Chabot College
Fall 2010
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 and gravitation.
Prerequisite: Mathematics 1
(completed with a grade of “C” or higher. 4 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory.
[Typical contact hours: lecture 70, laboratory 52.5]
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. 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. oscillations;
2. operate standard laboratory equipment;
3. analyze laboratory data;
4. write comprehensive laboratory reports according to published lab report standards.
Course Content (Lecture):
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
Course Outline for Physics 4A, page 2
Fall 2010
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Systems of particles
Collisions
Kinematics of a rigid body
Dynamics of a rigid body
Static equilibrium of a rigid body
Gravitation
Oscillations
Course Content (Laboratory):
1. Laboratory experiments, simulations, and activities exploring the lecture content that may include
the following concepts
a. Kinematics in one dimension (Determination of “g”, Measuring Velocities & Accelerations)
b. Vectors
c. Kinematics in three dimensions (Projectile Motion)
d. Dynamics - Newton's Laws (Force Tables, Atwood’s Machine, Friction, Drag Coefficients)
e. Work and energy
f. Conservation of energy
g. Systems of particles
h. Collisions (Conservation of Linear Momenta, Ballistic Pendulum)
i. Kinematics of a rigid body (Rolling, Moment of Inertia)
j. Dynamics of a rigid body (Torque, Angular acceleration, Conservation of Angular Momenta)
k. Static equilibrium of a rigid body
l. Gravitation
m. Oscillations (Hooke’s Law)
2. Experimental Technique, Manual and Computerized Collection and Analysis of Data, Error
Analysis.
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: 10+ discussion and/or numerical problems taken from the
textbook and online homework systems. Example: A window washer of mass M is sitting
on a platform suspended by a system of cables and pulleys as shown . He is pulling on the
cable with a force of magnitude F. The cables and pulleys are ideal (massless and
frictionless), and the platform has negligible mass. Find the magnitude of the minimum
force F that allows the window washer to move upward.
b. Laboratory reports (individual and group), including computer-based data acquisition and
analysis. Example: Determine the acceleration due to earth’s gravitational force with three
different free-fall methods: Timed free-fall, spark tape, and Vernier computerized data
acquisition. Explore the use of graphs and equations for distance vs. time, and velocity vs.
time, to determine “g”, the earth’s gravitational acceleration. Master the difference between
precision - measuring carefully and accounting for uncertainty in your measurement - and
accuracy - measuring correctly and coming close to the “right” answer.
Chabot College
Course Outline for Physics 4A, page 3
Fall 2010
c.
Written assignments that encourage critical thinking and writing skills by including essays
which involve analytical reasoning; Special exercise worksheets; computer simulations and
tutorials; individual and group activities, research papers, long-term individual and group
projects. Example: Research an application of physics related to a topic from our class, and
write a 5+ page paper, including at least 5 current outside references. Present your work to
the class in a 10-minute presentation, and develop a handout to support your presentation.
d. Participation in email and web-based instruction, discussion, homework assignments, and
tutorials, including web-based research on topics dealing with physics and its applications to
technology.
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
a. Homework
b. Quizzes
c. Written Laboratory reports (individual and group) based on the Physics Department
Laboratory Standards and graded on criteria that may include the following:
1) Description of experimental procedures
2) Completeness of data collected
3) Quality of data collected
4) Computational precision and accuracy
5) Accuracy and precision of experimental laboratory results
6) Proper use of symbolic notation
7) Quality of analysis of scientific principles explored
8) Quality of narrative explanations and reasoning
9) Representation of data in tables or diagrams
10) Evaluation of the experiment overall, including accuracy and error
d. Midterm examinations
e. Final examination
f. Research papers
g. Student projects
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Physics for Scientists & Engineers, Giancoli, Pearson/Addison Wesley , 2009
Special Student Materials:
None.
SH:sh
Revised: 11/2009