PS 240123/PS 24131 Fundamental Physics I and Laboratory
Division of Mathematics and Science
Arkansas Northeastern College
Departmental Syllabus
I.
Course Catalog Description
The essentials of mechanics, heat, light, and sound are presented in this course, with the goal of increasing the
understanding of the natural laws, along with the development of analytical skills critical for success in both
educational undertaking and lifetime decision making.
II.
Course Rationale: Fundamental Physics I is the first semester of a two-part sophomore level introductory course for
Science and Engineering majors. The required mathematics for this course is Calculus.
III.
Course Objectives
At the completion of this course, the student will have done the following:
1. Implemented a working vocabulary associated with Physics in writing and orally.
2. Apply the natural laws, the scientific method, and methods of observation and modeling to physical, real-world
problems.
IV.
Course Prerequisites
The co-requisite for this course is MA 24025 Calculus II.
V.
Course Credits
The lecture portion is three-credit hours and the lab is one-credit hour and three contact hours.
VI.
Required Texts and Materials
Physics for Scientists and Engineers, 6th edition, Serway and Faughn
Scientific calculator, protractor and ruler
Supplementary (Optional) Texts and Materials
None
VII.
VIII.
Grade Dissemination
You can access your assignment grades online by logging in to this myANC course and clicking on Coursework
(http://myanc.anc.edu). Mid-tem and final grades can be accessed using Campus Connect on myANC. Please note
that scores returned mid-term are unofficial grades. If you need help accessing myANC contact the ANC Helpdesk by
email: ANChelp@smail.anc.edu.
IX.
Course Policies: Grades
Grades of "Incomplete":
The current College policy concerning incomplete grades will be followed in this course. Incomplete grades are
given only in situations where unexpected emergencies prevent a student from completing the course and the
remaining work can be completed the next semester. Your instructor is the final authority on whether you qualify
for an incomplete. Incomplete work must be finished by mid-term of the subsequent semester or the “I” will
automatically be recorded as an “F” on your transcript.
X.
Course Policies: Technology and Media
Email: Arkansas Northeastern College has partnered with Google to host email addresses for ANC students.
myANCmail accounts are created for each student enrolled in the current semester and is the email address your
instructor will use to communicate with you. Access your email account by going to
http://mail.google.com/a/smail.anc.edu and using your first and last names, separated by a period for your
username. Your default password is your Student ID, no hyphens. If you cannot access your student email,
contact the MITS department at 762-1020 ext 1150 or ext 1207 or send an email to ANChelp@smail.anc.edu.
Internet: This course has a web component on myANC.
Classroom Devices Scientific calculators will be required during lecture and lab. Graphing calculators will also be
permitted.
Computer Labs: In addition to general-purpose classrooms, a number of computer laboratories are provided for
instructional and student use. These networked laboratories are state-of-the-art and fully equipped with
computers, printers, Internet connections and the latest software. The labs are open to students enrolled in one
or more credit hours at the College.
Technology Support: A lab assistant is generally present in the computer lab in B202 for assistance in using the
College computers. These assistants cannot help you with course assignments; specific questions regarding the
technology requirements for each course should be directed to the instructor of the course. Problems with
myANC or College email accounts should be addressed by email to ANCHelp@smail.anc.edu.
XI.
Course Policies: Student Expectations
Disability Access: Arkansas Northeastern College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all
persons with disabilities. This First Day Handout is available in alternate formats upon request. Students with
disabilities who need accommodations in this course must contact the instructor at the beginning of the semester
to discuss needed accommodations. No accommodations will be provided until the student has met with the
instructor to request accommodations. Students who need accommodations must be registered with Johnny
Moore in Statehouse Hall, 762-3180.
Professionalism Policy
Per classroom etiquette; mobile phones, iPods, etc. must be silenced during all classroom and lab lectures. Those
not heeding this rule will be asked to leave the classroom/lab immediately so as to not disrupt the learning
environment. Please arrive on time for all class meetings.
When using email and discussion forums, remember that they are an all-text medium. Social cues that
help bring meaning to normal conversations such as tone of voice, facial expressions and body
language are not present. Clear and careful writing is especially important. Be careful with wit
and humor. Without face-to-face communications, wit and humor may be viewed as criticism and
disrespect.
Academic Integrity Policy:
Academic dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Students are expected to do their own work. Plagiarism,
using the words of others without express permission or proper citation, will not be tolerated. Any cheating (giving
or receiving) or other dishonest activity will, at a minimum, result in a zero on that test or assignment and may be
referred, at the discretion of the instructor, to the Department Chair and/or Vice President of Instruction for
further action. If you are uncertain as to what constitutes academic dishonesty, please consult the Academic
Integrity Policy for further details. (http://www.anc.edu/docs/Academic_Integrity_Policy.pdf)
Learning Assistance Center: The Learning Assistance Center (LAC) is a free resource for ANC students. The LAC
provides drop-in assistance, computer tutorials and audio/visual aids to students who need help in academic
areas. Learning labs offer individualized instruction in the areas of mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary
development and college study methods. Tutorial services are available on an individual basis for those having
difficulty with instructional materials. The LAC also maintains a shelf of free materials addressing specific
problems, such as procedures for writing essays and term papers, punctuation reviews, and other useful materials.
For more information, visit the LAC website at http://www.anc.edu/LAC or stop by room L104 in the Adams/Vines
Library Complex.
Other Student Support Services: Many departments are ready to assist you reach your educational goals. Be sure
to check with your advisor; the Learning Assistance Center, Room L104; Student Support Services, Room S145; and
Student Success, Room L101 to find the right type of support for you.
XII.
Unit and Instructional Objectives with Schedule*
I.
Mechanics
Rationale: One purpose of physics is to study motion. Geologists use physics to measure tectonic-plate
motion to attempt to predict earthquakes, while medical researchers need physics to map blood flow
when diagnosing a partially blocked artery. Vectors will be used to describe quantities related to
motion that have both a magnitude and a direction.
A. Measurement, Models and Analysis
1. Define, model, and devise a physical model that explains a given set of observations.
2. Explain how measurements and models are related.
3. Define and convert units and standards of measurements.
4. Demonstrate unit conversion.
5. Explain and use uncertainty in calculations.
6. Apply estimates and order-of-magnitude calculations.
B. Motion in One Dimension
1. Describe and apply reference frames, coordinate systems and displacement.
2. Contrast average speed and average velocity.
3. Illustrate graphical interpretation of velocity.
4. Define acceleration and explain motion with constant acceleration.
5. Discuss Galileo and the dynamics of a free fall.
6. Demonstrate the solving of a quadratic equation.
C. Vectors
1. Graph relationships using the Cartesian coordinate system.
2. Contrast scalar and vectors quantities.
3. Add and subtract vectors in component form.
4. Find the scalar product (dot product) and the vector product (cross product) of two vectors.
II.
Motion and Associated Physical Laws.
Rationale: Force can be thought of as a push or a pull on an object. Science, engineering, legal, and
medical professionals are concerned about forces acting on objects, including people.
A. Motion in Two Dimensions
1. Describe and perform calculations on projectile motion.
2. Calculate acceleration and velocity in two dimensions.
3. Perform calculations relating angular and tangential velocities and accelerations.
B. Potential Energy
1. Understand forms of potential energy.
2. In isolated systems, define the conservation of mechanical energy.
3. Contrast energy conservation in two-dimensional motion systems.
C. Linear Momentum and Collisions
1. Define linear momentum, state appropriate units and use in calculations.
2. Define impulse.
3. Explain conservation of momentum in one dimension.
4. Compare and contrast momentum in one, two and three dimensions.
5. Explain how mass is related to momentum.
6. Contrast elastic and inelastic collisions.
7. Illustrate (graphically) the elastic collision model.
III.
Rotational motion
In this unit, another type of motion, rotation, is studied. You can find rotation in almost every machine
and rotation is also the key to phenomena such as metal failure in aging airplanes. The physics of fluids
is the basis of hydraulic engineering. A nuclear engineer might study the fluid flow in the hydraulic
system of an aging nuclear reactor, while an environmental engineer might be concerned about the
drainage from waste sites or the efficient irrigation of farmlands.
A. Rotation of rigid bodies about a fixed axis
1. Define angular velocity, angular acceleration, and apply in calculations.
2. Explain rotational kinematics and justify mathematically.
3. Explain static equilibrium and define the conditions required.
B. Angular momentum
1. Define torque and give examples from real life.
2. Define moment of inertia.
3. Apply angular momentum calculations in real life situations.
4. Discuss the conservation of angular momentum and conservation of energy.
5. Define and illustrate translational motion and rotational motion.
C. Static equilibrium and elasticity
1. Explain the conditions necessary for static equilibrium.
2. Calculate a rigid body’s center of mass.
3. Give examples of rigid objects in static equilibrium.
4. Calculate elongation and compression of a sold object using Young’s modulus.
5. Discuss the behavior of solids under varying pressure conditions.
D. Universal gravitation
1. Explain the concept of universal gravitation forces and Newton’s Law.
2. Measure free fall gravitational dynamics.
3. Relate universal gravitational forces and Kepler’s Laws.
4. Discuss energy considerations in planetary and satellite motion.
IV.
Fluid mechanics and waves
Rationale: The physics of fluids is the basis of hydraulic engineering. A nuclear engineer might study
the fluid flow in the hydraulic system of an aging nuclear reactor, while an environmental engineer
might be concerned about the drainage from waste sites or the efficient irrigation of farmlands.
A. Fluid Mechanics
1. Explain hydrostatic pressure and give an example.
2. Discuss Pascal’s Principle and Archimedes’ Principle.
3. Explain surface tension.
4. Explain streamlines and explain the equation of continuity.
5. Define Bernoulli’s effect.
6. Relate viscosity and Poiseuille’s Law.
7. Discuss and give an example of turbulent flow.
B. Oscillatory Motion
1. Discuss simple harmonic motion.
2. Discuss the pendulum and uniform circular motion.
3. Relate energy and momentum conservation laws as applied to harmonic oscillators.
4. Discuss the vibrating string.
C. Wave motion
1. Discuss the initiation of standing waves in a medium.
2. Consider vibrating strings, organ pipes and frequency of sound.
3. Discuss the refection and transmission of waves.
4. State the Linear Wave Equation.
V.
Thermodynamics
Rationale: Thermodynamics is the study and application of the thermal energy of systems. One of the
central concepts of thermodynamics is temperature. The physics of gases is also included in this unit.
The kinetic theory of gases relates the motion of atoms to the volume, pressure, and temperature of the
gas.
A. Temperature
1. Contrast the different temperature scales and convert from degrees Fahrenheit to degrees
Celsius.
2. Define the nature of temperature.
3. Consider heat flow and thermal equilibrium.
B. Heat transfer and 1st Law of Thermodynamics
1. Discuss specific heat and calorimetry.
2. Define heat and internal energy.
3. Define work and heat in the thermodynamic processes.
4. Contrast energy transfer mechanisms.
C. Kinetic theory of gasses
1. Define the molecular model of an ideal gas.
2. Define the work done on a gas using the Ideal Gas Law.
3. Discuss energy transfer mechanisms in gasses.
XIII.
Laboratory
The laboratory will be 3 contact hours and one credit hour. The laboratory grade is based on weekly laboratory
exercises and a final lab exam. The lab grade will be 25% of the final grade, with the lecture and lab receiving the
same letter grade.
The lab will follow this schedule:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Measurement of forces
Mechanical stress-its cause and effect
Investigating friction
Forces on objects spinning in circles
Pulleys
Impulse and momentum in linear systems
Conservation of energy in inelastic collisions.
Angular momentum, impulse and rotational inertia
Work done by a winch
Measuring the kinetic energy of a rotation flywheel
Thermal energy and the specific heat of a liquid
Measuring heat flow rate
XIV. Assessment
The lab component must be 25% of the final grade. The same grade will be assigned for both lecture and lab. A
common, departmental, comprehensive final will be given in both lecture and lab.