Chabot College
Fall 2003
Replaced Fall 2010
Course Outline for Physics 18
PREPARATORY PHYSICS – PROBLEM SOLVING
Catalog Description:
18 - Preparatory Physics
3 units
Basic problem solving techniques in mechanics as preparation for Physics 2A and Physics 4A.
Methods and strategies used to solve quantitative Physics problems. Intended for liberal arts,
mathematics, engineering, and science students. Emphasis on group problem-solving activities, diversity
in problem-solving approaches, and detailed oral and written presentation of solutions. Strongly
recommended: Math 36 or Math 37 (completed with a grade of “C” or higher) or equivalent. 3 hours.
[Typical contact hours: 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.
apply systematic problem solving skills;
develop lucid, logical, algebraic solutions to physics problems;
apply dimensional analysis as an aid to problem solving;
apply the correct significant figure procedures for numerical problem solving;
identify the interplay between empirical and theoretical formulations in science.
Course Content:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
BASICS. Dimensional analysis (units); powers of ten; algebra; trigonometry
KINEMATICS. Speed; velocity; acceleration; falling bodies; vector addition of velocities
FORCES. Mass vs. weight; force and acceleration; vector addition of forces; action and reaction
forces; Newton’s Law of Gravitation; friction forces
ENERGY AND MOMENTUM. Work; potential energy; kinetic energy; power; conservation of
energy; heat, energy; conservation of momentum
FLUIDS. Density; pressure; Archimedes’ principle
OTHER TOPICS IN PHYSICS. Rotational kinematics and equilibrium
Methods of Presentation:
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2.
3.
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5.
Lecture/demonstration
Discussion
Field trips
Laboratory experimentation
Class Participation
Chabot College
Course Outline for Physics 18, page 2
Fall 2003
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1.
Typical Assignments
a.
Homework assignments
b.
Example problems
2.
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a.
Problem assignments
b.
Periodic written tests
c.
Comprehensive final examination.
Textbook(s)(Typical):
1.
2.
3.
Conceptual Physics, Paul G. Hewitt, 9th edition, Addison-Wesley Pub Co, 2001
Sears and Zemansky's University Physics, Hugh D. Young, Roger A. Freedman, T. R. Sandin, A.
Lewis Ford, Addison-Wesley Pub Co,10th edition, 1999
Physics, James S. Walker, Washington State University, 2001
Special Student Materials:
None
Revised: 11/19/02