Phys 211-Physics with Calculus I Fall 2008
Phys 211-Physics with Calculus I Fall 2008
Text Book: Fundamentals of Physics 8th Edition (2008)
Professor: Dr. Mesgun Sebhatu, Sims 203. Office hrs: 10:00 - 10:50 MWF or by appointment
Brief description of the course and some advice: The PHYS 211-212 sequence covers the major branches of classical physics: PHYS 211 deals with mostly mechanics, and wave motion while PHYS 212 covers thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and optics. The course emphasizes understanding of fundamental physics concepts and principles as well as the development of conceptual and analytical problem solving skills by using physics concepts, principles and mathematics in the solution of various interesting and challenging real world problems. This course should also help you review and master your algebra, trigonometry, and enable you to appreciate your calculus by putting it to work in physics. In this course, rote memorization is discouraged. Formulas and constants will be provided even during a test. Use of calculators is encouraged. In fact, it would be difficult to survive the course without a good scientific calculator and the skill needed to use it to solve problems. PHYS 211-212 is primarily intended for chemistry, computer science, pre-engineering, mathematics, and physics students. However, some outstanding life science students elect to take this course instead of PHYS 201. PHYS 211 is the first semester of a one-year general physics (PHYS 211-212) course that utilizes calculus. MATH 201 -- a one semester calculus -- is a prerequisite for this course. PHYS211 and 212 have the lab components PHYS 211L and 212L respectively. One must take PHYS 211 and 211L concurrently to get the 4-hour credit for PHYS 211.The major objectives of PHYS 211-212 are:
· Develop an understanding of basic concepts in physics that are the foundation for all science and technology
· Develop conceptual and analytical problem solving skills that are indispensable for any scientific or engineering carrer.
· Develop an understanding of the role physics plays in everyday life and in technology
You learn physics by understanding basic concepts and then doing problems. Mere Memorization formulas or facts do not help much. It does not take a lot of effort to memorize F= ma. You will discover that using it to solve a plethora of PHYS 211 problems requires deep understanding and practice.
You learn physics by doing problems and not by memorizing formulas or facts. You will use
WileyPlus frequently to practice as well to submit homework that will be graded. (Please click on the link <WileyPlus>and register immediately)Tentative Course Outline and Test Schedule
(For each section (I to IV), detailed, updated study guides will be available on this website prior to each test
I. Introduction, Units and Standards of Measurement (Ch.1); Motion in One Dimension {Ch 2}Vectors (Ch.3); Motion in Two Dimensions (Ch.4)
Test #1: Wednesday Sept. 24 (chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4)
II .Forces and Motion (Newton's Laws of Motion and their Application)(Ch.5 & 6 )
Test #2 : Wednwsday. Oct. 24 (chapters 5&6)
III. Energy and Work (Ch.7&8), Center of Mass and Linear Momentum (Ch 9).
Test #3 : Friday Nov. 14 (chapters 7, 8& 9
IV. Equilibrium, (Ch 12); Gravitation (Ch. 13)
Test #4 : Friday Dec. 5 (chapters 11, & 12
V. Ch. 19, Rotational motion, & Ch 11 Rolling, Torque and Angular Momentum.
If time permits we may include Equilibrium form Ch 12.
The selected topics will be assigned as pre-lab readings
A comprehensive Final Exam on Sections I to IV: Friday , Dec. 10, 11:30 AM--1:30 PM
Computation of Final Grades : The best three test grades will contribute 13.33 % each (total from tests = 40%). Homework ( 15%). The weekly lab grades will be averaged and contribute 25%. The comprehensive final will contribute 25%.
40% (Tests) +15%(Homework) + 25% (Lab) + 20%(final) = 100 %
Even though class grade distribution may affect the assignment of the letter grades will be as follows:
:above 90% is an "A", 80% - 84% is a "B", 85%-89% is a"B+",70% - 74% is a "C",
75%-79% is a "C+" 60% - 64% is a "D", 65%-69% is a "D+" and below 60% is an "F".
Makeup Tests: If a student misses one monthly test, he obtains a "0" for it and loses the opportunity to have his worst test score dropped. It will be dangerous to miss more than one test. There are no provisions for makeup tests under normal circumstances.
Class Attendance Policy: The attendance policy followed in this course is the same as that which appears in the current Winthrop University Catalog. Briefly, "If a student's absences in a course total 25% or more of the class meetings for the course, the student will receive a grade of N, F, or U, which ever is appropriate." Please read your catalog for details. The professor will determine when taking attendance is appropriate. If all the members of the class are present, there is no need to take attendance. Students who leave early or come excessively late for reasons that are not clear to the instructor may be marked absent. Class participation is a major requirement. The course will use a Personal Response System that records the participation of each student.
Some Helpful Physics Links
=Physics Education Technology from U of ColoradoStudy Tips for Introductory Physics Students