Physics 110
Cutnell & Johnson 6th edition
fall 2004
Unit Objectives
Unit One – Basic Tools (Chapter 1 and handouts)
1. Distinguish between the dimension of a physical quantity and its
corresponding unit of measure.
2. Know how to determine the dimension of a physical quantity and perform
a dimensional check on any equation.
3. Know the three most common basic physical quantities in physics and
their units.
4. Be familiar with the most common metric prefixes.
5. Be able to perform calculations, using proper significant digits and
scientific notation.
6. Convert quantities from one system of units to another.
7. Perform order-of-magnitude calculations.
8. Be able to use arithmetic reasoning to solve problems.
9. Become familiar with graphical methods, laboratory investigations,
writing lab reports.
Unit Two – One dimensional motion (Chapters 2 and 3 and handouts)
1. Be introduced to the particle model.
2. Know the difference between distance and displacement.
3. Know the difference between speed and velocity.
4. Know the difference between velocity and acceleration.
5. Be able to clearly define displacement, velocity, and acceleration.
6. Distinguish between a scalar and a vector physical quantity. (Chapter one)
 Be able to determine the magnitude and direction of a vector
 Be able to determine the components of a vector
 Know how to add and subtract vectors graphically and
mathematically
7. Be able to use multiple representations to illustrate the motion of an object
or group of objects.
 Pictures and descriptions
 Motion diagrams
 Motion graphs
 Mathematical equations
Unit Three – Forces and momentum (Chapters 4, 5, and 7)
1. Begin to understand forces as interactions and be able to identify the types
of interactions.
2. Be able to state, and understand the meaning of, Newton’s three laws of
motion.
3. Be able to draw free-body diagrams.
Physics 110
Cutnell & Johnson 6th edition
fall 2004
4. Be able to apply Newton’s laws in simple situations in one and two
dimensions using free-body diagrams.
5. Distinguish between weight and mass.
6. Understand translational equilibrium.
7. Know the definition of linear momentum and how it relates to force.
8. Know the meaning of impulse and how it relates to linear momentum.
Unit Four – Work and energy (Chapter 6)
1. Understand the concepts of work and kinetic energy.
2. Be able to calculate the work done by a constant force.
3. Be able to approximate the work done by a variable force.
4. Be able to determine the kinetic energy of a moving object.
5. Know how to calculate the average power delivered when work is done.
Unit Five – Conservation of energy (Chapter 6)
1. Understand the differences between conservative and nonconservative
forces.
2. Understand the concept of potential energy.
3. Be able to apply the principle of conservation of mechanical energy.
4. Know how to handle energy considerations when work is done by
nonconservative forces.
Unit Six – Conservation of momentum (Chapter 7)
1. Revisit the definition of linear momentum and how it relates to force.
2. Revisit the concept of impulse and how it relates to linear momentum.
3. Be able to use linear momentum to analyze collisions.