Course Syllabus
PHYS 130 -- General Physics I

Johnson County Community College
Division of Science, Health Care, and Math

Credit Hours: 5.0
Lecture: T 6:00 to 8:30, R 6:00 to 6:50 in SCI 121
Lab: R 7:00 to 9:50 in SCI 121

Instructor: J. Douglas Patterson, CLB 302, 469-8500 x4268, e-mail: dpatter@jccc.edu, web: http://staff.jccc.edu/dpatter/.

Office Hours: MW 2-3pm; TR 5-6pm; F 10-11am

Course Description:

Selected topics in physics will be introduced including linear and rotational motion, energy, waves, matter and material properties, and thermodynamics.

Prerequisites: College Algebra (MATH 171) or equivalent required.

Text: Cutnell, J., Johnson, K., Physics, 7th ed., vol. 1

Supplies: Calculator with trigonometric functions, your brain.

Caveats:

Students who transfer to or from JCCC between semesters should be aware that the division of topics between General Physics I and II may not be similar to the divisions elsewhere.

Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Describe the general historical development of physics and note its impact on Western civilization.

2. Illustrate the principles of physics underlying modern life as embodied in familiar devices and technologies.

3. Recall basic facts, laws, principles and conventional usages employed in the areas of physics covered.

4. Distinguish correct from incorrect expressions of physical laws and principles.

5. Analyze, formulate, resolve and interpret simple physics problems by applying principles studied.

6. Apply basic mathematical modeling to physical situations and draw numerical conclusions from the analysis.

7. Use care in the handling of units of measurement and express answers in correct and consistent units.

8. Be able to apply common techniques of analysis and calculation to both familiar contexts and similar but unfamiliar situations.

9. Show ability to utilize principles and methods studied in their application to concrete exercises presented in hands-on lab sessions or computer simulations.

10. Recognize and practice safe productive work habits in the laboratory.

Course Compentancies:

1. Mechanics

   1. Units and Measures

      1. Recognize and be able to apply SI/metric units

      2. Convert data between English and SI/metric systems

      3. Apply the rules for significant digits

      4. Convert data between ordinary format and scientific notation

   2. Vectors

      1. Distinguish between vectors and scalars

      2. Resolve vectors into component form

      3. Apply vectors to composition problems

      4. Recognize a vector difference

   3. One-dimensional kinematics

      1. Recall the mathematical models for constant velocity and uniform acceleration

      2. Use the appropriate model to set up and solve one-dimensional kinematics problems

      3. Use diagrams and reference crosses when solving problems

   4. Kinematics in a plane

      1. Recall the criteria for ballistics

      2. Determine the types of motion both horizontally and vertically in ballistic problems

      3. Apply the mathematical models for constant velocity and uniform acceleration to the solution of ballistic problems

      4. Given the equations for level-ground ballistics, use them to solve problems.

   5. Newtons laws of motion

      1. Recall Newton's 3 laws of motion

      2. Apply these laws in solving dynamics problems

      3. Distinguish between mass and weight

      4. Include free-body diagrams when solving dynamics problems

      5. Recognize and apply the special forces: weights, tensions, and friction

   6. Gravity and orbital motion

      1. Recall and apply Newton?s law of universal gravitation

      2. Recall and apply the mathematical model for constant speed rotation

      3. Explain the apparent weightlessness of satellites in orbit

      4. Calculate some of the features of circular near-earth orbits

      5. Distinguish actual forces such as centripetal from pseudo-forces like centrifugal

   7. Work and mechanical energy conservation

      1. Define work in terms of force and distance

      2. Recognize that work and energy are scalars

      3. Compare the work/energy that results from doing work against inertia, against gravity, and against friction

      4. Define mechanical energy and describe the necessary conditions for its conservation

      5. Distinguish between energy and power

      6. Solve physics problems using the work/energy method

   8. Momentum and collisions

      1. Define impulse and momentum as vectors

      2. Describe the conditions under which momentum is conserved

      3. Apply momentum conservation to solving collision and simple rocket problems

      4. Distinguish between elastic and inelastic collisions

   9. Variable speed rotation, torque, and stability

      1. Interconvert angles in degrees, radians, and revolutions

      2. Translate equations from linear to angular variable and back again

      3. Calculate torques from forces and pivot positions

      4. Recall and apply the laws of static equilibrium to simple stability problems

      5. Recall the factors that affect moments of inertia

2. Heat and thermodynamics

   1. Kinetic molecular theory

      1. Interconvert temperatures between Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin scales

      2. Explain the solid, liquid, and gaseous states of matter from the perspective of the kinetic molecular theory

      3. Explain why one ideal gas equation works for all gases while no single equation describes all liquids or all solids

      4. Explain the connection between Kelvin temperature and molecular kinetic energy

      5. Use the ideal gas equation to solve problems under both static and changing conditions

   2. Heat and heat transfer

      1. Recall the basic definitions of heat and work

      2. Distinguish between the equations for heat flow used between phase changes and during phase changes

      3. Solve heat transfer problems involving phase changes

      4. Relate heat energy to both molecular energy and mechanical energy

   3. Thermodynamics

      1. State and explain the meaning of the laws of thermodynamics

      2. Distinguish among several forms of the same law.

      3. Relate the 1st law to energy conservation

      4. Define entropy and use this concept to discuss the 2nd law

      5. Calculate entropy changes for heat flows

      6. Discuss engine efficiency and relate it to 2nd law

3. Vibration and waves

   1. Harmonic motion

      1. Recall the mathematical model for simple harmonic motion

      2. Relate SHM to Hooke?s law

      3. Calculate the elastic PE, vibrational KE, and mechanical energy of vibration for mass/spring oscillators

      4. Discuss the maxima and minima of harmonic variables at the turn-around points and at the central rest position

      5. Calculate the period, frequency, and repetition rate for harmonic systems

   2. Waves

      1. Describe the interplay between source oscillators, detectors, and wave media

      2. Use the traveling wave equation to relate the various wave quantities such as wavespeed, wavelength, and frequency

      3. Distinguish between traveling waves and so-called standing waves

      4. Use the concept of wave interference to explain resonance

      5. Define wave intensity, power flux, and acoustic loudness

4. Laboratory Competencies

   1. Identify and develop positive attitudes toward tasks and fellow students appropriate for the laboratory setting

   2. Identify and develop productive work habits, including attention to detail, task completion, keeping an orderly work area and careful data recording

   3. Identify and develop teamwork skills, including group problem solving, consensus building and self-supervision

Course Requirements:

Lectures:

The lecture will consist of traditional instructive lectures, class discussions, video material, and laboratory demonstrations. Not all material in the lecture will appear in the text and not all material in the text will be discussed in the lecture. Students are responsible for material covered in lecture as well as in the text.

Homework:

Homework will be assigned collected weekly. Doing the homework problems is just as essential to success in this physics course as daily practice is in sports. No late homework will be accepted. Select problems from each homework assignment will be graded. The total homework grade for the semester will be scaled to 100 points.

Quizzes:

Eight Pop-Quizzes will be given throughout the semester (2 per unit). These quizzes will be given without prior notice, therefore, attendance in class is imperative! They will take 10 minutes on average, and will stress topics currently being discussed.

Labs:

There will be 12 weekly laboratory assignments. No makeups will be allowed for missed labs. A lab report will be due at the beginning of the next lab session. No late lab reports will be accepted.

Tests:

There will be four unit tests given during the lab periods. Unit tests will cover material from lecture, homework, lab, and the text.

Final Exam:

The Final Exam will be comprehensive. Be sure to keep all returned and graded work as they will be helpful when studying for the Final. The Final Exam will be given in SCI 121 from 7-9pm on May 12th.

Grading Standards:

Grades will be based upon the following:

Letter grades will be assigned as follows:

90 - 100% = A
80 - 89% = B
65 - 79% = C
50 - 64% = D
below 50% = F

GENERAL COMMENTS:

Withdrawal Policy:
If a student withdraws from the course, appropriate forms must be submitted by the student to the Admissions Office. Otherwise, the student will be kept on the class roster and receive a grade for the course. Time restrictions and procedures for withdrawing from a course are found in the college catalog and credit class schedule for the appropriate semester.

Attendance Policy:
It is the policy of JCCC that punctual attendance at all scheduled classes is regarded as integral to all courses and is expected of all students. Students under obligation to participate in jury duty, required military duty, and generally recognized religious observance, and/or activities where they are required to represent the college must give written notice to the faculty member at least one week in advance of the observance. Questions on whether a religious holiday is recognized and/or an activity is college-sponsored should be directed tot he vice president of Student Services and/or the Student Affairs Committee. Students shall be accorded the opportunity to independently make up course work or work of equal value for the day(s) the event was scheduled and to take a scheduled exam at an alternate time determined by the instructor. Failure to provide timely written notice may result in loss of this opportunity. Students should be aware that the quality of the learning experience may suffer as a result of the absence if the course work is not made up.

Academic Dishonesty Policy:
Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be subject to the appropriate penalties. Please make every effort to avoid dishonesty or the appearance of dishonesty in all course activities. Penalties may include, but not limited to a zero grade for the activity, failure in the course, or dismissal from the college.

Counseling:
Students are encouraged to meet with the instructor to discuss any problems they are having with the course. While office hours have been set aside for student discussions, any mutually agreeable time for a student-instructor meeting is satisfactory. Students are also encouraged to make use of the Science Resource Center where free tutors are available in CLB 112. Tutor hours for the current semester are posted outside of the SRC.

Safety:
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a safe manner at all times. Unsafe activities are not allowed. Students should realize that their own safety, as well as that of others around them, is each individual's responsibility. Students performing laboratory experiments are responsible for planning and conduction operations in accordance with institutional chemical hygiene procedures, and for developing good personal chemical hygiene habits. Additional safety rules (when required) will be attached to laboratory handouts.

Disability Statement:
Students in this course who have a disability that may prevent them from fully demonstrating their abilities should contact the instructor and the Student Success Center as soon as possible to discuss accommodations necessary to complete the course requirements.

Tentative Course Topic Sequence:

Subject Reading and Test Schedule

Unit One: Linear Motion

Unit Two: Energy

Unit Three: Rotational Motion

Unit Four: Thermodynamics