Physics for Scientists and Engineers I

Student learning objectives

1. The student will demonstrate problem solving skills in various types of problems in physics using quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and appropriate mathematical techniques.

2. The student will demonstrate the ability to use scientific methods to understand and explain concepts in physics.

3. The student will be able to connect physics concepts and problems to their world experience.

Methodology

Class discussion and participation will enhance the learning environment and will be important ingredients in our class. Please come to class prepared by reading material in advance so you have identified areas that are unclear to you and ask questions! We will use a variety of methods to introduce concepts including problems solving, group work, quizzes and discussion as well as more traditional methods. Most importantly please ask questions when something isn’t clear and especially if you find your curiosity has been picked!

Basic outline

Part I Vectors, motion in one and two dimensions, Newton’s Laws (dynamics)

Part II Work and energy, momentum, torque and rotational dynamics, gravitation

Part III Fluids, oscillations (simple harmonic motion), elastic waves and sound

PART I

1. Physics and measurement

2. Motion in one dimension

3. Vectors

4. Motion in two dimensions

5. Newton’s laws of motion

6. Circular motion

PART II

7. Energy of a system

8. Conservation of energy

9. Linear momentum

10. Rotation (torque)

11. Statics

12. Universal gravitation

PART III

13. Fluid Mechanics

14. Simple harmonic motion

15. Oscillatory motion: pendulum, damped and forced oscillations

16. Wave motion

17. Sound waves