes, evaluation methods, and academic policies relevant to the course.

Course Information

• Term: Fall 2025

• Course Number: PHYS 104

• Course Title: Principles of Physics

• Credits: 4

• Instructors: Lauren Moffatt (Lecture), Kory Stevens (Lab)

• Format: Three hours of class, two lab hours, plus an additional hour weekly for 15 weeks

Prerequisites/Co-requisites

• Precalculus 12, Principles of Math 12, or equivalent (may be taken concurrently)

Main Topics and Subtopics

Representing Motion in 1 Dimension

Understanding motion is fundamental in physics. This topic covers the basic concepts and mathematical tools used to describe how objects move in a straight line.

• Measurement and Units: Physics relies on precise measurement. SI units are standard (meter, kilogram, second).

• Scalars and Vectors: Scalars have magnitude only (e.g., speed), while vectors have both magnitude and direction (e.g., velocity).

• Displacement, Velocity, Acceleration: Key quantities for describing motion.

• Free Fall: Motion under gravity, neglecting air resistance.

Formula Example:

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

• Velocity: $v = v_0 + a t$

Motion in Two Dimensions: Vectors, Projectile Motion

Extends the study of motion to two dimensions, introducing vector addition and projectile motion.

• Vector Components: Breaking vectors into x and y components.

• Projectile Motion: Analysis of objects moving under gravity in two dimensions.

Formula Example:

• Projectile Range: $R = \frac{v_0^2 \sin 2\theta}{g}$

Forces and Newton’s Laws of Motion

Newton’s laws form the foundation for classical mechanics, describing how forces affect motion.

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

• Newton’s Second Law: $F = m a$

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

• Free Body Diagrams: Visual representations of forces acting on an object.

• Equilibrium, Normal Forces, Friction: Analysis of forces in static and dynamic situations.

Circular Motion: Orbital Motion, Gravity

Explores motion along curved paths and the role of gravity in orbital systems.

• Centripetal Force: $F_c = \frac{m v^2}{r}$

• Gravitational Force: $F_g = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2}$

Momentum and Collisions

Momentum is a conserved quantity in physics, crucial for analyzing collisions.

• Linear Momentum: $p = m v$

• Conservation of Momentum: $m_1 v_1 + m_2 v_2 = m_1 v_1' + m_2 v_2'$ (for two-object collisions)

Work and Energy

Work and energy are central concepts for understanding how forces cause changes in motion.

• Work: $W = F d \cos \theta$

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

• Potential Energy: $PE = m g h$

• Conservation of Energy: Total energy remains constant in an isolated system.

Electrostatics, Electric Circuits

Introduces the basics of electric charge, electric fields, and simple circuits.

• Coulomb’s Law: $F = k_e \frac{q_1 q_2}{r^2}$

• Ohm’s Law: $V = I R$

• Series and Parallel Circuits: Analysis of current and voltage in different circuit configurations.

Light (Geometrical Optics, Reflection, Refraction, Thin Lenses)

Explores the behavior of light as it interacts with surfaces and lenses.

• Reflection: Angle of incidence equals angle of reflection.

• Refraction (Snell’s Law): $n_1 \sin \theta_1 = n_2 \sin \theta_2$

• Thin Lens Equation: $\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{d_o} + \frac{1}{d_i}$

Course Learning Outcomes

• Apply physical principles to solve conceptual and computational problems.

• Interpret graphs and diagrams for visualization and clarification of problems.

• Translate word problems into mathematical language and solve them.

• Measure and record data in laboratory settings, analyze and assess recorded data.

Course Content Table

The following table summarizes the main topics, approximate weeks spent, and textbook references:

Topics	Weeks (Approx)	Text Reference
Representing Motion in 1 Dimension	2.0	1, 2
Motion in Two Dimensions: Vectors, Projectile Motion	1.5	3
Forces and Newton’s Laws of Motion; Free Body Diagrams; Equilibrium; Normal Forces; Friction	2.0	4, 5
Circular Motion; Orbital Motion; Gravity	1.0	6
Momentum and Collisions	1.0	(omit 9.7)
Work and Energy	1.0	(omit 10.5)
Electrostatics, Electric Circuits	2.0	20.1, 20.3, 21.1, 21.2, 21.3, 22.1, 22.3, 22.6-23.1, 23.2, 23.3
Light (Geometrical Optics, Reflection, Refraction, Thin Lenses)	1.0	(omit 18.6)
Midterm Exams (2)	1.0	—
Final Exam Period	2.0	—

Evaluation Profile

• Midterms (2): 20%

• Labs (all labs must be completed): 20%

• Assignments: 7%

• In-Class Responses: 7%

• Final Exam: 46%

Grading Profile

Grade	Percentage
A	90-100%
A-	85-89%
B+	80-84%
B	77-79%
B-	73-76%
C+	67-69%
C	63-66%
C-	60-62%
D	50-59%
F	0-49%

Academic Integrity and Policies

• Cheating and Plagiarism: Strictly prohibited. Includes unauthorized aid, copying, and misrepresentation of sources.

• Self-Plagiarism: Submitting the same work for credit in more than one course without permission.

• Prohibited Conduct: Includes falsifying documents, impersonation, and unauthorized possession of work.

• Attendance: Expected at all classes and associated activities.

• Labs: Must be registered and pass lab exams to obtain credit for PHYS 104.

Required Texts and Resources

• Textbook: Randall D. Knight, Brian Jones, Stuart Field. College Physics: A Strategic Approach, 3rd ed. (custom edition) 2015.

Additional Info

• Students must achieve a minimum total of 25/55% for midterm and final exam components to pass.

• Online communication and electronic device policies are enforced.

• Accommodations are available for students with documented needs.