University Physics I

Fundamental principles of physics, using algebra and trigonometry; the principles and applications of classical mechanics and thermodynamics, including harmonic motion, mechanical waves and sound, physical systems, Newton's Laws of Motion, and gravitation and other fundamental sources; with emphasis on problem solving.

Laboratory activities will reinforce fundamental principles of physics, using algebra and trigonometry; the prinicples and applications of classical mechanics and thermodynamics, including harmonic motion, mechanical waves and sound, physical systems, Newton's Laws of Motion, and gravitation and other fundamental forces; emphasis will be on problem solving.

This is algebra and trigonometry based applications of mechanics and heat for life science majors and pre-professional students. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week.

Lecture Text

College Physics 10th edition by Sears and Zemansky

Lab Text

the department will provide the labs procedure.

Course Learning Objectives

When this course is completed, the student will have learned:

  1. How to solve basic vector equation using the concepts of, vector addition (geometrically and components),unit vectors, dot products.
  2. 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.
  3. How to identify categorize the various macroscopic forces.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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
Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

  1. Determine the components of linear motion (displacement, velocity, and acceleration), and especially motion under conditions of constant acceleration.
  2. Apply Newton's laws to physical problems including gravity.
  3. Solve problems using principles of energy.
  4. Use principles of impulse and linear momentum to solve problems.
  5. Solve problems in rotational kinematics and dynamics, including the determination of the location of the center of mass and center of rotation for rigid bodies in motion.
  6. Solve problems involving rotational and linear motion.
  7. Describe the components of a wave and relate those components to mechanical vibrations, sound, and decibel level.
  8. Demonstrate understanding of equilibrium, including the different types of equilibrium.
  9. Discuss simple harmonic motion and its application to quantitative problems or qualitative questions.
  10. Solve problems using the principles of heat and thermodynamics.
  11. Solve basic fluid mechanics problems.

  1. Demonstrate techniques to set up and perform experiments, collect data from those experiments, and formulate conclusions from an experiment.
  2. Record experimental work completely and accurately in laboratory notebooks, and communicate experimental results clearly in written reports.
  3. Determine the components of linear motion (displacement, velocity, and acceleration), and especially motion under conditions of constant acceleration.
  4. Apply Newton's laws to physical problems including gravity.
  5. Solve problems using principles of energy.
  6. Describe the components of a wave and relate those components to mechanical vibrations, sound, and decibel level.
  7. Use principles of impulse and linear momentum to solve problems.
  8. Solve problems in rotational kinetics and dynamics, including the determination of the location of the center of mass and center of rotation for rigid bodies in motion.
  9. Solve problems involving rotational and linear motion.
  10. Demonstrate an understanding of equilibrium, including the different types of equilibrium.
  11. Discuss simple harmonic motion and its application to quantitative problems or qualitative questions.
  12. Solve problems using the principles of heat and thermodynamics.
  13. Solve basic fluid mechanics problems.
Lab Fee
$24.00
Required Materials
Scientific calculator.
Grading Standards

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%

Required Institutional Core Learning Outcomes

Communication (COM), Critical Thinking (CT), Empirical & Quantitative Reasoning (EQR), Teamwork (TW)

Disabilities

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.

Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity is fundamental to the educational mission of Weatherford College, and the College expects its students to maintain high standards of personal and scholarly conduct. Academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work, plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials including unauthorized use of Generative AI. Departments may adopt discipline specific guidelines on Generative AI usage approved by the instructional dean. Any student who is demonstrated to have engaged in any of these activities will be subject to immediate disciplinary action in accordance with institutional procedures.
Hope Statement
Any student who faces challenges securing basic resources such as food, clothing, or housing and believes this may affect their performance in their course of study is urged to contact the Director of Student Resources, Dr. Deborah Cregger, for support at (817) 598-6444. Her office is on the first floor of Student Services. If the student prefers, they may contact their instructor, who can reach out on their behalf. Weatherford College also provides the Coyote Pantry. The Pantry maintains boxed and canned foods for students in need. The location of the Coyote Pantry is two blocks west of the Weatherford campus at the Baptist Student Ministry (118 E. Park Ave., Weatherford). Pantry hours are Mon-Thurs. 8:30 am-4:30 pm and Fri. 8.30 am-12:00 pm (817-599-6586).
Revised
Fall 2021
Last Modified
Monday, September 13, 2021, 3:41 PM