SOUTHERN MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
South Portland, Maine 04106
Title: College Physics I
Credit Hours: 4 with required lab
Catalog Number: PHYS 150
Total Contact Hours:
Instructor: Tim von Reyn
Phone: (802) 777-8589
Email: tvonreyn@smccme.edu
Office Hours: After class or by appt.
Course Syllabus – College Physics I – Summer 2014
Course Description:
The first in a two semester series, this course represents a non-calculus, but rigorously algebraic
approach to analysis of the concepts and mathematical relationships of Newtonian mechanics.
Conceptual questions and activities along with algebraic and trigonometric based mathematical
problems are designed to emphasize physical concepts as applied to the industrial/technical fields
and everyday life experiences. Topics include Measurement and Problem Solving, Kinematics in
one and two dimensions, Dynamics and Newton’s Laws, Work and Energy, Linear Momentum and
Collisions, Circular Motion and Gravitation, Rotational Motion and Equilibrium. Emphasis will be
placed on understanding natural phenomena and solving numerical problems in both Metric (SI) and
British Engineering (US) systems of units. Weekly laboratory experiments assist the student to
develop a feel for realistic measurements and meaningful calculations in applied problem solving.
Prerequisite: MATH 140 or MATH 145
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
1. Apply both the British Engineering (US) and SI (metric) systems for measurements.
2. Convert measurements using dimensional analysis.
3. Solve problems with measurements and express the results with the correct significant
digits and units.
4. Analyze problems using the problem-solving and scientific method.
5. Distinguish between a vector and scalar quantity.
6. Differentiate between distance and displacement, speed and velocity, and acceleration.
7. Add vectors both graphically and with right-triangle trigonometry.
8. Solve kinematics problems in both one and two-dimensions.
9. State Newton’s Laws of Motion and apply to everyday situations.
10. Solve concurrent force problems using force/free body diagrams.
11. Distinguish between weight, mass, and ‘g’ forces.
12. Examine the common and technical definitions of work, power, and energy.
13. Solve problems using the law of conservation of mechanical energy.
14. Calculate the efficiency and mechanical advantage of simple machines.
15. Use impulse and momentum in describing motion.
16. State the law of conservation of momentum and apply to collision/explosion problems.
17. Distinguish between rectilinear, uniform circular and accelerated rotational motion.
18. Express the conditions of equilibrium using net force and torque concepts.
19. Solve non concurrent force problems using moment of inertia and angular acceleration.
20. Compare and contrast translational energy/momentum to rotational energy/momentum.
Learning Outcome Competences:
Critical Thinking: Upon completion of this course a student will be able to evaluate
information to make educated decisions based on the fusion of experience, reason and
training.
1. A student can interpret information logically by selecting and organizing relevant facts and
opinions and identifying the relationships among them.
2. A student can analyze an issue or problem by separating it into it component parts and
investigating the relationship of the parts to the whole.
3. A student can synthesize information by combining ideas from multiple sources to come to an
independent conclusion.
4. A student can evaluate information by making informed judgments as to whether the
information is accurate, reliable or useful.
5. A student can apply theory to practice.
Quantitative Methods: Upon completion of this course a student will be able to
logically analyze and solve quantitative problems.
1. Recognize problems that can be solved by quantitative methods.
2. Identify the quantitative components of a problem.
3. Select an appropriate mathematical method to solve a problem
4. Demonstrate accurate computational and/or algebraic skills to solve a problem.
5. Estimate reasonableness of answers to problems.
6. Record data accurately using appropriate methods, tools, and technology.
7. Interpret information presented in charts and graphs
8. Use measurement concepts and correct labels to solve problems
9. Convert between English and Metric units.
Science and Technology: Upon completion of this course a student will be able to
apply the Scientific Method and employ the technological skills necessary to function
effectively in an increasingly complex world.
PHYS 150 – 11 weekly schedule
Tuesday:
1-2:40, 3-4:10 in Hildreth 201
Thursday:
1-2:40, 3-4:10 in Hildreth 201
Note: Labs are also in Hildreth 201 and will occur during 2:40-4:10 on
selected Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Useful things to note:
1.) Attendance is taken in lectures and labs; you get a “1” if you are
present, and a “0” if you are not. For an attendance grade, if you are
present for thirty seven out of forty five classes, your attendance grade
is 37/45 which is 0.82 or 82%.
2.) Take good notes in lecture and labs by writing down what I write on the
board. This is your single best way to get and organize the information
you need to succeed in this course. My lecture examples are carefully chosen.
3.) Bring your own calculator to all lectures, labs, and exams. Learn to use it for
exponents, scientific notation, logarithms and trig functions (I can help
you). You are not going to do well if you try to take an exam without a
calculator! Your phone calculator may be sufficient, if it has the above
functions on it.
4.) The best way to learn physics is to do problems and answer questions.
There are many, many questions and problems with each chapter in the
textbook, but they only help you learn if you spend time doing them.
We hand out sheets of suggested multiple-choice questions, conceptual
questions and problems for you to practice with.
5.) Lab sheets which become your lab report are handed out in lab periods.
They can be filled out completely in the lab period, or you have up to
a week to finish and turn them in. Lab sheets turned in after this will be
downgraded 1 letter grade for each additional week late.
6.) Homework
A small sample of problems will be assigned weekly (Tuesday) and due
the following Tuesday. Homework turned in after this will be
downgraded 1 letter grade for each additional week late.
7.) You may bring a sheet of notes to an exam. A standard 8.5 x 11 sheet
of paper with notes in your own handwriting on both sides will prevent
you having to memorize anything for exams. Do not let that lull you
into a false sense of security. You still have to study, review your class
notes, make your sheet of notes, master using your calculator and
practice problems and questions to prepare.
Topical Outline of Instruction
Week 1
Measurement and Problem Solving
Distance vs Displacement, Speed vs Velocity
Lab (Thurs): Measurement and Formulas
Chapter 1
Chapter 2.1 - 2.2
Week 2
Acceleration
Kinematic Equations and Free Fall
Lab (Tues): Racetrack
Lab (Thurs): Acceleration of Gravity
Chapter 2.3
Chapter 2.4 – 2.5
Week 3
2-D Motion and Vector Analysis
Projectile Motion
Lab (Thurs): Vector Resultants on Force Table
Chapter 3.1 – 3.2
Chapter 3.3
Week 4
review and EXAM # 1 Chapters 1, 2, 3 on Thurs
Lab (Tues): Mini Launchers and projectiles
Week 5
Newton’s Laws of Motion and Gravitation
Free body diagrams, translational equilibrium
Lab (Thurs): Newton’s Laws
Chapter 4.1 – 4.4
Chapter 4.5
Week 6
Friction
Work
Chapter 4.6
Chapter 5.1
Lab (Tues): Measuring Coefficients of Friction
Lab (Thurs): Simple Machines
Week 7
Energy, Conservation of Energy
Power
Lab (Thurs): Trebuchet or horsepower race
Chapter 5.3-5.5
Chapter 5.6
Week 8
Impulse and Momentum
Center of Mass, Elastic and Inelastic Collisions
Lab (Thurs): 2-D Collision and Egg Drop
Chapter 6.1 – 6.3
Chapter 6.4 – 6.5
Week 9
Review and EXAM # 2 Chapters 4, 5, 6 on Thurs
Lab (Tues): Pulleys
Week 10
Rotations and Circular Motion, Angular velocity and acceleration
Lab (Thurs): Centripetal and Centrifugal Forces
Chapter 7.1 – 7.4
Week 11
Torque and Rotational Equilibrium
Rotational Kinetic Energy, Angular Momentum
Lab (Tues): Torque and Equilibrium
Chapter 8.1, 8.2
Chapter 8.3 – 8.5
Week 12
Review and EXAM # 3
Chapters 7 and 8 on Thurs
Course Requirements
This course meets for approximately two, 3-hour lecture/demonstration/problem-solving/lab
sessions each week. Attendance is expected and required at all sessions. Attendance roll is
taken in lecture and lab. It is always the student’s responsibility to make up and complete
missed coursework on their own time. Excessive absences will result at the instructor’s
discretion in an administrative failure (grade of AF).
Both class and lab work will require a reasonable facility in the use of basic algebra and
right triangle trigonometry. Students not proficient in mathematics should plan to seek out
additional assistance beyond class time through the Academic Achievement Center, Math
Dept. and Physical Science Dept. help sessions, instructor’s office hours or a private tutor.
We are on your side, but you have to ask for help!
Student Evaluation and Grading
Homework in the form of reading, questions, and problems is assigned weekly and
reasonable effort is expected prior to the next class. Laboratory reports are due 1 week after
the lab is performed. Late reports will have points deducted. There will be 3 major exams
over the course of the semester, usually after completion of three text chapters. All exams
are announced well in advance and consist of short answer concept questions and
mathematical problem solving.
The final course grade will be computed as follows:
Exam Average
60%
Laboratory
20%
Attendance, Homework
20%
Text, Tools, and/or Supplies:
COLLEGE PHYSICS by Wilson, Buffa, and Lou, 7th edition,
Pearson / Prentice-Hall, 2010 with Student Study Guide (required)
Notebook (required, preferably loose leaf or spiral and dedicated to physics)
Scientific calculator (required)
End-of-Course Evaluation
In order to gain access to final course grades, students must complete evaluations for each course attended at SMCC.
Evaluations are submitted online and can be accessed through the student portal site. Students can access the course
evaluation report beginning two weeks before the end of classes. The deadline for submission of evaluations occurs 24
hours after the last day of classes each semester. Instructors will announce when the online course evaluation is
available.
ADA Syllabus Statement
Southern Maine Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and employer. For more
information, please call 207-741-5798.
If you have a disabling condition and wish to request accommodations in order to have reasonable access to the
programs and services offered by SMCC, you must register with the disability services coordinator, Mark Krogman,
who can be reached at 741-5629. There will be some documentation for your teachers that must be supplied before
accommodations can be given. Further information about services for students with disabilities and the accommodation
process is available upon request at this number.
SMCC Pay-for-Print Policy
Students can print 150 pages per semester free of charge. If you print over 150 pages, you will be charged 10 cents per
page to your student billing account for tuition and fees. Leftover pages from each semester will not be rolled over to
the following semester. The College’s pay-for-print system monitors printing on all public printers (i.e. those in general
access labs, library printers, the Academic Achievement Center, Noisy Lounge and technology labs). Each time you
log-in to the system, the print station displays the remaining print quota. Once the printing quota has been exceeded,
users will be charged $ 0.10 per page or $.05 per side if the printer prints on both sides on their student accounts on a
monthly basis. Color printouts will be charged at 11 page units. This means each color printout will count as 11 pages
toward the quota and will cost $1.10.
Add-Drop Policy
Students who drop a course during the one-week “add/drop” period in the fall and spring semesters and the first three
days of summer sessions receive a 100% refund of the tuition and associated fees for that course. Please note any course
that meets for less than the traditional semester length, i.e., 15 weeks, has a pro-rated add/drop period. There is no
refund for non-attendance.
Withdrawal Policy
A student may withdraw from a course only during the semester in which s/he is registered for that course. The
withdrawal period is the second through twelfth week of the fall and spring semesters and the second through ninth
week of twelve-week summer courses. This period is pro-rated for shorter-length courses. To withdraw from a course, a
student must complete and submit the appropriate course withdrawal form, available at the Enrollment Service Center
(no phone calls, please). The designation “W” will appear on the transcript after a student has officially withdrawn. A
course withdrawal is an uncompleted course and may adversely affect financial aid eligibility. Failure to attend or
ceasing to attend class does not constitute withdrawal from the course. There is no refund associated with a withdrawal.
Plagiarism Statement
Adherence to ethical academic standards is obligatory. Cheating is a serious offense, whether it consists of taking credit
for work done by another person or doing work for which another person will receive credit. Taking and using the ideas
or writings of another person without clearly and fully crediting the source is plagiarism and violates the academic code
as well as the Student Code of Conduct. If it is suspected that a student in any course in which s/he is enrolled has
knowingly committed such a violation, the faculty member should refer the matter to the College’s Disciplinary Officer
and appropriate action will be taken under the Student Code of Conduct. Sanctions may include suspension from the
course and a failing grade in the course. Students have the right to appeal these actions to the Disciplinary Committee
under the terms outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.