Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Prescott Campus
Course
PS215.01
Physics I
Summer A 2013
Instructor
Office Hours
Dr. Darrel Smith
See my website: http://physicsx.pr.erau.edu/
Office
Phone
Academic Complex 1
777-6663
3 credit hours
Room 253
Course Description
"Vector and scalar quantities; Geometrical Optics; Kinematics; Newton's Laws of motion. Friction. Work,
energy and power. Conservation of energy. Conservation of momentum; the center of mass and its motion.
Corequisite: MA241."
Goals
This course is an introductory course in college physics designed primarily for students in Aerospace
Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and as an elective for others requiring physics at this
level. The fundamental aim of the course is that of providing a rigorous introduction to classical physics at a
realistic level of conceptual and mathematical sophistication for students who are taking a beginning course in
calculus. The emphasis is on developing an understanding of the basic principles. Problem solving is central to
this course and practical applications are introduced where appropriate.
PS215 Students -- You should also be signed up for the PS216 Physics I lab.
 2012
Textbook
University Physics by Young & Freedman 13th edition
Publishers: Addison & Wesley
Required Materials
A scientific calculator, and Mastering Physics license.
Attendance
"Regular attendance and punctuality, in accordance with the published class
schedule, are expected at all times in all courses." . . . . Don't miss class !!
Course Outline
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
st
1 Quiz
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Midterm
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
nd
2 Quiz
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
3rd Quiz
Chapter 10
Units, Physical Quantities and Vectors
Motion Along a Straight Line
Motion in Two or Three Dimensions
Newton’s Laws of Motion
Applying Newton’s Laws
Work and Kinetic Energy
Potential Energy and Energy Conservation
Momentum, Impulse, and Collisions
Rotation of Rigid Bodies
Dynamics of Rotational Motion
Final
Chapter 11
June 20, 2013
Equilibrium and Elasticity (??)
Last Day of Classes
Homework (30%)
Homework is an essential part of this course. The homework problems at the end of each chapter are designed to develop
and improve (1) your critical thinking skills, and (2) your ability to apply physics principles when solving physics
problems. You will be entering the solutions to your homework problems using the Mastering Physics program.
If you did not obtain Mastering Physics with the purchase of your textbook, you will need to purchase it separately
from the publisher’s website:
http://www.masteringphysics.com/
Select “Young/Freedman, University Physics, 13e” as the textbook.
Purchasing the Mastering Physics license online without an e-text is $66.00. A Mastering Physics license can also
be purchase at the university bookstore, and the license is good for 2 years.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The course ID for this course is SMITHPS215SUMMERA2013 and you should use this ID to obtain access
to our class’s website. This is where you will find the homework assignments and also where you will enter
your responses.
You should immediately signup to Mastering Physics by Friday, May 10, 2013. I will do a check on that date
to see who has not enrolled. You must enroll in Mastering Physics to earn 50% of your course grade.
Lexi: You don’t have to be concerned with the section 3 descriptions here. There are two assignments for the
first week and the due dates are posted on the Mastering Physics billboard. The first assignment is to help you
become familiar with Mastering Physics and the mathematical notation used in the homework solutions, as
well as how to enter graphical solutions. The second assignment is the étude assignment (i.e., warm-up
exercise) for chapter 1.
Exercises – By answering homework exercises, you will become familiar with the concepts, important
formulas, units and dimensions. These exercises are keyed to specific sections within the chapter; problems
similar to these will be found in the three exams and the final. "Most" of the answers from this section are
numerical, while only a few are symbolic.
Problems – These are traditional physics problems that explore the geometrical relationships between physical
quantities. They are not keyed to any particular section, and often require the use of concepts from multiple
sections or sometimes from previous chapters. Some problems call for the student to estimate or
independently locate the data needed to solve the problem. By their very nature, homework problems usually
take longer to solve compared to exercises. The answers to some of these problems are symbolic rather than
numerical, or they involve the combination of two or more physical concepts. While problems similar to these
may appear on the exams and final, many of them tend to be too lengthy, thus making them inappropriate for
in-class exams. These problems provide a capstone activity for this course.
Homework Grading – The Mastering Physics will respond immediately as to whether your answer is correct or not. In
some cases it will give you some guidance (i.e., hints) as to how to approach the correct answer. I strongly
encourage you to keep a separate homework notebook so you can recall how you arrived at the solutions. You
will find your homework notebook useful for preparing for the exams and the final for this course.
Final Exam (30%)
Comprehensive
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Saturday June 22, 2013
Grading
Études
Homework
Quizzes
Midterm
Final
Weight
10%
30%
10%
20%
30%
A = 90 - 100%
B = 80 - 90%
C = 70 - 80%
D = 60 - 70%
The best way to prepare for the exams is to understand how to solve the homework problems. You are
responsible for understanding the solutions to homework problems as well as the material presented in class.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1. Solve problems involving vectors in polar coordinates and rectangular coordinates using vector
addition, subtraction and multiplication (dot and cross products).
2. Determine the magnitude of vectors and the angles between vectors.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic and fundamental units in the S.I. system and the English
system. Be able to use dimensional analysis and to perform unit conversion. Show the ability to
make “order of magnitude” calculations.
4. Restate Newton’s Law of Motion. Solve vector problems using Newton’s Laws. In doing this,
employ the knowledge of friction (static and kinetic) and uniform circular motion. Draw freebody diagrams.
5. Define work, kinetic energy and potential energy and deal with problems involving constant and
variable forces.
6. Demonstrate the use of the work-energy theorem and the employment of the conservation of
energy.
7. Define the concepts of linear momentum, impulse and center-of-mass (conservation of
momentum) and demonstrate an understanding of these principles by solving problems in one
and two dimensions.
8. Understand and be able to work problems dealing with rotational kinematics and rotational
dynamics and demonstrate an ability to use energy methods in rotational motion.
Access To Learning
ERAU is committed to the success of all students. It is University policy to provide reasonable
accommodations to students with disabilities who qualify for services. If you would like to discuss
and/or request accommodations, please contact Disability Support Services in Building 17, extension
6750, or 928-777-6750.
All discussions are confidential.