Description:

In this introductory course for pre-professional and general education, students will learn the fundamentals of selected areas of classical physics. Using the tools of algebra and trigonometry, the course develops the topics of mechanics, heat and thermodynamics, and concludes with waves. The two-semester PHYS 130/131 sequence is designed to meet the requirements of area pre-professional programs. This is a transfer course that meets the college's requirements for associate's degree programs and also meets transfer requirements of area colleges and universities. This course does not normally fulfill the requirement of engineering programs. The course includes an integrated laboratory component the completion of which is a necessary part of the total instructional package. 4 hrs. lecture, 3 hrs. lab/wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor’s course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Describe the general historical development of physics and note its impact on Western civilization.
2. Illustrate the principles of physics underlying modern life as embodied in familiar devices and technologies.
3. Recall basic facts, laws, principles and conventional usages employed in the areas of physics covered.
4. Distinguish correct from incorrect expressions of physical laws and principles.
5. Analyze, formulate, resolve and interpret simple physics problems by applying principles studied.
6. Apply basic mathematical modeling to physical situations and draw numerical conclusions from the analysis.
7. Use care in the handling of units of measurement and express answers in correct and consistent units.
8. Be able to apply common techniques of analysis and calculation to both familiar contexts and similar but unfamiliar situations.
9. Show ability to utilize principles and methods studied in their application to concrete exercises presented in hands-on lab sessions or computer simulations.
10. Recognize and practice safe productive work habits in the laboratory.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Mechanics
   A. Units and measures 
      1. Recognize and be able to apply SI/metric units.
      2. Convert data between English and SI/metric systems.
      3. Apply the rules for significant digits.
      4. Convert data between ordinary format and scientific notation.
   B. Vectors
      1. Distinguish between vectors and scalars.
      2. Resolve vectors into component form.
      3. Apply vectors to composition problems.
      4. Recognize a vector difference.
   C. One-dimensional kinematics
      1. Recall the mathematical models for constant velocity and uniform
acceleration.
      2. Use the appropriate model to set up and solve one-dimensional
kinematics problems.
      3. Use diagrams and reference crosses when solving problems.
   D. Kinematics in a plane
      1. Recall the criteria for ballistics.
      2. Determine the types of motion both horizontally and vertically in
ballistic problems.
      3. Apply the mathematical models for constant velocity and uniform
acceleration to the solution of ballistic problems.
      4. Given the equations for level-ground ballistics, use them to
solve problems.
   E. Newton’s laws of motion
      1. Recall Newton’s three laws of motion.
      2. Apply these laws in solving dynamics problems.
      3. Distinguish between mass and weight.
      4. Include free-body diagrams when solving dynamics problems.
      5. Recognize and apply the special forces: weight, tension and
friction.
   F. Gravity and orbital motion   
      1. Recall and apply Newton’s law of universal gravitation.
      2. Recall and apply the mathematical model for constant speed
rotation.
      3. Explain the apparent weightlessness of satellites in orbit.
      4. Calculate some of the features of circular near-Earth orbits.
      5. Distinguish actual forces such as centripetal from pseudo-forces
like centrifugal.
   G. Work and mechanical energy conservation
      1. Define work in terms of force and distance.
      2. Recognize that work and energy are scalars.
      3. Compare the work/energy that results from doing work against
inertia, against gravity and against friction.
      4. Define mechanical energy and describe the necessary conditions
for its conservation.
      5. Distinguish between energy and power.
      6. Solve physics problems using the work/energy method.
   H. Momentum and collisions
      1. Define impulse and momentum as vectors.
      2. Describe the conditions under which momentum is conserved.
      3. Apply momentum conservation to solving collision and simple
rocket problems.
      4. Distinguish between elastic and inelastic collisions.
   I. Variable speed rotation, torque and stability
      1. Interconvert angles in degrees, radians and revolutions.
      2. Translate equations from linear to angular variable and back
again.
      3. Calculate torques from forces and pivot positions.
      4. Recall and apply the laws of static equilibrium to simple
stability problems.
      5. Recall the factors that affect moments of inertia.              

II. Heat and Thermodynamics
   A. Kinetic molecular theory
      1. Interconvert temperatures between Celsius, Fahrenheit and Kelvin
scales.
      2. Explain the solid, liquid and gaseous states of matter from the
perspective of the kinetic molecular theory.
      3. Explain why one ideal gas equation works for all gases while no
single equation describes all liquids or all solids.
      4. Explain the connection between Kelvin temperature and molecular
kinetic energy.
      5. Use the ideal gas equation to solve problems under both static
and changing conditions.
   B. Heat and heat transfer
      1. Recall the basic definitions of heat and work.
      2. Distinguish between the equations for heat flow used between
phase changes and during phase changes.
      3. Solve heat transfer problems involving phase changes.
      4. Relate heat energy to both molecular energy and mechanical
energy.
   C. Thermodynamics
      1. State and explain the meaning of the laws of thermodynamics.
      2. Distinguish among several forms of the same law.
      3. Relate the first law to energy conservation.
      4. Define entropy and use this concept to discuss the second law.
      5. Calculate entropy changes for heat flows.
      6. Discuss engine efficiency and relate it to second law.

III. Vibration and Waves
   A. Harmonic motion
      1. Recall the mathematical model for simple harmonic motion.
      2. Relate SHM to Hooke’s law.
      3. Calculate the elastic PE, vibrational KE and mechanical energy of
vibration for mass/spring oscillators.
      4. Discuss the maxima and minima of harmonic variables at the
turn-around points and at the central rest position.
      5. Calculate the period, frequency and repetition rate for harmonic
systems.
   B. Waves
      1. Describe the interplay between source oscillators, detectors and
wave media.
      2. Use the traveling wave equation to relate the various wave
quantities such as wavespeed, wavelength and frequency.
      3. Distinguish between traveling waves and so-called standing
waves.
      4. Use the concept of wave interference to explain resonance.
      5. Define wave intensity, power flux and acoustic loudness.

IV. Laboratory Competencies
   A. Identify and develop positive attitudes toward tasks and fellow
students appropriate for the laboratory setting.
   B. Identify and develop productive work habits, including attention to
detail, task completion, keeping an orderly work area and careful data
recording.
   C. Identify and develop teamwork skills, including group problem
solving, consensus building and self-supervision.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Examinations - Students will complete a minimum of 4 exams and one
comprehensive final exam.

Homework/quizzes - The weekly quizzes taken together count as much as one
exam.

Labs - All the lab reports together equal 1/2 exam.

Point Values

Minimum of four examinations 4 x 100 = 400 points
Quizzes                              = 100 points
Lab exercises                        =  50 points
Final                                = 200 points
Total                                = 750 points

Grading - All work is evaluated on a points earned/points possible basis.
The final grade for the course is based on semester percentage which is
calculated by formula: 

    Semester % = Total points earned x 100%
                         750
 
Grading Scale:
 A = 90 - 100%
 B = 80 -  89%
 C = 70 -  79%
 D = 60 -  69%
 F =  0 -  59%

Caveats:

1. Computer Literacy Expectations: Students will need basic word processing and Internet searching skills for the completion of some papers, exercises and projects.

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.