Chabot College
Fall 2010
Course Outline for Physics 11
DESCRIPTIVE PHYSICS
Catalog Description:
11 - DESCRIPTIVE PHYSICS
4 units
Motion, gravitation, heat, light, sound, electricity, magnetism, atoms, and nuclei. Present day scientific
problems and developments such as alternative energy sources, solar energy, nuclear power, lasers,
relativity and black holes. Designed for non-majors in physical science. Includes an introduction to
laboratory, principles and techniques with emphasis on the basic concepts discussed in the class. May not
receive credit if Physics 10 or Physics 10L has been completed. Strongly recommended: Mathematics 105
or 105L. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU; UC; CSU/GE: B1, B3; IGETC: Area 5A & Lab; AA/AS.
Prerequisite Skills:
Mathematics: Before entering the course, students should be able to:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
perform computations with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals;
demonstrate a knowledge of the properties of addition and multiplication;
demonstrate a knowledge of ratios, proportions and percentages;
demonstrate a knowledge of geometric figures and their properties;
demonstrate a knowledge of the English and Metric systems of measurement;
describe the use of variables in mathematics.
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
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2.
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7.
explain concepts which shaped the modern world;
describe and explain physical phenomena;
perform laboratory measurements using simple research tools;
measure quantities of mechanics, such as acceleration, friction coefficients, momentum, and energy;
measure properties of thermodynamics, such as specific heat, thermal conductivity, and thermal
expansion;
measure basic quantities of electricity and magnetism, such as current, voltage, power, and
magnetic fields;
work with lenses and build simple lens systems.
Course Content (lecture):
1.
2.
3.
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11.
Pre-Newtonian Physics
Study of Motion
Newtonian Mechanics
Conservation Principles
a.
Conservation of Momentum
b.
Conservation of Energy
Heat and kinetic theory
Second Law of Thermodynamics
Electricity and magnetism
Electromagnetic waves
Principles of relativity
Quantum mechanics
a.
Atomic theory
b.
Wave-particle quality
Nuclear and particle physics
Chabot College
Course Outline for Physics 11, page 2
Fall 2010
Course Content (lab):
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Determination of mass, volume, length, density and the use of basic measurement devices
Measurement of the acceleration of gravity
Measurement of angular acceleration and moment of inertia
Measurement of centripetal force
Measurement of elastic and inelastic collisions
Measurement of the spring constant and oscillations
Determination of absolute zero temperature and the ideal gas law
Basic calorimetric analysis
Measurement of electric field lines
Computer simulation of the motion of a charge in magnetic field
Measurement of the index of refraction of water
Measurement of the atomic spectral lines of hydrogen
Methods of Presentation:
1.
2.
3.
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5.
Lecture/demonstration
Discussion
Computer Lab Exercises
Laboratory experimentation
Class Participation
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1.
Typical Assignments
A.
Reading
1.
Read Chapter 2 from Conceptual Physics and do "Next Time" problems 1, 2, 5,
7, 9. Use concepts from the chapter to answer these problems.
2.
Access the SLAC "Virtual Visitor's Center" page from the World Wide Web as
provided in the syllabus. Take the "Virtual Tour" while jotting down a list of at least
ten questions regarding terms, concepts, or ideas that you either don't
understand or wish to discuss further.
B.
Writing, problem solving or performance:
1.
Read Chapter 4 in Conceptual Physics and answer problems 3, 5, 7, 9, 35, 40, 45
and 51.
2.
Explore the NASA WWW site on the "International Space Station" as discussed
in the syllabus. Write a one-page summary of the site, emphasizing the following
topics: the orbit of the space station, its orbital period, why or why not artificial
gravity will be provided for its inhabitants, its mass, the methods used to
assemble it, and its scientific purposes once completed.
3.
Other work:
a.
Run the "Kepler's third law simulation" linked to the syllabus on the
VIWW. Write one paragraph describing the activity, and answer the
questions posed during the simulation. Compare your answers to those
of your activity group. Discuss the differences between your answers, if
any.
b.
In the guide "Practicing Conceptual Physics," perform the scheduled
activity or experiment, and describe your results in the space provided.
Compare your results to those of your activity group. Submit one “writeup” per group discussing your experiences and the reasons underlying
the differences and similarities in your experiences.
Chabot College
Course Outline for Physics 11, page 3
Fall 2010
c.
2.
View the "Single and double slit diffraction" activity on the "Physics 2000
website,” listed in the class resource web page and use the results of this
investigation to help you answer the questions on the “interference of light
waves” activity sheet.
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
a.
Homework
b.
Quizzes
c.
Problem assignments
d.
Periodic written tests
e.
Comprehensive final examination.
f.
Midterm examinations
g.
Final examination
h.
Research papers
i.
Student projects
Textbook(s) (Typical):
1.
Conceptual Physics, Paul G. Hewitt, 9th edition, Addison-Wesley Pub Co, 2001
OTHER SUPPLIES REQUIRED OF STUDENTS:
A.
Scientific calculator
B.
Frequent access to a computer with an Internet connection
Special Student Materials:
None.