Villanova University
Physics 1100 - 01, 02, 03, 04,

Fall 2012
Syllabus
Physics Department
Prof. M. J. Hones
TEXT:Principles of Physics , Vol 1, Fourth Edition, by Serway and Jewett, ISBN # 0-534-49144-8
 Course Content: In this first semester of general physics, the main topics will be kinematics, mechanics, wave
motion, and fluids (time permitting). Calculus will be used for the derivation of certain relationships. Mathematical
relationships between physical observables are expressed algebraically so that knowledge of calculus beyond the
Math - 1315 level is not required. Emphasis will be placed on the application of physical principles to the solution of
practical problems. The methodology of problem solving will be stressed. The assigned problems represent a
minimum of expected work. You are encouraged to try other problems.
It is assumed that the student has a good working knowledge of algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and
calculus. Those with inadequate background should arrange for an appointment with the instructor as soon as
possible.
 Attendance and Responsibilities: Regular attendance is essential if the student is to keep pace with the
course. Students are encouraged to take notes and ask questions at any time during a regular lecture or recitation.
They are urged to seek the instructor's help during the posted office hours, or at any other mutually convenient
time. It is also expected that students will bring the text to lecture and especially to recitation.
Physics is not an easy subject to learn, and a few days of preparation just before a test may not be sufficient. Students are expected to read the material in the textbook ahead of time and on a daily basis. It is virtually impossible to attain good grades by playing "catch-up physics" just prior to each test.
Honesty is expected, and failure to maintain the code of ethics as outlined in the University Policy on
Academic Integrity may result in subsequent failure of the course.
 Examinations and Grading Policy: There will be three tests given during the semester on the dates below.
Each test is worth 100 points and the material for each test is tentative. The final exam will be cumulative and will
count 150 points. There will be quizzes given during recitation for a total of 100 points. They will be graded on a
0, 5, or 10 point basis. There will be no partial credit on these quizzes.For those who miss an exam for a
legitimate reason, the final exam will be scaled to count for the missed exam. There will be no make-up exam.
The overall class average, based upon a total of 550 points, will determine the cutoff between a C+ and a Band final grades will be determined accordingly. If your final exam score, on a percentage basis, is higher than
your worst exam during the semester, then it will be averaged with this lowest score and used to replace it.
In grading, particular attention will be given to the work done and the evidence of the thought behind it.
An isolated numerical answer, even if correct or the mere transcription of a listed formula will not be credited. A
sheet listing equations given in the text book for the chapters being covered will be provided with each set of
exam questions. Numerical values of constants and conversion factors will also be listed. The student must know
the meaning of the symbols since they will not be defined on this supplementary sheet.
 Academic Goals: By the completion of the first semester of this course you should have acquired an
introductory knowledge of classical mechanics. In addition to this you should have developed your problem-solving
skills, and your ability to apply these skills to problems in other areas of science. The analytical skills you develop
in this course will have wide ranging application in your future professional development. You may forget
everything you learn in this physics course but hopefully you will retain the ability to deconstruct a problem,
analyze what is given and what is unknown, then reconstruct the problem, and finally develop its solution.
 Review Problems: Samples of old tests will be available. I will email them to you at least one week prior to the
exam. It must be emphasized that the assigned homework problems are the basis upon which you are to build your
problem-solving abilities. These review problems more accurately represent the level of expectation for test
questions. They are samples of exams given in previous years!
 Tutors: A list of tutors will be available in the Physics office (M 347). This tutoring service will be free of
charge.

Tests:
Week of:
""
""
Oct. 1
Nov. 5
Dec. 3
Test One
Test Two
Test Three
Chap. 1 - 5
Chap. 6 - 8
Chap. 10, 12, 13, 14
 Performance Contract:Available upon request is a performance contract. You are not obliged to sign this
contract. It is a formal agreement, freely entered into, which, if fulfilled, will guarantee that you will receive at
least a passing grade in this course. If you choose to enter into this agreement, you must return the signed
contract to the instructor by 4:00 PM Wednesday September 12, 2012. No contracts will be accepted late!

Tentative Lecture (L) and Recitation (R) Schedule
8/27
L1
9/20, 21 R4 QUIZ#4
10/22L7, 8
8/29
L2
9/24
10/24
L5
L8
9/26
9/3
9/27, 28 R5 QUIZ#5
10/29
L10
11/26L13
10/1
10/31
L10
11/28
9/5
L3
L6
10/25, 26 R7, 8 QUIZ#8
11/19L13
8/30,31 R1,2 Quiz#1
LABOR DAY
L5
11/15, 16 R12, 13 QUIZ#10
THANKSGIVING BREAK
L14
9/6, 7 R3 QUIZ #2
10/3 TEST 1 (1 – 5)
11/1, 2 R 10 QUIZ#9
11/29, 30 R 13,14 QUIZ#11
9/10 L3
10/ 5 REVIEW TEST 1
11/5
12/3L14
10/8L6
11/7 TEST 2 (6 – 8)
12/5
11/9
12/7 Test3 (10,12,13,14)
9/12
L4
L7
L12
REVIEW TEST 2
R14
9/13, 14 R4 QUIZ#3
10/10
9/17
L4
10/11, 12R6, 7 QUIZ#7
11/12
L12
12/10
REVIEW TEST 3
9/19
L5
10/15FALL BREAK
11/14
L13
12/12
REVIEW
N.B.On 9/6 and 9/7recitations will be held in M 101 at 10:30. For those who have a conflict, arrangements
will be made.

Problem Assignments:
CH 1 – 38, 40, 41, 42, 45, 47, 48, 67: CH 2 – 10, 17, 19, 20, 21, 25, 29, 31, 32, 33, 41, 43, 47, 48, 49:
CH 3 – 7, 9, 12, 15, 17, 19, 25, 28, 29, 31, 43, 49: CH 4 – 7, 13, 17, 18, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 35a,b, 36, 37,
44, 54: CH 5 – 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 19, 20, 21, 41: CH 6 -1, 8, 13, 15, 17, 21, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 53:
CH 7 – 2, 8, 9, 10, 17, 23, 25, 28, 51, 53, 54: CH 8 – 9, 11, 13, 17, 21, 24, 27, 30, 31, 48: Ch 10 – handout:
CH 12 – 2, 3, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, 23, 48, 50, 51: CH 13 – 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 21, 23, 33, 35, 36, 37, 59:
CH 14 – 12, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 27, 29, 30, 33, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41: CH 15 – 5, 11, 19, 21, 23, 27, 31, 34, 42, 56.
 Recitations: Students will be asked on a voluntary basis to do problems at the blackboard. A record will be
kept of this and will be used to decide "border-line" cases in the determination of the final grade. Quizzes will
also be given during recitation. Questions are welcome in both the lecture and the recitation. Physics is difficult
so do not hesitate to seek assistance at any time. Remember that these assigned problems from the text are the
basis for the development of your problem-solving ability. The review problems will not be useful to you if you do
not study these problems first.
Office Hours: T 10:00 - 11:00, W 1:30 – 2:30, F 2:30 – 4:30; other times by appointment. My office is M 367C or
SAC 123, my extension is 94885 and my email is michael.hones@villanova.edu.