PHYSICS 114 – Fall 2014
General Physics I
Instructor: Steve May
Lectures: MTWTh 1:30 - 2:20, Room 205;
Lab:
F 1:30 - 3:20, Room 225
Office Phone: 527-4278
Office: Room 41
Hours: 10:30 - 11:20 MTWF;
or by arrangement
Email: steve.may@wwcc.edu
Website: wwcc.edu then click CANVAS
Description: This is the first in the 3-quarter College Physics sequence. The sequence is an introduction to the principles of
physics for nonphysical science students. Topics to be covered include: linear and rotational motion, forces, kinetic and potential
energy, momentum, and translational and rotational equilibrium
Intended learning outcomes: Student will be expected to demonstrate the following knowledge and abilities by the end of the
term:
 A conceptual understanding of Newton’s Laws as they relate to motion and forces.
 A conceptual understanding of the significance of conservation laws in physics; particularly conservation of energy
and momentum.
 The ability to related the above mentioned concepts to situations where equilibrium exists.
 The ability to solve numerical problems (algebra and trigonometry based) related to the above mentioned concepts.
Text: Required – College Physics, Openstax
http://openstaxcollege.org/textbooks/college-physics/get
Other materials needed: Scientific calculator and engineering graph paper can be useful, but recycled paper is best if you can
keep your homework neat without lined paper.
Prerequisites: Math 78E or placement above Math 78E
Homework: Assignments are due as noted on the syllabus on the back of this sheet. Problems are worth 1 point each. If
homework is turned in 1 day late I will grade it, but a maximum of only 50% credit will be given. Problems turned in
more than 1 day late will receive no credit.
Tests: One at the end of every 3 chapters (3 total) consisting of approximately 25% multiple-choice questions, 25% short answer
questions and 50% problems. A small, hand-written page of notes and formulas will be allowed for each test.
Final Exam: A comprehensive final will be given. The question type breakdown will be similar to the chapter tests. It will be
approximately 1½ times the length of a chapter test.
Labs: Write-ups will be due on Wednesdays. Late labs will be accepted, with a substantial grade reduction.
Attendance: Daily attendance will not be taken; however, with homework due almost everyday it will hurt your grade not to show
up for class.
Grading: Approximate breakdown of point distribution:
Chapter tests (400 pts) - 46%
Final exam (150 pts) - 17%
Labs (~150 pts) - 17%
Homework (~175 pts) - 20%
Letter grades will be assigned using a modified curve.
Disability Identification and Accommodations: To request accommodations related to a disability, contact Claudia Angus,
Ph.D., Coordinator of Disability Support Services, at 527-4262 or email claudia.angus@wwcc.edu
PHYSICS 114 – Fall 2013
Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Date
Sept. 22
23
24
25
26
29
30
Oct. 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
10
11***
12
13
Topic
Intro Remarks; Science; Units
Measurements & Estimations
Measuring Motion I: Displacement & Speed
Measuring Motion II: Acceleration
LAB DAY – Testing Hypotheses
Falling Objects & Graphing Motion
Right Triangle Trigonometry
2D-Kinematics; Vectors & Scalars
Projectile Motion
LAB DAY – Measuring Motion (using
EXCEL)
Relative Motion; Addition of Vectors
Catch-Up
Review
Test 1 – Chapters 1 – 3
LAB DAY – Projective Contest
Force; Newton’s 1st and 2nd Laws
Newton’s 3rd Law with Applications
More Applications of Newton’s Laws; 4 Forces
Friction and Drag Forces
LAB DAY – Effects of Forces
Elasticity; Stress & Strain
Angular Displacement, Velocity, & Acceleration
Centripetal Force; Rotating Systems
Gravitation; Satellites & Kepler’s Laws
LAB DAY – Moons of Jupiter
Catch-Up
Review
Test 2 – Chapters 4 – 6
Work, Kinetic Energy, & Work-Energy Theorem
LAB DAY – Work
Potential Energy; Conservative &
Nonconservative Forces
Conservation of Energy; Power
Linear Momentum & its conservation
Collisions in 1D
LAB DAY – Conservation of Momentum
Veteran’s Day
2D-Collisions; Rocket Propulsion
Equilibrium
Statics & Stability
14
17
18
19***
20
21
24 – 28***
Dec. 1
2
3
4
5
8
9 Tuesday
LAB DAY – Statics
Simple Machines & Mechanical Advantage
Advising Day
Catch-Up
Review
Test 3 – Chapters 7 – 9
Thanksgiving Vacation
Rotational Motion Kinematics
Rotational Motion Dynamics; Rotational Energy
Angular Momentum
Catch –Up
Final Review 1
Final Review 2
Comprehensive Final – Chapters 1 – 10
6
7
8
9
10
13
14
15
16
17
20
21
22
23
24
27
28
29
30
31
Nov. 3
Reading Ch:Sec
1: 1 – 2
3–4
2: 1 – 3
2: 4 – 6
Homework Problems Due
2: 7 – 8
Trig
3: 1 – 3
3: 4
Q14, Q17, 16, 19, 27, 38
Q21, Q29, 43, 46, 65
Trig. Problems
3: Q4, Q10, 5, 15, 16, 20
3: 5
1: 1, 2, 9
11, 12, 19, 20, 29, 32
2: Q3, Q11, 4, 5, 8, 11
Q13, Q14, 25, 27, 36, 41
Q19, 52, 57, 61
4: 1 – 3
4: 4 – 6
4: 7 – 8
5: 1 – 2
4: Q2, Q10, 3, 6, 9
Q19, 15, 19, 23, 27
Q26, 40, 44, 47
5: 3
6: 1 – 2
6: 3 – 4
6: 5 – 6
5: Q1, Q6, 1, 5, 11, 20, 23
Q12, 30, 36, 37
6: Q2, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20
Q3, Q14, 24, 29
34, 40, 41, 44, 47
7: 1 – 2
7: 3 – 5
7: Q3, Q6, 2, 6, 9, 12
7: 6 – 7
8: 1 – 3
8: 4 – 5
Q8, 18, 20, 22, 24
Q15, Q20, 26, 27, 32, 34
8: Q1, Q5, 3, 5, 11, 27
8: 6 – 7
9: 1 – 2
9: 3 – 4
Q15, Q16, 30, 31, 32
45, 49, 53, 58
9: Q1, Q5, 2, 3
9: 5
Q6, Q8, 9,11,12
Q11, 19, 20, 24
10: 1 – 2
10: 3 – 4
10: 5
10: Q1, Q3, 2, 7, 9
Q7, 11, 15, 23, 29
Q14, 38, 40