Principles of Mechanics
Fall, 2010
PHYSICS 141 TENTATIVE LECTURE PLAN
MONDAY
WEDNESDAY
September 13
Intro & Kinematics in One Dimension
FRIDAY
Chapters 1-2
Sep. 15
1D & 2D Kinematics
Chapter 2, 3.1-3.5
Sep. 17
Circular Motion
Chapt. 3.6
Sep. 20
Newton I, II
Chapt. 4.1-4.5
Sep. 22
Newton III, Applications
Chapt. 4.6, 5.1-5.2
Sep. 24
Applications of Newton’s Laws
Chapt. 5.3-5.5
Sep. 27
Work & Energy
Chapt. 6
Sep. 29
Potential Energy/Energy Conservation
Chapt. 7
PS2 Due
Oct. 1
Gravity
Chapt. 8
Oct. 4
Momentum Conservation
Chapt. 9
Oct. 6
Collisions & Other Forces
Chapt. 9
Oct. 8
MIDTERM ONE
Chapters 1-9
Oct. 11
Simple Harmonic Motion
Chapt. 13.1-13.5
Oct.13
Fluids
Chapt. 15
Oct. 18
Relativity: Causality
BAIS, pgs. 32-51
Oct. 20
Relativity: Dilation & Contraction
BAIS, pgs 52-73
Reading Period
Oct. 25
Relativity: Momentum & Energy
BAIS, pgs 74-105
Oct. 27
Relativity: Quantitative Overview
Chapt. 33
PS5 Due
Oct. 29
Photons
Chapt. 34.1-3
Nov. 1
MIDTERM TWO
Nov. 3
The Bohr Model
Chapt. 34.4
Nov 5.
Uncertainty & Refinements
Chapt.34.5-34.7, 36.4-36.5*
Nov. 8
Introduction to Nuclear Physics
Chapt. 38.1-38.2
Nov. 10
Nuclear Physics
Chapt. 38.3-38.4
Nov. 12
Fusion
Chapt. 38.5
Nov. 15
Cosmology & Universal Expansion
Chapt. 39
Nov. 17
More Cosmology & Wrap Up
PS1 Due
PS4 Due
Chapts. 13, 15, 33, BAIS, pgs 1-105
PS3 Due
Oct. 15
Intro to Relativity
BAIS, pgs 1-31
PS6 Due
PS7 Due
FINAL EXAM: 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 23, Y-121
Principles of Mechanics
Fall, 2010
PHYSICS 141 PROBLEM ASSIGNMENTS
PART ONE: CLASSICAL MECHANICS
Unless otherwise noted, all problem sets are due at the beginning of class. Each problem set should be
turned in using stapled sheets of paper if necessary, trimmed of any and all detritus from spiral bound
ripping. To make it easier for your graders to identify your answer, please draw a rectangle around your
answer. You WILL LOSE POINTS if your homework is an indecipherable collection of apparently
unrelated symbols, scribbles, coffee stains and/or other mental debris. If we can’t read it, we can’t grade
it, and you can see where that’s going to go with your grade.
Some other things to remember:
1. Always include the appropriate units. You will lose points if you do not.
2. Be aware of significant figures. Remember that when multiplying or dividing numbers, use the
smallest number of sig. figs from all the numbers used. With addition or subtraction, use the
fewest number of digits after the decimal point. Refer to Chapter 1 of your text for more
examples.
3. If you ever reach an answer that makes no sense, say so. You will lose fewer points if you
recognize when your solution is inconsistent.
4. Working together is fine and encouraged, but you must acknowledge people. You must write
your OWN narrative.
5. REMEMBER THE DEAL: You must make an honest attempt at answering EVERY single
question, and turning in every assignment to have a problem set dropped. I am the final arbiter of
what constitutes an honest attempt (you need not be correct, for example, but simply writing
“F = ma” will in general not be enough).
Problem Set 1 (Chapters 1-3):
1.40, 1.46, 2.18, 2.22, 2.23, 2.39, 2.50, 2.57, 2.71, 2.78, 3.45, 3.52,
3.62, 3.73, 3.83
Problem Set 2 (Chapters 4-6):
4.37, 4.45, 4.57, 4.64, 4.69, 5.22, 5.29, 5.35, 5.40, 5.54, 5.56,
6.20, 6.43, 6.56, 6.77
Problem Set 3 (Chapters 7-9):
7.23, 7.27, 7.47, 7.59, 8.37, 8.40, 8.44, 9.18, 9.62, 9.67
Problem Set 4 (Chapters 13,
15, BAIS):
13.21, 13.28, 13.40, 13.45, 13.72, 15.30, 15.40, 15.48, 15.57,
15.70, B(pg 18)