Fundamental principles of physics, using calculus, for science, computer science, and engineering majors; the principles and applications of classical mechanics, including harmonic motion, physical systems and thermodynamics; and emphasis on problem solving.
Basic laboratory experiments supporting theoretical principles presented in PHYS 2425 involving the principles of applications of classical mechanics, including harmonic motion and physical systems; experimental design, data collection and analysis, and preparation of laboratory reports.
A course for engineering and science majors. The major topics covered are, mechanics, wave motion and heat. Three hours lecture and three hours lab per week
When this course is completed, the student will have learned:
- How to solve basic vector equation using the concepts of, vector addition (geometrically and components), unit vectors, cross products, dot products.
- How to mathematically describing and analyze kinematic motion in one, two, and three dimensions using the concepts of displacement, average/instantaneous velocity, average/instantaneous acceleration, projectile motion, uniform circular motion, and relative motion.
- How to identify categorize the various macroscopic forces.
- How to mathematically describe and analyze the effects of macroscopic forces on an object using Newton’s three Laws of Motion and Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation. This will include the effects of mass, macroscopic forces, including long range and contact forces.
- How to use the concept of energy and work to solve various physical problems, including the general concept of energy, kinetic energy, and potential energy, mechanical energy.
- How and when to apply the concept of conservation of energy to analyze and solve various physical situations. This will include relationship between work and potential energy, path independence conservative forces, conservation of mechanical energy, work done by external forces.
- How to apply the fundamental concepts of linear momentum including Impulse-Momentum Theorem, conservation of momentum, motion of the center of mass, elastic and inelastic collisions and systems with varying mass in one and two dimensions.
- How to apply the concepts of rotational kinetic energy, rotational inertia, rotational equilibrium, angular momentum and torque to describe and analyze rotation of a rigid body.
- How to apply the concepts of pressure, Pascal’s Principle, the effect of gravity, on fluid pressure, buoyant forces, flow, Bernoulli’s Equation, viscosity, drag and surface tension to describe and analyze behavior of fluids
- How to apply the concepts and mathematical properties of waves to various waves including waves on a string , energy, power in a traveling wave, principle of superposition, interference, standing waves, resonance waves to various physical situation.
- How to apply the concepts of temperature and its effect on , thermal equilibrium, thermal expansion of solids and liquids, absolute temperature, Ideal gas law, kinetic theory of the ideal gas, reaction rates, and diffusion.
- How to apply and analyze basic concepts of thermal dynamics including, The First Law of Thermodynamics, thermodynamic processes for an ideal gas, reversible and irreversible process, heat engines, entropy, and The Third law of Thermodynamics
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
- Determine the components of linear motion (displacement, velocity, and acceleration), and especially motion under conditions of constant acceleration.
- Solve problems involving forces and work.
- Apply Newton's laws to physical problems.
- Identify the different types of energy.
- Solve problems using principles of conservation of energy.
- Define the principles of impulse, momentum, and collisions.
- Use principles of impulse and momentum to solve problems.
- Determine the location of the center of mass and center of rotation for rigid bodies in motion.
- Discuss rotational kinematics and dynamics and the relationship between linear and rotational motion.
- Solve problems involving rotational and linear motion.
- Define equilibrium, including the different types of equilibrium.
- Discuss simple harmonic motion and its application to real-world problems.
- Solve problems involving the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics.
- Prepare laboratory reports that clearly communicate experimental information in a logical and scientific manner.
- Conduct basic laboratory experiments involving classical mechanics.
- Relate physical observations and measurements involving classical mechanics to theoretical principles.
- Evaluate the accuracy of physcial measurements and the potential sources of error int he measurements.
- Design fundamental experiments involving principles of classical mechanics.
- Identify appropriate sources of information for conducting laboratory experiments involving classical mechanics.
Lab Text
None. Lab handouts will be provided
The individual instructor will determine how they will weigh major examines, tests, quizzes and lab, however, the percentage for the various grades will be:
A =100-90%
B= 89%-80%
C =79% - 70%
D = 69% - 60%
F = 59% - 0%
Communication (COM), Critical Thinking (CT), Empirical & Quantitative Reasoning (EQR), Teamwork (TW)
ADA Statement:
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) may contact the Office on the Weatherford College Weatherford Campus to request reasonable accommodations. Phone: 817-598-6350 Office Location: Office Number 118 in the Student Services Building, upper floor. Physical Address: Weatherford College 225 College Park Drive Weatherford, TX.