Chapter 1: Introduction
A PowerPoint Presentation by
Paul E. Tippens, Professor of Physics
Southern Polytechnic State University
© 2007, Paul E. Tippens
Chapter 1
Objectives:
• What is Physics?
• The Scientific Method.
• How Should I Study Physics?
Testing the Mars Rover
Photo: Courtesy of NASA
What is Physics?
Physics is the science that investigates the
fundamental concepts of matter, energy, and
space, and the relationships among them.
Physics is the most basic of
the sciences, underpinning all
other disciplines of science,
medicine, and engineering.
NASA
Physicists are problem solvers,
often meeting new challenges
and developing new theories.
Where might I work as
a physicist?
A strong physics background
prepares you for almost any
occupation that involves science
or engineering.
Mars Rover
NASA
High
Voltage
NIST
Scientific Method
Underlying all scientific investigation are
the guiding principles of the Scientific
Method.
1. Statement of problem.
2. Observation: data collection.
3. Hypothesis: proposed explanation
4. Experimental testing.
5. Acceptance or rejection of hypothesis.
An Example of the
Scientific Method
Albert Einstein once said: “Example isn't another
way to teach, it is the only way to teach.”
Time t
y
In this example, we observe
a falling object and attempt
to predict the distance it will
fall in a particular time.
The mathematics is largely ignored here in order
to just provide the basic steps in the process.
Statement of Problem
We need to be able to predict the time
to fall for a vertical distance y.
Time t
y
By stating the problem, we
simply verbalize a need to
know or to be able to predict
some event. The problem
might not be solvable.
Observations
To address the problem, we organize the
data and several trial observations.
We measure the time for several
drops at different heights.
y1
t1
y2
t2
y3
t3
Hypothesis
By applying the mathematics and graphing techniques to
the observed data, we note that the time of fall is
proportional to the square of time, t2.
The following equation is
written and the constant k is
determined from the data.
Time t
y
y  kt
2
k  4.9 m/s
2
The hypothesis is now a theory which can be tested.
Experimental Testing
The next step is for us (and for others) to
test the hypothesis: If time t is given in
seconds (s), the distance y in meters (m) is:
y  (4.9 m/s )t
2
2
Each time the distance is predicted
correctly, the theory is reinforced.
In order for a theory to be accepted, it must
be consistent and repeatable by others.
Accept or Reject Hypothesis
Each time the distance is predicted correctly,
the theory is accepted.
It takes only one instance of proven failure
to cause the hypothesis to be rejected!
"No amount of experimentation can
ever prove me right, one single
experiment can prove me wrong."
--- Albert Einstein.
How Do I Study Physics?
Preparation and hard work are key to any
successful learning endeavor. But a major
factor not often mentioned is organization.
We will discuss
several tips for
learning physics
principles in the
following slides.
Organization
Gather Materials:
• Textbook
• Loose-leaf Notebook
• CD Tutorials
• Scientific Calculator
• Hole-punch
• Scissors
• Protractor (angles)
• Scotch Tape
• Other Supplies
NOTEBOOK
Purchase a loose-leaf filler
notebook with tabbed sections
such as shown here:
By organizing all problems,
notes, and graded exams, you
are always able to review.
1. HANDOUTS
4. EXAMS
2. NOTES
5. LABS
3. PROBLEMS
6. RESOURCES
Hole
Punch
Find a Class Partner
On the first day of class find
someone who is willing to be
your class “buddy.”
Make sure you get his or
her name, phone number,
and schedule.
The “buddy system” is your safety net for
missed classes, handouts, assignments,
returned papers, clarification, etc.
Timely Learning
Timely learning is efficient learning. It is
better to study an hour each day than to
cram on weekends.
After each lecture, use your
next free period to reinforce
your understanding.
If you wait until the weekend, you must devote
valuable time just rebuilding the information.
Outside the Classroom
Learning is rarely
completed in class.
To reinforce teaching,
you must work problems
on your own as soon
after class as possible.
Try first, seek help if necessary, review examples, work
with others. Working problems is the primary way to
learn.
Complaints of Beginning
Physics Students
• I drew a bad teacher.
• I can’t read this book!
• I’m not prepared for this.
• I don’t have enough time.
• I’ve got problems: Job, Parents, Friends . . .
• Three courses and a lab—it’s too much!
It’s Your Responsibility!
As hard as it sounds, the ultimate responsibility
for learning rests with you and no one else.
Seek help if needed. Check out other
books from the library. Study computer
tutorials. Review mathematics. Know
when exams are scheduled. Contact your
instructor.
Take Action; Never let things outside your
control prevent you from achieving goals!
Power Point Tutorials
A major learning asset is available for the
7th Edition of Physics: Chapter Tutorials.
The author has prepared individualized
PowerPoint presentations for each chapter.
Chapter 3 - Vectors
AA PowerPoint
PowerPoint Presentation
Presentation by
by
Paul
Paul E.
E. Tippens,
Tippens, Professor
Professor of
of Physics
Physics
Southern
Southern Polytechnic
Polytechnic State
State University
University
©
2006
Effective Use of PPT Tutorials
 These tutorials are excellent for review
prior to lectures, after lectures, before
examinations, and before the final
examination.
 They are also very useful to students
who miss classes or who desire
additional practice and discussion of
physical concepts.
 An on-line learning center offers a
variety of other web-based learning
opportunities for this course.
Advice From a Master Teacher
• If your career choice is in technology,
science, engineering, or a similar field,
there is no more important beginning
course than “college physics.”
• Study physics differently than you
would approach the liberal arts.
Applications and problem solving
require different skills and strategies.
Advice From a Teacher (Cont.)
• Plan your course sequences carefully.
You must have the necessary
preparation for physics, and your
concurrent course load must be light.
• Do NOT get behind in physics; the
topics are sequential and each
successive step requires a mastery of
the preceding steps. Cramming is not
possible.
Test Anxiety
How many times have we heard: “I know the
material, but I just can’t perform on tests!”
The major way to deal
with such fears is through
practice and adequate
preparation.
It’s like shooting free-throws when a
basketball game is on the line. You must
practice foul shots until they become
automatic during times of high pressure.
CONCLUSION OF Chapter 1:
Introduction to Physics