PHYS G120: Algebra Based Physics: Mechanics
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Curriculum Committee Approval Date | 10/19/2021 |
| Top Code | 190200 - Physics, General |
| Units | 4 Total Units |
| Hours | 108 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 54; Lab Hours 54) |
| Total Outside of Class Hours | 0 |
| Course Credit Status | Credit: Degree Applicable (D) |
| Material Fee | No |
| Basic Skills | Not Basic Skills (N) |
| Repeatable | No |
| Grading Policy | Standard Letter (S) |
| Local General Education (GE) |
|
| California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) |
|
| Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) |
|
| California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth) |
|
Course Description
This course is an algebra/trigonometry based study of mechanics, heat, and sound. Topics include force, motion, energy, heat transfer, effects of heat, and the nature and properties of waves. PREREQUISITE: MATH G120 or achieve qualifying score on Math Placement. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC: Credit Limitation: PHYS G120, PHYS G125 and PHYS G185, PHYS G280, PHYS G285 combined: maximum credit, 1 series - deduct credit for duplication of topics. C-ID: PHYS 105, 100S. C-ID: PHYS 105, 100S.
Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)
- Course Outcomes
- Demonstrate problem solving skills involving constant acceleration equations and Newton's Laws.
- Solve problems involving energy, energy transfer, and momentum.
- Apply algebra to solve problems involving fluid dynamics and thermodynamics.
Course Objectives
- 1. Solve problems using constant acceleration equations.
- 2. Demonstrate the use of vectors to describe quantities that have both a magnitude and a direction.
- 3. Use Newtons laws to predict the motion of objects.
- 4. Apply Newtons Law of Universal Gravitation to predict the motion of objects under the influence of the gravitational force.
- 5. Calculate the work done by a force and use the Law of Conservation of Energy to solve problems.
- 6. Explain conservation of momentum and apply it to the solution of problems involving motion.
- 7. Explain conservation of angular momentum and apply it to the solution of problems involving motion.
- 8. Solve problems involving fluid dynamics.
- 9. Describe simple harmonic motion, wave motion, reflection, refraction, and standing waves and solve problems involving these concepts.
- 10. Define temperature, use the Kinetic-Molecular Theory, and solve problems involving heat.
- 11. Recall the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics and use them to solve problems.
Lecture Content
Mechanics Scalars and Vectors Statics and Equilibrium Forces and Torques Kinematics (the description of motion) Position, velocity, acceleration Vector nature of these quantities Special case of motion with constant acceleration Projectile motion Dynamics (the causes of motion) Newtons three laws of motion Newtons Law of Universal Gravitation Energy and its conservation Kinetic Potential Impulse, Momentum, and Conservation of Linear Momentum Rotational Motion Fluid Mechanics Archimedes Principle Bernoullis Equation Pressure and Pascals Principle Heat and Thermodynamics Measurement of Temperature Temperature Scales Heat Transfer Calorimeters Heat as another form of energy First Law of Thermodynamics Second Law of Thermodynamics Ideal Gases Thermodynamic properties Wave Motion and Sound Types of waves Transverse Compressional Properties of waves Velocity Frequency Wavelength Interference Diffraction Sound waves Resonance and musical instruments Doppler effect
Lab Content
Collect data with appropriate sensors and to the correct number of significant figures. Analyze data in graphical form. Perform statistical error analysis. Perform experiments involving positions, velocities, accelerations, and forces. Perform experiments involving temperature, specific heat, and thermal expansion. Perform experiments involving oscillators, standing waves, and velocity of sound.
Method(s) of Instruction
- Lecture (02)
- DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
- DE Online Lecture (02X)
- Lab (04)
- DE Live Online Lab (04S)
- DE Online Lab (04X)
Reading Assignments
Textbook and instructor prepared materials. Students are encouraged to read current popular scientific articles found in newspapers and magazines and to watch scientific programs on television.
Writing Assignments
Students are expected to maintain lab notebooks that contain an analysis of each experiment and to write lab reports.
Out-of-class Assignments
Homework questions that emphasize problem solving.
Demonstration of Critical Thinking
Students will demonstrate the ability to think critically by analyzing given physical situations (reading word problems and interpreting them), applying the basic laws of physics toward the solution of such problems, deducing valid conclusions from their results, and then explaining these results in terms of non-mathematical ideas. From data collected in the lab students will be able to verify and "discover" the basic laws of physics and use graphs to predict the results of other experiments. Students will then take these ideas and write a lab report that describes the results of thier work, as well as answering questions related to the performance of the experiment.
Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration
Students are given regular homework assignments and examinations that stress problem solving skills. The laboratory portion of the course gives students practice in making measurements and using equipment, and proficiency is determined by lab exams in which each student is expected to demonstrate the ability to use a piece of equipment to the instructor. Additionly, students are expected to maintain lab notebooks that contain calculations and an analysis of each experiment.
Eligible Disciplines
Physics/Astronomy: Masters degree in physics, astronomy, or astrophysics OR bachelors degree in physics or astronomy AND masters degree in engineering, mathematics, meteorology, or geophysics OR the equivalent. Masters degree required.
Textbooks Resources
1. Required Giancoli, D.C.. Physics: Principles with Applications, 7th ed. Boston: Pearson, 2014 Rationale: (Legacy text) Legacy Textbook Transfer Data: (Legacy text)
Manuals Resources
1. Stein, K.M.. Instructor Prepared Materials, Golden West College , 03-07-2020