Physics 2400
Spring 2016
Joe Perno
Textbook: Principles and Practice of Physics, Volume 1 by Professor Eric Mazur. ISBN-13: 9780-321-95842-6
Workbook: Principles and Practice of Physics, Volume 1 by Professor Eric Mazur. ISBN-13:9780-321-95841-9
Mastering Physics for Principles and Practice of Physics.
Course Content: Cover various topics in mechanics including but not limited to motion, momentum,
energy, force, work, torque, gravity and periodic motion/wave motion. Please be aware that teaching a
large and diverse group of students has its own challenges, and at times, the course may go faster or
slower depending upon student understanding and retention. The chapters in the textbook that are
planned to be covered over the semester are:
Chapter 1: Foundations (read on your own). Complete Introduction to Mastering Physics.
Chapter 2: Motion in One Dimension: Problem Set Ch 2: 2 Tutorials with EOCP*: 8, 12, 26, 36, 54, 64
70
Chapter 3: Acceleration: Problem Set Ch 3: 3 Tutorials with EOCP: 38, 60, 74, 84
Chapter 4: Momentum: Problem Set Ch 4: EOCP: 4, 10, 24,36,50,58,68,78,80
Chapter 5: Energy: Problem Set Ch 5: 1 Video Tutor; EOCP: 8, 10,24,28,34,42,54,68
Chapter 7: Interactions: Problem Set: EOCP: 8,20,34,36,42,60,66
Chapter 8: Force: Problem Set: 1 Video Tutor; EOCP: 30,34,42,54,62,68,90
Chapter 9: Work: Problem Set: 1 Tutorials with EOCP: 24, 34, 44,50,58,66
Chapter 10: Motion in a plane: Problem Set: 4 Tutorials with EOCP: 20, 22,30,68,80
Chapter 11: Motion in a circle: Problem Set: 1 Tutorial with EOCP: 26,42,46, 54,60, 62,64
Chapter 12: Torque: Problem Set: 6,12,30,40,42,52,54,62,66,84
Chapter 14: Relativity: sections 14.1-14.7 Problem Set: EOCP: 16,18,30,36, 44, 56, 74
*EOCP: End of Chapter Problems
Students need to have a working knowledge of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and single variable
calculus. This is a calculus based course and review of the essential mathematical concepts needed to
gain greater mastery of the material along with problems completed in class will be done to:
1). Bolster the students mathematical knowledge base 2). Give the student greater confidence in
tackling calculus based problems and 3). Aid the student in assimilating the material. Some of the
problems done in class will be from the textbook and some will be from other sources. These class
problems will highlight concepts that students need to know and be able to apply. Please do not
hesitate to ask questions at any time, during lectures or recitations.
Student Responsibilities:
1). Attend the lectures and pay attention during the lectures. It is expected that students will be
present for any and all exams/quizzes (see below).
2). Read the textbook before lectures.
3). Do all assigned homework problems (see below).
4). Attend the recitations.
5). Due to the large class size students are strongly encouraged to see their recitation professor
for any question or problems with the course material and problem sets.
Other Textbooks/Sources:
1). Remember to use the library as an alternate textbook source.
2). Schaum’s Physics for Scientists and Engineers, which is calculus based, but also a good place to
get harder example problems.
3). The Mechanical Universe: Introduction to Mechanics and Heat, Cambridge University Press.
This is an excellent textbook and was created at Caltech by Professor David Goodstein. The
explanations are clear, and for those of you with a historical bent it is wonderful. It blends history with
physics nicely.
4). An Introduction to Mechanics, Cambridge University Press, second edition. This is a superbly
written MIT textbook by Professors Kleppner and Kolenkow. It has many solved problems which may
be used as a learning tool.
5). Introduction to CLASSICAL MECHANICS with Problems and Solutions, Cambridge University
Press. This wonderfully written textbook by Professor David Morin at Harvard is not for the faint of
heart, but has about 250 completely solved problems which can be used as a learning tool.
Math review: Suggestion: Quick Calculus: A Self-Teaching Guide, 2nd Edition Paperback by
Daniel Kleppner (Author), Norman Ramsey
Attendance/ Etiquette in class: Regular attendance is required for uninterrupted understanding of
course material. By University policy, attendance is required for all freshmen. Per University
policy a freshman may miss no more than 2 times the number of times that the class meets per week. If
more than this amount of days are missed, a student may be in peril of failing the course. Normally,
seating is not assigned. However, depending on the situation seating may be assigned. Eating/talking
during class along with the use of lap-top, notebook computers, and I-phones is prohibited. If the latter
infractions becomes a recurring theme, the student may be asked to leave class. The latter
activities/devices may distract not only the student from learning, but possibly others around you
leading to a poor learning environment. Cell phones should be put on vibrate; if you receive an
emergency call, please leave the classroom.
Problem Sets/Homework: Assigned Problem Sets are to be completed on-line via the Pearson
website Mastering Physics (Course ID: MPPERNO35226). Students are required to complete
Introduction to Mastering Physics within the first two weeks of class. Students will be given access to
the problems sets via Mastering Physics approximately 1 week before they are to be completed and
there will be an announcement in class when each problem set is available to be completed. Once the
due date has passed, students will be unable to complete any unfished work. If the student has made no
attempt to solve any of the problems, and the due date passes, the student will receive a zero for that
assignment. The online problems will allow constant evaluation of student progress and also provide
another source for grading. Recitation professors may choose to review some or all of the online
problems or to give you a greater breath of knowledge by completing other problems that may be in
the Practice workbook.
Exams and Quizzes: A student in Physics 2400 spring 2016 final grade will derive from:
1). Problem Sets in Mastering physics: 20% of final grade. Check Mastering physics for due date of
problem set. If a problem set is not done by due date, the student will receive a zero for that problem
set.
2). Quizzes: given about every two weeks (approximately 6 during the semester). The date of the quiz
will be announced about 1 week prior to the quiz. These quizzes will be given during recitation and
will count for 20% of the final grade. If a quiz is missed without an appropriate excuse, the student will
receive a zero for that quiz. If the student has an approved excuse, the missed quiz will be dropped, and
the next quiz will count double.
3). Two exams each worth 15% for a total of 30 % of the final grade. Exam 1: 2/12/2016 and Exam 2:
4/1/2016
4). Final in class cumulative exam which will comprise 30% of the final grade.
5). There is no plan for makeup exams.
Unless a student has an approved University excuse it is expected that the student will be present for
all exams/quizzes. If not present for an exam/quiz along with an invalid excuse, the student will
receive a zero for that exam/quiz. There is/are no extra-credit projects. The conversion from the raw
grade score to a letter grade is as below.
Grade Conversation:
A
AB+
B
BC+
93 -100%
90 - 92.99
87 -89.99
83 -86.99
80 -82.99
77 -79.99
C
CD+
D
DF
73 - 76.99
70 - 72.99
67 - 69.99
63 -66.99
60 - 62.99
0 -59.99
Grade will not be discussed via email. Debates about “points” on a particular question will not occur.
If the total points on an exam have been added incorrectly, that error will be corrected in favor of the
student. Students are always welcome to check the status of their grade and to review their exam with
the lecture or recitation professor directly.
Office and Contact Information: 365A Mendel Science Center
Phone: Ext 8863
E-Mail:joseph.perno@villanova.edu
Office Hours:
Mondays and Wednesdays 3-4 PM or by appointment. If you need to speak with me please contact me
either:
1). in person
2). E-mail: joseph.perno@villanova.edu
3). Phone: extension: 8863
The syllabus for Physics 2400 is a living document and may need to be changed from time to
time. One possible reason to make changes to the syllabus would be to maximize the overall
education experience and student industry. Any and all changes will be announced to the
students before they are put into effect.
Academic Integrity: academic integrity, n.: the process of maintaining honesty about ideas and their
sources, and avoiding behaviors such as cheating on tests, plagiarizing papers, falsifying data.
When students come to Villanova they join an academic community founded on the search for
knowledge in an atmosphere of cooperation and trust. Students must be honest and forthright in their
academic studies. To falsify the results of one’s research, cheating on tests/assignments, plagiarism,
aiding/assisting another to commit the latter acts and other forms of academic dishonesty/misconduct
are completely unacceptable at Villanova, which prides itself on its commitment to the Augustinian
values of truth, unity, and love. Please familiarize yourself with the Code of Academic Integrity:
http://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/vpaa/studentservices/policies/integrity.html
Students are strongly encouraged to visit the Academic Integrity Gateway
(http://library.villanova.edu/help/academicintegrity/), complete the interactive quiz, and use the site as
a resource.
Students with Disabilities:
Students with disabilities who require reasonable academic accommodations should schedule an
appointment to discuss specifics with me. It is the policy of Villanova University to make reasonable
academic accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. You must present verification
and register with Learning Support Services (LSS) by contacting 610-519-5176 or at
learning.support.services@villanova.edu LSS also offers a variety of academic support services
including academic coaching, study groups, homework sessions etc.
For physical access or temporary disabling conditions, please contact the Office of Disability Services
at 610-519-4095 or email stephen.mcwilliams@villanova.edu