Study Guide: PHY 220 General Physics I (Grand Valley State University)

Course Overview

Introduction to PHY 220: General Physics I

PHY 220 is a foundational college-level physics course designed to introduce students to the principles and applications of classical mechanics. The course emphasizes the predictive analysis of physical phenomena, mathematical modeling, and the development of problem-solving skills. Students will engage with both theoretical concepts and laboratory experiments to reinforce their understanding.

• Prerequisites: Proficiency in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry is required.

• Textbook: College Physics, 17th Edition by Young

• Online Homework: Mastering Physics system

Main Topics and Subtopics

Math and Vectors

Vectors are essential in physics for representing quantities that have both magnitude and direction, such as displacement, velocity, and force.

• Definition: A vector is a quantity with both magnitude and direction.

• Vector Addition: Vectors are added using the parallelogram rule or component-wise addition.

• Example: Displacement in two dimensions.

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

Kinematics

Kinematics is the study of motion without considering its causes. It involves analyzing the position, velocity, and acceleration of objects.

• Key Terms: Displacement, velocity, acceleration.

• Equations of Motion (constant acceleration):

  • $v = v_0 + at$

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

  • $v^2 = v_0^2 + 2a(x - x_0)$

• Example: Free fall motion under gravity.

Newton's Laws of Motion

Newton's laws describe the relationship between the motion of an object and the forces acting upon it.

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

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

• Equation: $\vec{F}_{\text{net}} = m\vec{a}$

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

• Example: Forces acting on a block sliding down an inclined plane.

Work, Energy, and Power

Work and energy are central concepts in physics, describing how forces cause changes in motion and how energy is transferred or transformed.

• Work: The product of force and displacement in the direction of the force.

• Equation: $W = \vec{F} \cdot \vec{d}$

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

• Potential Energy: $PE = mgh$ (gravitational)

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

• Power: Rate at which work is done, $P = \frac{W}{t}$

• Example: Calculating work done by gravity on a falling object.

Momentum and Collisions

Momentum is a measure of the motion of an object and is conserved in isolated systems.

• Linear Momentum: $p = mv$

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

• Types of Collisions: Elastic (kinetic energy conserved), inelastic (kinetic energy not conserved).

• Equation: $m_1v_1 + m_2v_2 = m_1v_1' + m_2v_2'$

• Example: Two carts colliding on a frictionless track.

Rotational Motion and Dynamics

Rotational motion involves objects spinning about an axis, with analogous concepts to linear motion.

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

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

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

• Torque: $\tau = rF\sin\theta$

• Example: Spinning disk and calculation of angular acceleration.

Equilibrium and Archimedes' Principle

Equilibrium occurs when the net force and net torque on an object are zero. Archimedes' Principle relates to buoyancy in fluids.

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

• Archimedes' Principle: The buoyant force on an object submerged in a fluid is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced.

• Equation: $F_{b} = \rho_{fluid} V_{displaced} g$

• Example: Floating and sinking objects in water.

Laboratory Component

Purpose and Structure

Laboratory sessions reinforce theoretical concepts through hands-on experiments. Labs include data analysis, projectile motion, circular motion, work and energy, and Archimedes' Principle.

• Lab Reports: Must be completed and submitted for grading.

• Attendance: Required for successful completion.

Assessment and Grading

Grading Breakdown

Grades are determined by performance in homework, quizzes, laboratory work, module exams, and the final exam.

Component	Percentage
Homework	5%
Quizzes	10%
Lab	15%
Module Exams	45%
Final Exam	15%
Lowest Module Exam	10%

Grade Ranges:

Grade	Range
A	92.0 – 100%
A-	89.0 – 91.9%
B+	87.0 – 88.9%
B	82.0 – 86.9%
B-	80.0 – 81.9%
C+	77.0 – 79.9%
C	72.0 – 76.9%
C-	70.0 – 71.9%
D+	67.0 – 69.9%
D	60.0 – 66.9%
F	Below 59.9%

Student Learning Outcomes

Knowledge Outcomes

• Explain methodologies physical scientists use to explore and understand the physical universe.

• Explain ways in which physical scientists use observations and theory to explain and predict the structure and processes of the physical universe.

• Explain fundamental concepts, principles, and issues of the physical sciences.

Essential Skills Outcomes

• Design and evaluate approaches to solve open-ended questions.

• Construct clear and insightful problem statements and solutions.

• Use quantitative analysis and calculations to support conclusions.

Course Schedule Overview

Week	Date	Lecture Topic	Reading	Lab
1	8/26	Math and Vectors	Ch. 1, 1-1	Data Analysis
2	9/2	Kinematic Quantities	Ch. 2, 2-1	Graphing 1-D Motion
3	9/9	Freefall & Relative Motion	Ch. 2, 2-4, 2-5	Free Fall
4	9/16	2D Kinematics	Ch. 3, 3-1	Projectile Motion
5	9/23	Newton's Laws	Ch. 4, 4-1	Forces and Equilibrium
6	9/30	Mass, Weight, and Normal	Ch. 4, 4-5	Newton's Second Law
7	10/7	Applications of Newton's Laws	Ch. 4, 4-6	Friction
8	10/14	Review of Application of Forces	Ch. 5, 5-1	Circular Motion
9	10/21	Work and Energy	Ch. 6, 6-1	No Lab
10	10/28	Conservation of Energy	Ch. 7, 7-1	Work and Energy
11	11/4	Collisions and Conservation of Momentum	Ch. 8, 8-1	Conservation of Momentum
12	11/11	Rotational Quantities	Ch. 9, 9-1	Rotational Motion
13	11/18	Rotational Dynamics	Ch. 10, 10-1	Torque
14	11/25	Torque	Ch. 10, 10-2	No Lab
15	12/2	Angular Momentum and Equilibrium	Ch. 11, 11-1	Archimedes' Principle

Additional Info

• Course emphasizes: Predictive analysis, mathematical modeling, and critical thinking.

• Applications: Real-world examples and laboratory experiments reinforce concepts.

• Support: Disability accommodations and academic integrity policies are in place.