Physics 1100011
Syllabus
Prof. J. W. Arrison
Text: Principles of Physics, 4th ed., Volume 1, by Raymond Serway and John Jewett
Content:
We will cover topics in mechanics, including vibrations and waves. You are expected to
have a good working knowledge of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Since this is a calculus based
class, I may use calculus for a derivation in class, but you will never have to do any calculus in
problems or on tests, meaning that if you aren’t completely comfortable with calculus, you will still be
able to succeed in this class.
Responsibilities:
The only way to become competent at physics is to practice it. The assigned
problems represent the minimum you should be able to do - I will review some of these in class, and
copies of my solutions will be available on my website. You are strongly urged to do more problems
than those assigned. An excellent supplementary book is Schaum's College Physics, which should be
available in local bookstores. This book is at a somewhat lower level than you will be expected to
perform in the course, but is a nice place to get started if you are having problems understanding the
basics. There is also Schaum’s Physics for Scientists and Engineers, which is calculus based, but also
a good place to get harder example problems. I will also provide some of my back questions on my
website as the course progresses. Please do not hesitate to ask questions at any time, during lectures or
problem sessions.
Schedule: Most classes will proceed as follows: I will spend the first half of class reviewing some
(not all) of the assigned problems from the last class, and then in the second half we will cover new
material. The problems that I review are in bold, italic type on the problem sheet, and are generally the
“blue” and “magnenta” problems that are more challenging than the “black” problems.
The
accompanying schedule represents my best guess as to how the semester will proceed, but changes will
be made when necessary.
Exams: There will be two midterm exams, lasting 75 minutes each, given on the dates listed on the
accompanying schedule (subject to the previous caveat). Each exam will be worth 25 % of your final
grade. You will be given a formula sheet with all necessary constants and formulas for each test. A
cumulative final exam lasting 2 hours will be worth 50 % of your final grade. “Make–ups” will be
given only under very special circumstances and at my discretion.
Grades: The starting grade settings, as a percentage of the possible total score on in–class exams and
the final, will be as follows:
A: 89% to 100%
C: 65% to 76%
B: 77% to 88%
D: 50% to 64%
F: less than 50%
Gradations (by which I mean plus/minus grades) will be set more or less evenly with the grade ranges,
or in such a way as to best mirror student performance. This is assuming a class average between 75%
and 80%, as has generally been the case in this class. If the class average falls significantly below that,
then the class average will be set at the C+/B– cutoff, and other grade boundaries will adjust
accordingly
Other thoughts to ponder: I often have students come to my office stating that “ . . . I have worked
so hard, and I’m not seeing the results . . .” or other phrases to that effect. I know that everyone in this
class will work hard, but I really cannot base grades on effort. Also, I cannot give extra assignments to
boost a student’s grade without offering that opportunity to the entire class. So it will behoove you to
work hard during this summer session. The material is covered rapidly, and there will not be a lot of
time to “catch up” if you miss a day, or skip homework for a night. If you are having trouble, come
see me as soon as possible, or arrange for a tutor through the physics department. If there is sufficient
interest, I will have an extra help session on Tuesday or Friday after class. We will also schedule a
review session for Thursday afternoon, June 7th , and Monday afternoon, June 18th, in preparation for
the exams on the subsequent days. More on this later . . .
Office Hours: Tuesday and Friday after class. I am willing to meet at other times if necessary, but
you must make an appointment, since you have lab after class on the other days and I’m not going to
stick around if no one is coming by. Thursday is best for meeting with me after lab, but we can always
work something out. My office number is 263A, and my extension is 94884. My Villanova email is
james.arrison@villanova.edu. I can also come in early if necessary, but not too early. My website is
http://www05.homepage.villanova.edu/james.arrison/ .
Required Legalisms: The University policy on academic integrity will be in effect for all exams. No
electronic devices, except for a calculator, will be permitted. The calculator must be a separate entity
from any other electronic device, i.e., no calculators built into smartphones, etc. On any given exam,
you may be permitted to have note cards, open notes, etc. The rules may change from exam to exam.
Our default rule is no note cards, no notes. It is the policy of Villanova to make reasonable academic
accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are a person with a disability please
contact me after class or during office hours and make arrangements to register with the Learning
Support Office by contacting 610-519-5636 or at nancy.mott@villanova.edu as soon as possible.
Registration with the Learning Support Office is required in order to receive accommodations.
The “Jim Arrison’s classes” version of the 9th Amendment to the United States Constitution is in
effect: “Things not explicitly forbidden in this syllabus are not necessarily approved; Things not
explicitly approved in this syllabus are not necessarily forbidden”. Anything not explicitly covered
in the syllabus will be handled on a case–by–case basis, with your humble professor as the semi–
benevolent despot.
The 24 hour rule: The 24 hour rule” is in effect. I reserve the right to refuse to answer any questions
during the 24 hours preceding any exam. Note the wording: “. . . . reserve the right . . .” , so I can
answer if I want to, but I am not required to. This generally applies to folks who don’t keep up with
things and then expect me to jump in at the last minute and save their bacon. As a rule, that has never
been an issue in the Physics 1100 and 1102 classes. But since I am adding this to the syllabi of all of
my classes, there you are.
Approximate game plan
L => Lecture; P => Problems
Wed
5/30
Thurs 5/31
Fri
6/1
Intro to class, L1: Vectors; L3a: Relative Velocity*
P1, P3a, L2a: 1D motion
P2a, L2b: Free fall
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
6/4
6/5
6/6
6/7
P2b, L3b: Projectile Motion, Newton’s 1st law
P3b, L4a: Applications of Newton’s Laws; Newton’s 3rd law
P4a, L4b: More applications
P4b, L5: Friction
Fri
6/8
Exam 1, chapters 1 through 4
(might change to Monday the 11th and include friction . . .)
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Fri
6/11
6/12
6/13
6/14
6/15
P5a, L5b: Circular Motion, Rotational Kinematics**
P5b, L6: Work, Energy, Power; Moment of Inertia, Rotational energy**
P6, L7a: Gravitational Potential Energy, PE in general
P7a, L7b: Elastic Potential Energy, WNC, Conservation of Energy
P7b, L8: Linear Momentum and Impluse***
Mon
6/18
P8, L10a: Rotational Dynamics**
Tues
6/19
Exam 2, chapters 5 through 8
Wed 6/20
Thurs 6/21
Fri
6/22
(might change to Wednesday the 20th or even Thursday the 21st )
P10a, L10b: Static Equilibrium
P10b, L12: Simple Harmonic Motion
P12, LWav1: Intro to wave motion, standing waves
Mon
Tues
Wed
PWav1, LWav2: Doppler Shift, Beats
PWav2, Rev: General Review for final
Final Exam
6/25
6/26
6/27
*
Might be postponed or skipped entirely (I hope not)
**
All rotational topics (NOT circular motion) may be left out.
***
Might be moved to just after circular motion
General note: this schedule is ambitious. In particular, I usually find that I am behind after the first
day. But I’d rather be ambitious and fail than be hesitant.
Problems from Serway and Jewett, Volume 1, 4th edition (subject to change):
Detailed solutions to most problems are at: http://www05.homepage.villanova.edu/james.arrison/ .
Pursuant to student interest, Bold, Italic problems may be reviewed in class
Bold, Italic, underlined problems are more difficult, but you should try them anyway.
P1
1  34, 40, 41, 47, 67
P2a
2  10, 19, 20, 21, 23, 27, 48, 49
P2b
2  31, 32, 33, 47, 51, 55a
P3a*
3  33, 34, 35, 37
P3b
3  7, 12, 15, 17, 19, 45, 49, 51
P4a
4  7, 10, 13, 18, 25, 27, 28, 29, 32, 37
P4b
4  30, 34, 43, 44, 47, 54
P5a
5  1, 7, 8, 11, 13, 44
P5b
5  15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 50, 59; 10**  2, 3, 5, 9
P6
6  21, 29, 32, 34, 42, 58; 10**  14, 15
P7a
6 – 15 (at some point in P6, P7a, or P7b), 7  2, 8, 9, 48
P7b
7  16, 21, 23, 25, 49, 51, 53, 54,
P8
8  5, 9, 18, 21, 48, 51, and a 2–D problem TBA
P10a
10**  5, 13, 46, 48, 72
P10b***
10  27, 30, 31, 32, 71
P12
12  4, 11 (no “c”), 14, 17, 19, 41, 50, 51
PWav1
13  3, 13; 14  19, 23, 27, 30, 33, 36
PWav2
13  33, 35, 36, 37; 14  40, 41, 49, 58
*
Might be postponed or skipped entirely (I hope not)
**
All rotational topics (NOT circular motion) may be left out.
***
This chapter 10 material (static equilibrium) will probably be included!