PHY 121:
PHYSICS 1
Spring 2013
Instructor: Gil Marquis
Office: Room 251A
Office Hours: By appointment.
Office Phone: 974 – 4819
email: gmarquis@emcc.edu
e-text: College Physics (A Strategic Approach) by Knight/Jones/Field 2nd edition, Pearson
ISBN-13: 978-0-321-68601-5
Course Description: The first of a two-semester sequence, this course stresses the qualitative and
quantitative aspects of vector analysis, kinematics, dynamics, energy concepts, and includes an
introduction to thermodynamics. Particular topics include projectile motion, circular motion, simple
machines, thermal properties of matter, and heat transfer. (3 credits) Prerequisite: MAT113 or
equivalent; Corequisite: PHY122.
Purpose and Philosophy: The main purpose of this course is to introduce and develop some of the
key ideas in classical physics. This is achieved through contextual study of a wide range of physical
problems, often within specific technologies. Of equal importance, the intent is also to cultivate an
appreciation for the scientific way of knowing; that is raising and answering well posed questions
within a specific theoretical framework. The development of the ability to think critically and solve
problems in general is considered an important byproduct of this course.
Absence: Regardless of the reason for absence, the student is responsible for knowing what went on
in class. As soon as possible the student should contact the instructor to determine what topics were
missed, particularly with respect to handout materials and special announcements regarding any
changes to the schedule, assignments, exams, etc.
Attendance: Students are expected to attend all regularly scheduled classes. Any student who misses
two classes will receive a written warning. Any student who misses a class after a written warning can
be dropped from the course. At the discretion of the instructor, exceptions may be made on an
individual basis depending upon the circumstances for the absence and the grades of the student. Note:
attendance is taken using a sign-in sheet. It is the responsibility of the student to remember to sign in
each time they attend class. If they forget to sign in or their signature is not legible then they will be
treated as if they were absent in terms of attendance.
Homework: There will be weekly homework assignments that must be completed online using the
MasteringPhysics software. It should be noted that some of the problems that will show up on the
exams will come directly from the problems in these homework assignments (just with different
numbers). In addition to these problems, there will be problems that do not come from the
MasteringPhysics software that will be assigned that will not be collected or graded that will also
contribute to the test question pool.
NOTE: A scientific calculator will be required for the course, as well as access to a PC with internet
access outside of the classroom.
Grading: 30% of the final grade for the course will come from the weekly homework problems
assigned online. The other 70% of the grade will come from the average of the 5 written (paper) 1-hr
exams that will be taken during the semester.
A
AB+
B
93 to 100
90 to 92
87 to 89
83 to 86
BC+
C
C-
80 to 82
77 to 79
73 to 76
70 to 72
D+
D
DF
67 to 69
63 to 66
60 to 62
Below 60
Overall Goals
1.
2.
3.
4.
To achieve a basic understanding of the concepts of classical mechanics.
To achieve a basic understanding of thermodynamics.
To develop and utilize mathematical methods as applied to problems encountered in physics.
To develop and systematic, scientific approach to problem solving.
Objectives: Upon completion of the course the student should be able to do the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Use both graphical and algebraic methods to solve problems involving vectors.
Solve problems involving translational and rotational motion.
Determine the motion of projectiles in the presence of a uniform gravitational field.
Understand the concepts of force, torque, linear and angular momentum, kinetic and potential
energy.
5. Determine the efficiencies and mechanical advantages of various simple machines.
6. Define and apply the concepts of fluid pressure.
7. Convert between difference temperature scales.
8. Demonstrate understanding of the physical significance of “absolute zero”.
9. Describe and analyze expansion effects of heat on matter.
10. Describe and calculate rates of heat transfer.
Extra Help: The students are encouraged to get help whenever needed in each section of the course.
It is recommended that you seek help as soon as you realize that you do not understand something.
Please do not wait until right before the test to try to get help. The first step in getting extra help should
be to contact the instructor. It should be noted that the instructor is not obligated to explain the material
to you outside of class if you do not bother coming to class for the lecture. The best way to not fall
behind in the class is to show up on time for the lectures and keep up on the homework assignments.
Test # 1
Test # 2
Test # 3
Test # 4
Test # 5
Test Dates for Spring 2013
PHY121-91
Monday night 6:00 PM
2/11
3/04
3/25
4/15
5/06
PHY121-01
Saturday morning 9:00 AM
2/09
3/02
3/23
4/13
5/04
Disturbances in the classroom: Although you may be paying to come to school here, so are the other
students in the class. Therefore it is expected that you will show others the same respect that you would
expect from them. Actions and/or language in the classroom that cause disruptions to the class will not
be tolerated. If you are doing something that makes it more difficult for the other people in the class to
learn, you will be warned by the instructor to stop. Continuing that behavior after being warned may
lead to your being asked to leave the class. Failure to leave the classroom when asked or being asked to
leave on more than one occasion can lead to your being dismissed from the course. Examples of
disruptive behavior include, but are not limited to, allowing your cell phone to ring during class and
leaving the class in the middle of a lecture.
Equal Opportunity: In accordance with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of
the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the college is committed to helping qualified students
with disabilities achieve their individual educational goals. Upon request and documentation, the
College provides to qualified students reasonable accommodations to remediate the competitive
disadvantage that a disability can create in our collegiate setting. Students with disabilities who are
entitled to and are requesting reasonable accommodations must contact Elizabeth Worden, the College
Disability Services Coordinator, in Room 105, Maine Hall, Phone 974-4658.
Eastern Maine Community College is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution and
employer. For more information, please call (207) 974-4633.
The topics for Test # 1 include the following:
College Physics Text Chapter 1
Concepts of Motion and Mathematical Background
Conversion Factors, Measurements, Accuracy, Precision, Compare
College Physics Text Chapter 2
Motion in One Dimension
Linear Motion, Displacement, Velocity, Acceleration, Free Fall
College Physics Text Chapter 3
Vectors and Motion in Two Dimensions
Vector Addition, Projectile Motion
The topics for Test # 2 include the following:
College Physics Text Chapter 4
Force and Newton’s Laws of Motion
Force, Newton’s First Law of Motion, Newton’s Second Law of Motion,
Newton’s Third Law of Motion
College Physics Text Chapter 5
Applying Newton’s Laws
Weight, Friction, Atwood’s Machine, Actual Mechanical Advantage,
Ideal Mechanical Advantage, Efficiency, Pulleys
The topics for Test # 3 include the following:
College Physics Text Chapter 6
Circular Motion, Orbits and Gravity
Rotation Systems, Centripetal Acceleration, Turn on a Flat Road,
Turn on a Banked Road, Weight
College Physics Text Chapter 7
Rotational Motion
Torque, Moment of Inertia
College Physics Text Chapter 8
Equilibrium and Elasticity
Equilibrium, Hooke’s Law, Young’s Modulus
The topics for Test # 4 include the following:
College Physics Text Chapter 9
Momentum
Linear Momentum, Impulse, Law of Conservation of Linear Momentum,
Force and Collisions
College Physics Text Chapter 10
Energy and Work
Work, Energy, Kinetic Energy, Potential Energy, Elastic Potential Energy
Law of Conservation of Energy, Ballistic Pendulum, Power
The topics for Test # 5 include the following:
College Physics Text Chapter 11
Using Energy
Temperature, Absolute Temperature
College Physics Text Chapter 12
Thermal Properties of Matter
Calorie, British Thermal Unit, Linear Expansion of Solids, Area Expansion of Solids,
Volume Expansion of Solids, Volume Expansion of Liquids,
Volume Expansion (Overflow of Container), Specific Heat Capacity, Phase Changes
Phase and Temperature Changes with Water, Pressure, Absolute Pressure,
Ideal Gas Law, Calorimetry, Thermal Conduction, R-Values
College Physics Text Chapter 13
Fluids
Density. Archimedes’ Principle, Pressure, Absolute Pressure, Pressure in Liquids,
Barometer, Flow Rate