Chabot College
Fall 2001
Replaced 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.
[Typical contact hours: lecture 52.5, laboratory 52.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
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.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
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
Course Content (Laboratory):
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
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
Chabot College
Physics 11, Page 2
Fall 2001
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
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.
4.
5.
Lecture/demonstration
Discussion
Field trips
Laboratory experimentation
Participation
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1.
Typical Assignments
a.
Weekly homework/question sets
b.
Laboratory reports (individual and group), including computer-based data acquisition and
analysis
c.
Special exercise worksheets, problem review, and computer simulations and tutorials
d.
Both individual and group activities and research papers
e.
Participation in email and web-based instruction, discussion and tutorials
f.
Internet research on topics dealing with physics and its applications to technology
2.
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a.
Homework
b
Mid-term
c.
Final examinations
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Conceptual Physics, Hewitt, Addison-Wesley Longman, 1997.
Special Student Materials:
Diskettes
Revised 12-1-00