Physics 210
General Physics I
Dr. Fortner
FW 204
mfortner@niu.edu
Course Content
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Physics—the science of energy and matter.
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Mechanics—the motion (or lack thereof) of physical objects
Physical quantities describe behavior
Physical quantities are related to each other
Theoretical relations predict behavior
Mathematics
• Tool for understanding physics
• Problem solving, not just plugging into equations
• Algebra and trigonometry are essential (MATH 155)
Physics Sequences
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Algebra-based Courses
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Calculus-based Courses
• PHYS 210 (Motion, Energy,
Matter, and Heat)
• PHYS 253 (Motion and
Energy)
• PHYS 211 (Electricity,
Magnetism, Light, and
Atoms)
• PHYS 273 (Electricity and
Magnetism)
• PHYS 283 & 284 (Light and
Atoms)
Course Topics
1.
Laws of Motion
 Measurement, Force, Acceleration, Kinematics
2.
Conservation Laws
 Circular Motion, Energy, Linear and Angular Momentum
3.
Continuous Media
 Fluids, Oscillations, Waves, Sound
4.
Thermal Physics
 Temperature, Heat, Thermodynamics
Web Pages
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www.niu.edu/~mfortner/PHYS210/description.html
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Description and goals
Lectures slides
Laboratory handouts
Assignments
Grading scale
Lectures
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Powerpoint slides
• Corresponds to text sections in reading
• Different than text
• Students are responsible for both
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Demonstrations
• Interactive questions
• Physical demonstrations
• Web and electronic media demonstrations
Laboratories
Experimental labs
Problem labs
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Measurement techniques
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Story problem interpretation
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Data analysis
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Equation handling
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Data presentation
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Solution strategy
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8 Experimental Labs
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4 Problem Labs
Problems and Quizzes
Problems
Quizzes
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Due the day after the lecture
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Covers readings and lecture
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Use TA for help if needed
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Multiple choice, matching
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Conceptual questions and
problems
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Midterms cover problems,
too
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Final covers the whole
course
How to Do Well
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Skim the text before class to get a head start on the
lecture.
Don’t just take notes in class (try to also listen).
Slides are on the web page and can be printed out.
Do the problems, they are great practice.
Do multiple choice in the chapter to review.,
Ask questions: in class and in lab.
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