Chabot College
Fall 2001
Course Outline for Physics 4A
GENERAL PHYSICS I
Catalog Description:
4A - General Physics I
5 units
Introduction to the principles of Newtonian mechanics using calculus as needed. Vectors, kinematics,
dynamics, energy, momentum, rotation, oscillations, gravitation, fluids and waves.
Prerequisite:
Mathematics 1 (completed with a grade of C or higher). May be offered in Distance Education delivery
format. 4 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory.
Prerequisite Skills:
Before entering the course the student should be able to:
1.
demonstrate a working knowledge of the Cartesian coordinate system including: slope of a
line, equation of a line, delta notation;
2.
explain the nature of a function;
3.
graph algebraic and trigonometric functions;
4.
explain limits and continuity of functions;
5.
use Newton's method;
6.
apply the definition of the derivative of a function;
7.
explain the definitions of velocity and acceleration;
8.
differentiate algebraic and trigonometric functions;
9.
use the chain rule;
10.
find all maxima, minima and points of inflection on an interval;
11.
apply implicit differention to solve related rate problem;
12.
apply the Mean Value Theorem;
13.
explain the definite integral as the limit of a Riemann sum;
14.
explain the Fundamental Theorem of Integral Calculus;
15.
explain differentials and their applications.
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
analyze and solve a variety of problems often using calculus in topics such as:
a.
addition, subtraction, dot product and cross product of vectors;
b.
linear and rotational kinematics;
c.
dynamics;
d.
momentum;
e.
work, kinetic energy, and potential energy;
f.
rotational kinematics and dynamics;
g.
statics;
h.
gravitation;
i.
fluids;
j.
waves;
operate standard laboratory equipment;
analyze laboratory data;
write comprehensive laboratory reports.
Course Content:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Kinematics in one dimension
Vectors
Kinematics in three dimensions
Dynamics - Newton's Laws
Work and energy
Conservation of energy
Chabot College
Physics 4A, Page 2
Fall 2001
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Systems of particles
Collisions
Kinematics of a rigid body
Dynamics of a rigid body
Static equilibrium of a rigid body
Simple harmonic motion
Gravitation
Fluid mechanics
Waves
Methods of Presentation:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Lecture and discussion.
Problem solving.
Demonstrations.
Laboratory experimentation.
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1.
Typical Assignments
a.
Weekly homework/question sets
b.
Laboratory reports (individual and group), including computer-based data acquisition and
analysis
c.
Special exercise worksheets, problem review, and computer simulations and tutorials; both
individual and group activities and research papers
d.
Participation in email and web-based instruction, discussion and tutorials. Internet research
on topics dealing with physics and its applications to technology.
2.
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
a.
Quizzes
b.
Midterm examinations
c.
Final examination
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Physics for Scientists and Engineers Volume I, Serway and Beichner, Harcourt College Publisher,
2000
Special Student Materials:
None.
Revised 12-1-00