Physics 221 A (# 5647) & B (#5648)
Engineering Physics: Mechanics
Spring 2015
Syllabus
Class
Days:
Time:
Location:
Monday and Thursday
10:30 am – 12:20 pm
Building 16 Room 106
Discussion
Day:
Section A:
Section B:
Location:
Wednesday
10:30 am – 11:20 am
11:30 am – 12:20 pm
Building 15 Room 124L
Lab
Section A:
Section B:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday
Friday
10:30 am – 12:20 pm
Building 15 Room 124L
Instructor
Office:
Telephone:
e-mail:
website:
Philip Hunter
Building 15 Room 338
253.566.5302
phunter@tacomacc.edu (Begin the subject of all messages with "221".)
www.tacomacc.edu/home/phunter
Office Hours
9:30 – 10:20 am Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday in 15-338
9:30 – 10:20 am Tuesday and Friday in the Active Learning Lab (aka the Fish Bowl)
I welcome you to see me during my office hours. I am also usually happy to see you at other
times, though sometimes I may have to ask you to see me at another time. You may also make an
appointment to see me.
Canvas
Some of the things you will find on the Physics 221 Canvas site are
 Mastering Physics homework.
 Panopto Recordings.
 Lab and class handouts, Workbook solutions, and other files.
 Scores for all your graded work.
 A calendar showing due dates for assignments, exams and quizzes.
 Other information you need in this course.
 Collaborations - Your team may use this as a way to collaborate on your lab reports.
 Discussions - A place for you to have discussions with others in the class. This is a student
driven area.
Prerequisites
Math 151 with a minimum grade of C, or equivalent.
Supplies
Required items are
 Physics for Scientists and Engineers by Randall Knight 2nd or 3rd edition.
 Modified Mastering Physics Access Code. It can be purchased with the text or separately.
You may also purchase access directly Mastering Physics when you register via Canvas.
 A scientific calculator (with sine, cosine, and tangent functions). Most graphing calculators
are fine. TI-92 or higher may NOT be used during exams and quizzes.
 A bound lab notebook. The pages must be bound with thread. I recommend a thread bound
composition book. One from a previous class is fine. Loose leaf, spiral, and perforated
notebooks are not acceptable. This will be used as a lab notebook. See the Lab Notebook
handout for more details.
 A straight edge. Always bring to class, discussion, and exams.
 A black or dark blue permanent ink pen for writing in the lab notebook.
Recommended items are
 Student Workbook for Physics for Scientists and Engineers by Randall Knight. Exercises
in the workbook will be assigned, but not collected or graded. The answer key is available on
Canvas.
 A writer’s reference book. If you do not have one from a prior English class, you should
purchase one. I use Diana Hacker’s Writer’s Reference. Prior editions can often be
purchased for a couple dollars.
Course Description
This is the first quarter of the three quarter Engineering Physics series. Engineering Physics is
calculus based physics for engineering students and those majoring in certain sciences. It
introduces problem solving techniques and applications to real world situations. A laboratory is
included each quarter. Physics 221 topics include motion and causes of motion, conservation of
energy, momentum and angular momentum, gravitation, center of mass, and torque.
Academic Assistance
I am one of many resources available to help you succeed in this class. Below are some other
resources.
Study Group
You should join or form a small study group for this class. The vast majority of students find that
active participation in a study group improves their performance in their classes.
Writing/Tutoring Center
Physics tutors may be available at no additional cost in the Writing and Tutoring Center on the
second floor of Building 7. The center also offers one-on-one help with your writing projects,
including help organizing a paper, adding details, improving grammar, polishing the draft, or
documenting sources. Call 253.566.5184 for an appointment. For more information see
www.tacomacc.edu/wtc.
Counseling Center
The Counseling & Advising Center staff in Building 7 can help you address personal difficulties
that interfere with your studies. This includes things like test anxiety. Call 253.566.5122. For
more information see www.tacomacc.edu/resourcesandservices/counseling.
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Degree Learning Outcomes
Tacoma Community College has identified six degree related learning outcomes for all students
who complete a degree at the college. These outcomes are available at
www.tacomacc.edu/abouttcc/missionvisionandstrategicplan/
Natural Science Program Learning Outcomes
Tacoma Community College has identified five learning outcomes for Natural Science
Distribution Courses. These outcomes are available at www.tacomacc.edu/catalog/1112catalog/program-learning-outcomes-plo.htm
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Conceptually explain and mathematically solve problems associated with the following topics
(in some cases using calculus): a) Position, velocity, acceleration, force, momentum, and
energy for translating and rotating systems including graphical representations of each. b)
Newton’s Three Laws of Motion in both frictionless and frictional situations, including both
equilibrium and accelerated motion. c) The concepts of conservation of energy, conservation
of momentum and conservation of angular momentum. d) The center of mass for one and two
dimensional systems. e) Torques and forces acting on systems in static equilibrium and when
rotating. PLO: 1, 3
2. Relate graphs and equations to each other and to the physical systems they represent. PLO: 3
3. Perform lab experiments as part of a lab team and write group lab reports which clearly
communicate the results of those laboratory activities using proper grammar, spelling, and
organization. PLO: 4, 5
4. Solve both conceptual and mathematical problems.
5. Use physics vocabulary correctly in context. PLO: 1
6. Use proportional reasoning and unit analysis to identify possible solutions to problems.
7. Approach problems in an organized manner by a) modeling the problem, b) visualizing the
problem with pictorial, physical, and graphical representations, c) developing a mathematical
representation, and d) assessing the solution. PLO: 3
8. Discriminate between relevant and irrelevant information. PLO: 1, 4
9. Use logical reasoning to quickly and correctly evaluate whether laboratory data collected
from various sources (including technology) is valid or invalid. PLO: 1, 4
Attendance
Regular attendance is essential to succeed in Physics 221. You should attend every class,
discussion, and lab period. If you miss a class or discussion, you are responsible for finding out
what you missed and learning the material before the next class session. Students who habitually
miss class are seldom successful in this class.
Attendance in lab is required and roll is taken. See the Laboratory section for the policy on
missed labs.
Instructional Methods
In this class we will use a variety of instructional methods such as lectures, demonstrations, labs,
and team activities. Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages. You are
probably more familiar, and comfortable, with some methods than with others. However, I expect
you to participate in all activities and to approach the activities in a positive, professional manner.
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Classroom Etiquette
Students come to class to learn. It is expected that everyone will act in ways that are respectful
and that promote learning for all students, and will refrain from actions that interfere with
learning. Specific examples include
 Arrive on time. If you arrive late, do your best to minimize the disruption to other students. If
I will be late, I will send someone to inform you. Use the time to study.
 Stay until the end of class. If you must leave early, sit near the exit and minimize the
disruption to other students.
 Come ready to learn physics. Bring your questions.
 Except during team activities, you should not talk to other students unless you have the floor.
Even quiet conversation is very disruptive during class.
 If you cannot hear what is said or see what is written, let me know immediately.
 Learn the names of the people you interact with in class and lab. Most students call me "Mr.
Hunter".
 Guests, including children, are welcome in class on an occasional basis with my prior
approval. Guests must not disrupt the class in any way. You are responsible for your guests.
Guests are usually not allowed in the lab.
 Turn off all alarms and ringers before class starts.
 Beverages are allowed in the classroom. Food should generally not be eaten in the classroom.
Food and beverages are not permitted during labs.
 If you have the flu, stay home. Inform me and your team.
 I can sometimes answer a few quick questions before and after class. However, lengthy,
confidential, or private discussions should take place in my office.
Laboratory
The laboratory is an integral part of Physics 221. You are expected to actively participate each
week in the assigned experiments and in preparing the lab reports. Study the experiments in
advance so that you are familiar with them when you arrive at the laboratory. Complete the prelab activities before coming to lab.
Students who do not complete the laboratory assignments will receive an E for the course.
Missed Labs. If you miss a lab due to illness or other event beyond your control, you are
responsible for meeting with me in my office to arrange for a make-up assignment. If possible,
contact me before the missed lab begins. Other missed labs may not be made up.
Studying Outside of Class
Regular study is important to succeed in this class. You should plan to study at least 18 hours
each week outside of class. It is best to study every day. Use this time to review your notes, study
the text, view the recorded lectures, work on homework problems, prepare for lab, and write lab
reports.
You should find and use the study methods that are most efficient for you.
Exams and Quizzes
Three exams are given. Exams may include questions drawn from the laboratory experiments.
Only exams missed due to dire emergency may be made up or taken early. I must be notified
before the missed exam if possible. Travel is not a dire emergency. Do not schedule travel on
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exam dates. Exam dates are listed on the Course Calendar. Make sure your family and friends
know you cannot travel on exam days!
Exam questions are typically similar in style to homework and workbook questions. If you need
to look in your text or notes to answer the homework or workbook problems you are not prepared
for the exam. As you study for an exam, you should write one for yourself. Then take your exam
under exam conditions – time limit, no texts or notes, etc.
The exam with the lowest score will be worth 50 points. The other two exams will be worth 100
points. Penalties for academic dishonesty will not be included in determining which exam has the
lowest score.
Short quizzes may be given during class. These will typically be announced ahead in class. The
lowest quiz score will not be included in the calculation of the course grade. There are no make-up
quizzes.
The following may not be used in any way during exams and quizzes:
 Calculators with the capability of wireless communications.
 Calculators with physics or science memory packs.
 TI-92 or higher, tablets, computers, etc may NOT be used during exams and quizzes.
 Dictionaries, including paper and electronic translation dictionaries.
 Cell phones, iPods or other mp3 players, or any other similar devices other than a calculator.
 Calculator apps.
You may not share calculators during exams or quizzes.
Wireless Communication Devices
Wireless communication devices, such as cell phones, may not be used in any way during
exams and quizzes. In case of a bona fide emergency, you can be contacted through the security
office (253-566-5111).
Ringing cell phones or talking on a cell phone in class is extremely disruptive to learning and is
unacceptable. Communication devices must be silent in the classroom and labs. A ringing cell
phone or similar event during class, discussion, or lab may result in a penalty for the user. A
student who talks on a cell phone in class will be asked to leave and will be referred to Student
Services for disciplinary action.
Student Suggestions and Concerns
I welcome your ideas on ways to improve learning in this class. If you have concerns about this
class, please meet with me about them in my office to discuss them. The classroom is usually not
an appropriate venue for such discussions. If we are unable to resolve your concerns, you may
meet with Katie Gulliford, the Science & Engineering Department Chair. You should see her in
her office in Building 15 Room 335.
Disability Accommodations
Students are responsible for all requirements of this class, but the way they meet these
requirements may vary. If you need specific auxiliary aids or services due to a disability, please
contact the Accommodations Coordinator in the Assessment Center in Building 7
(253.566.5328). They will require you to present formal, written documentation of your disability
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from an appropriate professional. When this step has been completed, arrangements will be made
for you to receive reasonable auxiliary aids or services. Access Services will prepare a disability
accommodation document. You must give me this document. Because this is a confidential matter
that requires discussion between us regarding how to provide the aids or services, you should give
me the document at a meeting in my office. This must be done before the accommodation is
needed so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Academic Integrity
The reason to study physics is to learn. As stated in the TCC catalog, ‘Students are expected to be
honest and forthright in their academic endeavors. Cheating, plagiarism, fabrication or other
forms of academic dishonesty corrupt the learning process and threaten the educational
environment for all students.’
The following examples are written to clarify the expected standards in this class. If a standard is
unclear to you, you should see me for clarification.
Exams and quizzes are solely your work at the time of the examination. Circumventing or
attempting to circumvent the restrictions placed on an examination is a form of cheating. The
appearance of cheating should also be avoided.
I encourage you to work together on homework, lab questions, reports, and presentations. When
you work together, help each other understand the material. However, what you turn in must be in
your own words, the product of your own work and research, and represent your understanding of
the material. Presenting another person's words, work, data, ideas, or answers as if they were your
own is plagiarism. Even if another person gives you permission to use his work, you must give
that person proper credit. Data, words, ideas, and information taken from other sources, including
other people, must be properly referenced. This includes information from the Internet and the
textbook. If you use another person's data, results, or ideas, clearly state that you have done so
and give the person credit by including a complete reference. This includes answers copied from
the text. If you copy another person's words, you must place all the text involved in quotes or
indent it, and you must give a complete reference. You must clearly identify text that you have
paraphrased and give a complete reference. If you are unsure about when or how to give a
complete reference, request clarification before you submit your work.
If you work with other students on a homework problem to such an extent that your answers are
essentially the same, state this at the end of the solution, including the names of the students. This
should occur on only the most challenging problems.
Inventing or modifying laboratory data is fabrication. If you believe your data are in error, state
why, and how you have analyzed the data. If you have not performed the experiment, your name
may not appear on the report as an author.
Coursework that receives a grade penalty due to academic dishonesty will be included in course
grading.
The consequences of academic dishonesty may range from a verbal warning to expulsion from
the College in accordance with the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
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Withdrawals and Incompletes
You may withdraw from the course without receiving a grade through April 10. You may
withdraw through May 22 and receive a W grade. You must withdraw through the Enrollment
Services Office in Building 7. A withdrawal after this date (WI) will be granted only in an
extreme case involving circumstances beyond your control.
If you must withdraw for medical reasons, immediately consult with the Enrollment Services
Office regarding a medical withdrawal.
If you might be activated for military service during the quarter, contact the Enrollment Services
Office in advance for procedures for this case.
An incomplete will be granted only in an extreme case involving circumstances beyond your
control. You must have completed almost all the course work. The college requires that an
Incomplete Contract be signed before you can receive an incomplete.
If you are enrolled in this class and do not officially withdraw, you will receive a grade based on
the points you earn. See the Grading section below for more details.
Grading
Grade
A
B
C
D
E
Description
Honor
Good
Average
Minimum passing grade
Failure to complete minimum requirement
Grading will NOT be on a curve. You will be graded according to how well you demonstrate
your understanding of the material taught in this course. This means that you are not competing
against each other for a few A's. Instead, you should help each other learn the material. You are
each other's best help.
Homework
Exams
Laboratory Reports (20 pts per week)
Lab Notebook
Class Reports (2 pts each)
Quizzes (5 pts each)
200 Points (Approximately)
250 Points
180 Points
20 Points
20 Points maximum
30 Points (Approximately)
Note: The number and type of assignments may change. This will result in a change in the total
points.
All students participating in a team activity will generally receive the same points. However, the
instructor reserves the right to redistribute the points earned within a team if one or more team
members are not contributing proportionately to the group.
The course grade will be determined from the percentage of the possible points earned using the
table below.
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A 93 – 100%
A- 90 - 93%
B+ 87 – 90%
B 83 – 87%
B- 80 – 83%
C+ 77 – 80%
C 71 – 77%
C- 70 – 71%
D+ 67 - 70%
D 60 - 67%
E <60%
However, students who do not complete the laboratory assignments will receive an E for the
course regardless of the points earned.
Your course grade will be available beginning June 16.
Mastering Physics Homework Grading Scheme
Each wrong answer to a multiple choice question in MasteringPhysics loses points at a rate of
1
 the question ' s value . For example, if a 2 point question has 5 answer
number of choices  1
1
 2  0.5 point.
choices, each wrong answer decreases the score by
5 1
For other types of Mastering Physics problems or hints, the wrong answer penalty is 6% of the
points for that part. Opening a Hint does not change the points you earn. Some hints in Mastering
Physics ask questions to help guide you to the problem’s solution. If you submit an answer to
these questions, part of the problem’s points are assigned to the hint. If you answer these hint
questions correctly, you earn points; if you answer these hint questions incorrectly, you lose
points. Details are available in the Mastering Physics Help.
You are allowed eight (8) attempts per question. Each wrong answer results in a loss of points.
Requesting the solution to a question or hint (Give Up) will result in the loss of all the points
for that question or hint. I strongly recommend you not request the solution. If you “Give
Up” on more than one or two questions during the entire quarter, please see me to explore
other options that will help you succeed in the class.
Laboratory Report
Lab reports are generally due at 2:00 pm one week following the completion of the lab.
However, see the course calendar for specific due dates, as some due dates differ.
You will be given a Grading Scheme for each lab report.
Late Work
Late MasteringPhysics homework problems will lose 1% credit per hour for 50 hours. Other work
submitted up to 24 hours late will receive 90% credit. Work submitted more than 24 hours late
(50 hours late for MasteringPhysics) will receive 50% credit.
MasteringPhysics work will not be accepted after 11:59 pm, Thursday, June 11. All other work
will not be accepted after 3:00 pm, Tuesday, June 9.
This syllabus and calendar are subject to change. Any changes will be announced in class.
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Monday
Tuesday
Physics 221
Spring 2015
Tentative Course Calendar
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
March 30
Chapter 1
Motion
31
Lab 1: Teams &
LoggerPro Graphs
April 1
Chapter 1
2
Chapter 2
Motion Along a
Line - Kinematics
3
Lab 1: Teams &
LoggerPro Graphs
6
Chapter 2
8
Chapter 3
Vectors
9
Chapter 3
15
Chapter 4
16
Chapter 5
Forces
20
Exam 1
7
Lab 2:
Motion On an
Incline
Section A:
Team Contracts
14
Lab 3: Spring
Forces and
Interacting Forces
Lab 2 Report Due
21
No Lab
22
Chapter 6
Motion Along a
Line - Dynamics
23
Chapters 6
27
Chapter 7
Newton’s Third
Law
28
Lab 4: Acceleration
and Force
Lab 3 Report
29
Chapter 8
Motion in a Plane Dynamics
30
Chapter 8
10
Lab 2:
Motion On an
Incline
Section B:
Team Contracts
17
Lab 3: Spring
Forces and
Interacting Forces
Lab 2 Report Due
24
Professional
Development Day
No Classes
College Open
May 1
Lab 4: Acceleration
and Force
Lab 3 Report
4
Chapter 9
Impulse &
Momentum
5
Lab 5:
Friction
Lab 4 Report
6
Chapter 9
8
Lab 5:
Friction
Lab 4 Report
11
Chapter 9
12
Lab 6:
Collisions I
Lab 5 Report
13
Chapter 10
Energy
7
Educational
Planning Day –
No Class
College Open
14
Chapter 10
18
Exam 2
19
Lab 7:
Collisions II
Lab 6 Report
26
Lab 8:
Rotational Motion
Lab 7 Report
2
Chapter 12
Lab 8 Report
20
Chapter 10
21
Chapter 11
Work
27
Chapter 11
28
Chapter 12
Rotational Motion
3
Chapter 12
4
Chapter 12
22
Lab 7:
Collisions II
Lab 6 Report
29
Lab 8:
Rotational Motion
Lab 7 Report
5
Chapter 12
Lab 8 Report
13
Chapter 4
Motion in a Plane Kinematics
25
Memorial Day
College Closed
June 1
Chapter 12
8
Chapter 12
9
Exam 3 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Lab Notebook Due 11:30 am
Last Chance to turn in work 3:00 pm
15
Lab 6:
Collisions I
Lab 5 Report
11
Last Chance to submit Mastering
Physics 11:59 pm
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