II.
III.
Las Positas College
3033 Collier Canyon Road
Livermore, CA 94551-7650
(925) 373-5800
(925) 443-0742 (Fax)
I.
Course Outline for Physics 10
DESCRIPTIVE PHYSICS
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
PHYS 10 -- DESCRIPTIVE PHYSICS -- 3 units
Motion, gravitation, heat, light, sound, electricity, magnetism, atoms, and nuclei. Presentday scientific problems and developments such as alternative energy sources, solar energy, nuclear power, lasers, relativity and black holes. Designed for non-majors in physical science. Strongly recommended: Mathematics 105, 105M, or 107. 3 hours.
NUMBER OF TIMES COURSE MAY BE TAKEN FOR CREDIT: One
PREREQUISITE AND/OR ADVISORY SKILLS:
Mathematics: Before entering the course, students should be able to:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F. perform computations with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; demonstrate a knowledge of the properties of addition and multiplication; demonstrate a knowledge of ratios, proportions and percentages; demonstrate a knowledge of geometric figures and their properties; demonstrate a knowledge of the English and Metric systems of measurement; describe the use of variables in mathematics.
IV.
V.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES FOR STUDENTS:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
A. identify and describe fundamental concepts of mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermal physics, optics, relativity, and modern physics,
B.
C.
D.
E. apply critical reasoning and logic to the solution of simple problems in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermal physics, optics, relativity, and modern physics; identify and describe the contributions to field of physics made by key individuals, such as Aristotle, Galileo, Newton, Maxwell and Einstein; understand the historical perspective and development of great ideas in the history of physics; appreciate the importance of physical principles in shaping the global use of technology, as well as their effect on the environment and society.
CONTENT:
A. Pre-Newtonian physical concepts and development of scientific method.
Rationalist and pre-rationalist view of the universe, motion, and phenomenology.
B.
The Aristotelian world view. The role of the religion in defining scientific discourse.
Copernicus, the Inquisition, and Galileo's role in overturning the geocentric model of the cosmos. Galileo's experimental approach and attempts to explain the basis of motion on earth and in the heavens.
The study of Motion:
Motion in one dimension. Constant and instantaneous speed, velocity, and acceleration. Free fall and projectile motion. Circular motion and centripetal acceleration. Orbital motion and satellites.

Course Outline for Physics 10
DESCRIPTIVE PHYSICS
VI.
Page 2
C.
D.
E.
Newtonian Mechanics:
Newton's contributions to Physics, including the concepts of inertia, mass, and force. Relationship between mass and weight. Relationships between force, mass, and acceleration. Applications of Newton's laws in understanding the behavior of familiar objects (i.e., automobiles). Amusement park physics.
Moments of inertia, torque, and angular motion.
Conservation Principles:
Definitions of momentum and energy. Energy and momentum conservation.
Definition and conservation of angular momentum applications to familiar situations, as well as orbital mechanics.
Heat, Kinetic Theory, and Entropy
Behavior of gasses. Relationships between temperature, pressure, and volume.
Relationship between temperature and kinetic energy. Principles of heat transport. Applications of thermal principles to familiar problems in heating and
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K. insulation. The three laws of thermodynamics. Relationship between heat, temperature, and disorder. Methods of energy production, including solar, nuclear, and fossil fuel. Environmental effects of energy production methods.
Physiological applications, including mechanical efficiency, and calorie requirements.
Wave Motion:
Sound waves, interference, musical sounds, harmonics, and resonance.
Electricity and Magnetism:
Electric forces and fields, magnetic forces and fields. Electric potential. Direct and alternating current circuits. Electromagnetic Induction. Faraday's contributions.
Maxwell's equations.
Electromagnetic spectrum. Traveling electromagnetic waves. Production and detection of electromagnetic waves. Relationship between speed, frequency, and wavelength. Reflection, refraction, and dispersions. Interference of light waves.
Principles of cameras, telescopes, and microscopes. The human eye.
Principle(s) of Relativity:
Measurement of the speed of light. The Michaelson Morely experiment and the search for the "Ether." Albert Einstein and principle of special relativity. Cosmic rays. General relativity and black holes.
Quantum Mechanics:
Plank's hypothesis. The DeBroglie Model. The wave particle duality. Atomic theory. Nuclear physics.
Recent developments in physics particle physics and the standard model. The search for a new theory of the universe. Cosmology and the Big Bang.
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:
A. Lectures (may include demonstrations and computer-based simulations)
B.
C.
Problem solving and discussion
Individual and group skill building activities (may include problem worksheets,
D. hands-on experimentation, movies, and/or computer simulations)
Field trips (may include scheduled field trips to off-campus locations, such as
E.
Stanford Linear Accelerator, and "virtual field trips" to World Wide Web sites designed to provide an educational look at a real site of interest in the world of physics research and industry
World Wide Web sites
VII. TYPICAL ASSIGNMENTS:
A. Reading
1. Read Chapter 2 from Conceptual Physics and do "Next Time" problems
1, 2, 5, 7, 9. Use concepts from the chapter to answer these problems.
2. Access the SLAC "Virtual Visitor's Center" page from the World Wide
Web as provided in the syllabus. Take the "Virtual Tour" while jotting

Course Outline for Physics 10
DESCRIPTIVE PHYSICS
Page 3
B. down a list of at least ten questions regarding terms, concepts, or ideas that you either don't understand or wish to discuss further.
Writing, problem solving or performance:
1. Read Chapter 4 in Conceptual Physics and answer problems 3, 5, 7, 9,
2.
3.
35, 40, 45 and 51.
Explore the NASA WWW site on the "International Space Station" as discussed in the syllabus. Write a one-page summary of the site, emphasizing the following topics: the orbit of the space station, its orbital period, why or why not artificial gravity will be provided for its inhabitants, its mass, the methods used to assemble it, and its scientific purposes once completed.
Other work: a. b.
Run the "Kepler's third law simulation" linked to the syllabus on the VIWW. Write one paragraph describing the activity, and answer the questions posed during the simulation. Compare your answers to those of your activity group. Discuss the differences between your answers, if any.
In the guide "Practicing Conceptual Physics," perform the scheduled activity or experiment, and describe your results in the space provided. Compare your results to those of your activity group. Submit one “write-up” per group discussing your experiences and the reasons underlying the differences and c. similarities in your experiences.
View the "Single and double slit diffraction" activity on the
"Physics 2000 website,” listed in the class resource web page and use the results of this investigation to help you answer the questions on the “interference of light waves” activity sheet.
VIII. EVALUATION:
A. Methods
1. Quizzes including both problem solving and conceptual questions (short essay and multiple choice format) a. Example of problem solving question:
A projectile is dropped from a height of 20 meters. Neglecting air resistance and letting g = 10 M/S 2 , how long will it take for the b. projectile to strike the ground?
Example of conceptual question:
A basketball player with great leaping ability is said to "hang in
2.
3.
4. the air." Can this be true? Discuss your answer using principles of kinematics.
A research paper (3 to 5 pages in length) on topics in contemporary physics. Example in research project topic: " Solar vs. Nuclear Energy principles, methods, and environmental effects ."
Skill building activities a. In the double slit simulation applet in the syllabus, vary the slit width from 1 to 10 times the wavelength of the light source.
Describe the change in the interference patter. Repeat with the single slit source. Explain, using principles of interference and diffraction, the observed changes in the interference pattern.
A midterm exam a. Example of midterm questions (questions will draw from quiz questions and skill building activities)
1. Explain why a basketball player is said to "hang in the air."

Course Outline for Physics 10
DESCRIPTIVE PHYSICS
Page 4
5.
2. If a ball is shot horizontally, while another is dropped straight down from the same height, which one will hit the ground first? Explain your answer.
A comprehensive final exam a. Final exam questions (questions will draw from quiz questions and skill building activities. See "example of midterm questions" above. Final may also include essay questions from a list of topics provided in advance.)
1. Discuss the photoelectric effect and its role in shaping our current understanding of particles and energy.
2. Are there any examples of special relativity that can be observed in the laboratory? Give examples and discuss the specific principles involved. Are there any examples that occur in everyday life? Can these be easily
B. measures? Explain.
Frequency of Evaluation:
1.
2.
One quiz every two to four weeks (4-8 per semester)
One research paper
3.
4.
5.
Weekly or bi-weekly skill building activities
One midterm exam
One final examination
IX. TYPICAL TEXTS:
A. Hewitt, Paul. Conceptual Physics.
Latest edition.
B. Hewitt, Paul. Activities for Conceptual Physics.
OTHER SUPPLIES REQUIRED OF STUDENTS:
Latest edition.
X.
A.
B.
Creation Date:
Scientific calculator
Frequent access to a computer with an Internet connection
Revision Date: 1/94; 5/25/99, 8/99