PHYS 151

INTERMEDIATE PHYSICS

Instructor:Dr. Edward J. Brash

Email:

Tel. 594-7451
Office: Gosnold 112A

Office hours: Tuesdays – 4:00-5:00 pm, Wednesdays – 2:30-3:30 pm, Thursdays – 4:00 – 5:00 pm; and by appointment.

Prerequisites:High School Trigonometry

Text:Physics. By James S. Walker, Prentice Hall, 2nd edition.

Goals:To learn the fundamental principles and theories of mechanics.

To apply these fundamental principles and theories to solve problems.

To be able to write clearly about the development of the theories of mechanics.

Physics Topics: Units, conversion, and problem solving. Vectors. Linear kinematics (position, velocity, acceleration, and equations). Force and Newton’s laws. Work, kinetic energy, and potential energy. Linear momentum and collisions. Rotational kinematics and dynamics. Gravity. Waves. Pressure. Thermodynamics.

Homework: Assignments will be given on Tuesday, and are due nine days from the initial day of the assignment (i.e. the following Thursday). We will use a web-based system that allows you multiple trials for solving the homework assignment.

The web site is

ALL HOMEWORK PROBLEMS ARE FROM THE SECTION MARKED “Problems” AT THE END OF THE CHAPTERS OF THE WALKER BOOK.

Exams: Two one-hour exams and a comprehensive final exam. See schedule below.

Grading:Homework 25%

Each hourly exam 20%

Final exam 35%

Homework is due by 5:00 pm on the due date. If you do not complete the web-based assignment by this time, the system will NOT allow you to submit the assignment. Normally, no extensions will be given, except with a valid medical excuse, as documented by your physician.

If you miss one of the hourly exams because of a valid, documented medical reason, the grade portion for that exam will be added to your final exam weighting. No make-up exams will be given under any circumstances.

The evaluation of your performance in this course will be based entirely on the regular homework assignments and scheduled exams. There is no possibility to do extra work for extra credit.

Final grades will be assigned as follows:

A = 93-100%; A- =90-92 %

B+ = 87-89 %; B = 83 –87 %; B- = 80 – 83 %

C + = 77-79%; C = 73 –77 %; C- = 70 – 73 %

D + = 67-69%; D = 63 –67 %; D- = 60 – 63 %: F < 60%

Disability Statement: In order to receive an accommodation, your disability must be on record in Disability Services located in the Office of Career and Counselling Services (594-7047 CC146). Once you have this accommodation letter in hand, please make an appointment to see me, and we can discuss your specific needs.

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Week
of / Reading assignment (Walker) / Topics / Comments
8/23 / Ch. 1,2 / Introduction, 1-d motion
8/30 / Ch. 2 / 1-d motion
9/6 / Ch. 3 / Vectors in Physics
9/13 / Ch.4 /

2-d Kinematics

9/20 / Ch5 / Newton’s Laws
9/27 / Ch. 6 / Applications of Newton’s Law
10/4 / Ch. 7 / Work and Kinetic Energy / TEST 1 – Oct. 5
(Ch. 1-6 incl.)
10/11 / Ch. 8 / Potential Energy / No classes on Oct 11-12 (fall break)
10/18 / Ch. 9 /

Linear Momentum

10/25 / Ch. 10 / Rotational Motion
11/1 / Ch. 11 / Rotational dynamics
11/8 / Ch. 12 / Gravity / TEST 2 – Nov. 9
(Ch. 7-11 incl.)
11/15 / Ch. 14 /

Waves and Sound

11/22 / Ch. 16 / Temperature and Heat / No classes Nov 24-26 (Thanksgiving)
11/29 / Ch. 17-18 / Phase changes and Laws of Thermodynamics
12/6 / Final Comprehensive Exam.