PHY 171 Applied Physics
Course Credits: 4
Components: Lecture: 3 hours Laboratory: 2 hours
Pre-requisites:
An ACT score of 18 or MT 110 or MT 115 or MT 120 or MT 122 or
MT 125or two years of high school algebra or equivalent or consent of
instructor
Implementation: Fall 2009
General Education: Science
Description: Surveys mechanics, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, light, and modern
physics as applied to practical systems.
Competencies: Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
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Use and interpret S.I. units.
Distinguish between accuracy and precision of measurements.
Solve problems involving linear, circular, rotational, and vibrational motion.
Solve problems using the conservation laws.
Solve equilibrium force problems.
Solve problems using the Work-Energy theorem and require determining power.
Solve simple fluid problems.
Solve problems that involve thermal expansion, specific and latent heat, heat
transfer, and the gas laws.
Determine how objects acquire static charge.
Analyze both dc powered and ac powered electric circuits whose loads are
connected in various simple configurations.
Describe magnetism and its relation to electric current and can apply it to solving
problems involving electromagnetism.
Describe the properties of light and apply it to solving simple optics problems
Describe electromagnetic radiation and its interaction with matter.
Describe the basic structure of the atom and nucleus.
Solve applied physics concepts to solve contextual problems.
Outline:
I. Measurement and the S.I. system
A. Standards of measure
B. Introduction to the metric system
C. Measurement: accuracy and precision
II. Vectors
A. Vector quantities and scalar quantities
B. Vector components and right triangle
C. Component method for vector addition
III. Motion
A. Velocity and acceleration
B. Uniformly accelerated motion
C. Simple harmonic motion
IV. Newton’s Laws and Its Applications
A. Newton’s law of motion
B. Force of friction
C. Centripetal force
V. Work and Energy
A. Work, Power, and Energy
B. Simple machines
C. Mechanical energy: kinetic and potential
VI. Momentum
A. Momentum and impulse
B. Conservation of Momentum
C. Elastic and inelastic collisions
VII.
Rotational Motion
A. Torque and Line of Action
B. Center of gravity
C. Power in rotary systems
VIII. Phases of Matter
A. Properties of Solids, Liquids and Gases
B. Atmospheric pressure
C. Density and specific gravity
D. Static liquid pressure (pressure head)
E. Pascal’s principle
F. Archimedes’ principle
G. Gas laws (Boyle’s and Charles’)
IX. Temperature and Heat
A. Different temperature scale
B. Heat: mechanical equivalent of heat
C. Heat transfer: conduction, convection, radiation
D. Specific and latent heat
E. Thermal expansion of solids
X. Basic Electricity
A. Static electricity
B. Electrical properties of materials
C. Simple electric circuits
D. Electrical instruments
E. Electric power
XI. Magnetism
A. Sources of magnetism
B. Magnetic effects of currents, electromagnets
C. AC electricity
D. Generators and Motors
E. Ideal transformers
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XIII.
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Wave Motion, Sound, and Light
Properties of waves
Sound waves
Doppler effect and resonance
Electromagnetic waves and Electromagnetic spectrum
Nature of light: particle and wave
Geometric optics: mirrors and lenses
Modern Physics
Origins of modern physics
Atomic models
Spectra
Structure of atomic nucleus
Radioactive decay: alpha, beta, gamma, and half-life
Integrated Concepts
Non-renewable energy systems
Renewable energy systems
Laboratory component:
Experiment #
Description
1. Basic Measurements: Vernier Caliper and Micrometer
2. Newton’s 2nd law or constant acceleration
3. Concurrent forces or non-concurrent forces
4. Momentum and/or Energy
5. Archimedes’ principle and/or Boyle’s Law
6. Specific heat or Thermal expansion experiment
7. Electric circuits and meters
8. Speed of sound
9. Geometric optics
10. Atomic spectra and/or half-life
11. Solar power conversion
12. Wind power conversion
Suggested Resources
1. Applied Physics 8th edition Dale Ewen, Neill Schurter, P. Erik Gundersen
ISBN# 0-13-110169-2
Laboratory Manual to accompany Applied Physics 8th edition Dale Ewen,
Neill Schurter, P. Erik Gundersen, S. Narasinga Rao ISBN# 0-13-110353-9
2. Conceptual Physics 10th edition Hewitt ISBN# 0805391908
3. The Physics of Everyday Phenomena Thomas Griffin 4th edition ISBN# 0-07-292189-7
4. Introduction to Applied Physics (online text) Vince DiNoto 2008 version