PHYS 103 (Mechanics)
Course Outline
Course description (3 credits)
The study of mechanics is really the study of the effects that forces
have on bodies. It is also the study of motion and of energy and
how all these quantities interrelate with each other. The major
components of this course are Vectors, Kinematics, Dynamics,
Statics, Energy
Course Objectives:
The principal objective of this course is to equip the student with a
firm foundation in the principles of advanced level mechanics. The
successful completion of this course will signify a major step
toward the achievement of an Associate Degree in Physics.
Students who complete this course will also be able to successfully
engage those portions of the CAPE and Cambridge examinations
dedicated to Mechanics.
Grading procedure:
Assignments: 10%
Quizzes: 20%
Tests: 30%
Exam: 40%
Required Textbook: Advanced Level Physics (7th edition)
by Michel Nelkon and Philip Parker
Course Requirements:
1. Students taking this course are required to have completed at least two years of high school
physics.
2. Students are expected to attend all classes.
3. Students are expected to be punctual at all times.
4. All homework assignments must be done on time.
5. Students be in possession of the required textbook.
6. Students must be in possession of a scientific calculator.
7. All work must be neatly done. Sloppy work will not be accepted.
Detailed Outline
At the end of each of the following topics students are expected to be able to:
1. Vectors
a. resolve vectors,
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b. add and subtract vectors,
c. solve relevant quantitative problems,
d. answer relevant qualitative questions.
2. Kinematics
a. distinguish and define the terms: distance, displacement, average speed, average
velocity, average acceleration, instantaneous speed, instantaneous velocity,
instantaneous acceleration.
b. interpret and use graphs of displacement vs. time, and, velocity vs. time.
c. derive and use the kinematic equations of motion.
d. apply knowledge to free-fall situations.
e. apply knowledge to projectile motion.
f. solve relevant quantitative problems,
g. answer relevant qualitative questions.
3. Dynamics
a. recall and apply Newton's laws of motion,
b. define the terms momentum and impulse, and understand the relationship that
exists between them,
c. interpret and utilize graphs of force vs. time,
d. recall and apply the Principle of Conservation of Linear Momentum,
e. define the terms elastic and inelastic collisions,
f. recall the relationship between approach and separation speeds in elastic and
inelastic collisions,
g. solve relevant quantitative problems,
h. answer relevant qualitative questions.
4. Equilibrium
a. recall, understand and apply the concept of Friction,
b. recall, understand and apply the concepts center of gravity and center of mass,
c. recall, understand and apply the concept of moment of a force,
d. recall, understand and apply the conditions for equilibrium,
e. recall, understand and apply the concept of the equilibrant,
f. solve relevant quantitative problems,
g. answer relevant qualitative questions.
5. Forces in Fluids
a. define the term density and relative density.
b. define the term pressure.
c. understand the nature of pressure in fluids.
d. demonstrate how the pressure in a fluid varies with depth.
e. recall, understand and apply Pascal's Principle.
f. understand how Barometers and Manometers work.
g. recall, understand and apply Archimedes Principle.
h. solve relevant quantitative problems,
i. answer relevant qualitative questions.
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6. Work, Energy, Power
a. define the term work.
b. define the terms total mechanical energy.
c. define and derive expression for the terms kinetic energy, and potential energy.
d. define and apply the terms conservative force, and, non-conservative force.
e. recall, understand and apply the principles governing the conservation of
mechanical energy.
f. define and apply the term power.
g. recall, understand and apply concepts related to machines.
h. define the term efficiency.
i. interpret and use graphs of force versus displacement.
j. solve relevant quantitative problems,
k. answer relevant qualitative questions.
Note: Your instructor reserves the right to make changes as the semester progresses. Students
will be advised of such changes in a timely fashion.
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