Georgia State University

Atlanta Georgia

PHYS 1111 - General Physics - Mechanics

Instructor Dr. John Evans

Phone

EMail jevans@phy-astr.gsu.edu

Office 10pp #9
Web Site complexsystems.us

REQUIRED TEXT : College Physics by Knight, Jones and Field and workbook

Additional Materials - Scientific Calculator

COURSE PURPOSE AND GOALS

This course is an introduction to the basics concepts of physics with emphasis on classical
mechanics, heat and thermodynamics. Topics include kinematics, dynamics, work and energy,
momentum and collision, rotational kinematics and dynamics, heat ideal gases, kinetic theory,
and thermodynamics. A separate laboratory is required. The purpose of this course is to study
how and why things move. From atoms to the moon, from linear motion (e.g. billiard balls) to
harmonic motion (e.g. pendulum), our emphasis will be on describing motion, and identifying its
causes. What is gravity? What is energy? What are forces? Furthermore, this course will examine
the concept of heat, heat transfer between objects and how gases behave when their state is
changed. What is temperature? What is heat? What is the most efficient way get work done by a
machine? Students will be expected to learn about - and ask questions about - nature. Students
are expected to be adept in college algebra and have a good grasp of trigonometry. The
expected educational outcomes for this class can be grouped into three basic categories. At the
conclusion of this course, the student should be proficient in the skill of problem-solving in the
subject of physics, have a good understanding of the concepts and principles of science of
physics, and have a basic understanding of the role of physics in relation to other sciences and to
society.

GENERAL EDUCATION OUTCOMES

Communication Skills: Students develop reading skills by reading the text and handout materials;
their listening skills through lectures; and writing skills through problem solving activities. Students
are also encouraged to provide written or oral solutions to problems in order to develop their
presentation skills.

Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills: Students develop individual and group problem
solving skills by doing problems both in the classroom and at home; critical thinking skills are
encouraged by requesting student response to questions asked during lectures.

Recognizing and Applying Scientific Inquiry: Students are taught by using conceptual and
physical models of phenomena emphasizing the methods of data collection, doing experiments
and developing the result into theory.
STUDENT OUTCOMES OBJECTIVES
At the completion of this PHYS 1111 course, the student should be able to do the following:

In the area of mechanics, for the cases of one dimensional linear motion, two dimensional linear
motion, and rotational motion:

1. Apply equations of kinematics in order to describe non-accelerated and uniformly

accelerated motion;
2. Apply Newton's laws of motion to analyze and solve numerical problems in cases where:

(a) a single or multiple set of forces act on a single object both in equilibrium and
not in equilibrium;

(b) there exist forces of kinetic friction and/or static friction that act on an object or
system of linked objects;

(c) frictional forces and the force of gravity affect the motion of an object or a
system of objects;

3. Apply the work-energy theorem to account for conservative and non-conservative forces
that act on a system in relation to the kinetic energy, potential energy and the work done
by non-conservative forces;
4. Apply momentum conservation to account for changing motions in the form of Newton's
Second Law, elastic and inelastic collisions and rotational motion;
5. Apply Newton's Universal Law of Gravity.

In the area of thermodynamics,

1. Convert between the temperature scales;

2. Solve problems that involve the thermal expansion coefficients of solids and liquids;
3. Apply the ideal gas law in solution of related problems;
4. Employ the equations that apply to specific heat capacity, latent heat and the law of
conservation of energy to solve calorimetry problems;
5. State the Laws of Thermodynamics and apply these laws to solve problems in
thermodynamic processes;

In the area of Waves:

1. Discuss simple harmonic motion and characterize motion by the amplitude and
frequency;

GRADE DETERMINATION
There will be two exams, and a comprehensive Final exam. The exams will test your familiarity
with lecture demonstrations, as well as your ability to solve problems based on the same
principles as the homework problems. There will be no make ups! The missed exam will be
replace with 80% of the final exam.

2 Exams 30%
Lab 25%
Reading Quiz/Homework
10%
Quiz/Homework
Comprehensive Final Exam 35%

Letter grades will be assigned by the following scale:

90 - 100 = A
80 - 90 = B
70 - 80 = C
60 - 70 = D
Below 60 = F

Exams
Exams will consist of up to two "long" problems, several "short" problems, and conceptual
questions, possibly multiple choice or true and false. "Long" problems are designed to test
problem-solving skills, while the "short" problems and conceptual questions are designed to test
understanding. The Final Exam will be similar to the exams and will cover all of the material
presented throughout all of the quarter. On any exam or assignment you must show all your work
in order to be eligible for full credit. Students who miss the final without a valid and verifiable
excuse will receive a course grade of "F". Valid excuses generally will require some sort of written
supporting evidence (in advance if possible). Students MUST bring a calculator to the exams and
the final.

Clear and concise writing will be considered in the grading of exams. It is an important skill to be
able to express oneself in a precise and unambiguous way. Questions should be answered in
grammatically correct sentences and paragraphs. For quantitative problems, "writing" is
interpreted to mean the orderly presentation of answers in words, symbols, equations, sketches,
graphs, and numbers. You must state the reason (i.e. physical law or principle) for all equations
used that are not simply the result of mathematical manipulation or substitution. Problems will be
graded for "coherence" as well as "correctness"; that is, I should be able to follow the internal
logic of your solutions.

Homework assignments
Homework assignments will be assigned each week. You are encouraged to discuss problems
with your colleagues, but you MUST be able to solve the problems and questions YOURSELF.
Assignments will typically consist of discussion questions and problems taken from the end of
each chapter. Occasionally, outside material may supplement these assignments. Solutions may
be worked out during the discussion session of each lecture. Homework turned in after THE
BEGINNING of the class on the due date is considered late and will receive a 50% penalty.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
Students are responsible for all material covered and announcements made in class. Students
should conduct themselves in a professional and academic manner that respects the rights of
other students and the instructor. Because entering and exiting the room during class can be
distracting to other students (as well as the instructor), refrain from such movements except as
physiologically necessary. Any unnecessary or loud talking during class should be avoided.
Eating and drinking is prohibited in the classroom. Cell phone use (or ringing) in class will not
be tolerated. All electronic devices must be turned off during class time. Students that do
not conduct themselves in a professional and academic manner may be dismissed from class
and receive a zero for any assignments, quizzes, or test for that class time. Continued
noncompliance of these expectations will result in withdrawal from class.

ATTENDANCE
Student are expected to attend all classes. Any missed or excessive absences may adversely
affect your grade. Students who do not attend any classes at the beginning of the semester will
be withdrawn during the second week of the semester.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Students in lecture classes are permitted to utilize tape recorders as an aid to note-taking. This
privilege is subject to the following constraints and conditions:

1. It is understood that such recordings are to be utilized only for the student's personal use
as a study supplement.
2. Recorders are not to be operated in playback mode or otherwise operated in a manner
such as to cause disruption to the class.

Students may not bring children to class with them. College personnel will not be responsible for
supervising children of students while the parent is in class. Parents of unsupervised children will
be asked to leave the campus.

This document is tentative and subject to change at the

discretion of the Instructor