PHY 141.001: Introductory Physics I- Mechanics and Heat, Fall 2006

(Prerequisite: MAT 133 or equivalent, Co-requisite Phy121L)

Text: Physics, 2nd ed., James S. Walker,  ISBN 0-13-101416-1

Instructor:  Dr. Randall D. Peters, Office WSC 115

Phone 301-2747, e-mail: peters_rd@mercer.edu

Webpage:  http://physics.mercer.edu/hpage/peters.html

Office Hours:  MWF 8:30-9:00, 2:15-2:45; TR 8:30-9:30, or by appointment

Lecture:  MWF 1:00-1:50

Tarver reference librarian for Physics, Andrew Shuping, email: SHUPING_AD@Mercer.edu

Schedule (university general):  Holidays or no classes -- Labor day, Sep. 4, Fall break, Oct 9-10; Thanksgiving, Nov 22-24

Last class day, December 8

General:

This course is the first of the two-semester Introductory Physics sequence.  It is an algebra-based course whose main themes are mechanics and thermodynamics.  It is imperative that you master the mathematics used in the sample problems of the text. Since math is the primary 'language' of physics, this aspect of the course will have a significant influence on your final grade. Following a brief consideration of measurement concepts and elementary mathematics, we will start a detailed study of major topics, which are listed below.  Successful completion of this course will enable you to understand the basic concepts and associated problems involving:  

Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy, momentum, gravity, fluid mechanics and thermal physics.

Class attendance is not mandatory.  Be warned, however, that the instructor's 38 year  post-doctoral teaching career shows a clear correlation between absences and reduced grades or failure (independent of missed quizzes).

Grades:

100-A-90, 89-B-80, 79-C-70, 69-D-60

Weightings for Final class grade:

Average of 3 Tests (69%)

In-class Quizzes and homework (8%)

(5-10 minute pop quizzes are possible, especially in response to poor class attendance.  No makeup of quizzes is possible.)

Final Exam (23%)  It will be comprehensive.  ( Friday 15 December, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm)

About Tests: A make-up test will only be given to students with valid excuses as defined by the university handbook (illness, emergency, class trips with prior notification). Any disputes concerning a test grade must be resolved within one week from the time the tests are returned to the class.  Partial credit will be awarded for problems. The amount of credit will be at the discretion of the instructor. You will be allowed to bring in one 8.5”x11’’ single-side sheet of equations or numerical constants that you might find helpful. Worked out examples and definitions are not permitted.

Homework: Assigned problems will be collected but not carefully graded until the end of the term, in the event that homework stands to alter a student's grade.  History shows that practice in problem solving is essential to success in physics. Moreover, the probability of a full-letter-reduction in final grade for not submitting homework is significant.  All work for which a grade is received must be the original work of the student, without aid or assistance of another party, or any printed and or electronic data/information. Failure to follow these policies could result in a grade of “F” for the course, since the College's academic misconduct policy will be followed.

Honor Code: You are bound by the Mercer honor code.  All work for which a grade is received, must be the original work of the student without aid or assistance of another party, or any printed and or electronic data/information.  Academic misconduct cases will be referred to the honor council, and the student will automatically receive a grade of incomplete (IC) pending a ruling by the honor council.

Material To Be Covered (Tentative)

Ch. 1 Introduction

Ch. 2 One-Dimensional Kinematics

Ch. 3 Vectors in Physics

Ch. 4 Two-Dimensional Kinematics

************************Test 1***********************

Ch. 5 Newton’s Laws of Motion

Ch. 6 Applications of Newton’s Laws

************************ Test 2************************

Ch. 7 Work and Kinetic Energy

Ch. 8 Potential energy and Conservative forces

Ch. 9 Linear Momentum and Collisions

Ch. 10 Rotational Kinematics and Energy

Ch. 11 Rotational Dynamics and Static Equilibrium

********************** Test 3 *************************

Ch. 12 Gravity

Ch. 15 Fluids

Plus: depending on progress during the semester-- a small number of selected topics from any or all of Ch. 16, 17 and 18, dealing with thermal physics.

Testing of material covered in Ch. 12, 15, (and 16, 17, & 18 if allowed by scheduling constraints) will be via the final exam, which will be comprehensive; i.e., possibly include questions and/or problems from chapters 1 through 11.

Material coverage of none of the chapters will be exhaustive, this being especially true for 16, 17, & 18. You will need to attend class to find out what has been omitted!

Class Etiquette: You are expected to conduct yourself in a manner that is respectful of your fellow classmates and the instructor.  Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the class.

Cell phones and Pagers: Out of courtesy for all those participating in the learning experience, all cell phones and pagers must be turned off before entering any classroom, lab, or formal academic or performance event.

Documented Disability Statement: Students with a documented disability should inform the instructor at the close of the first class meeting. The instructor will refer you to the
office of Student Support Services (SSS) for consultation regarding evaluation, documentation of your disability, and recommendations for accommodation, if needed. Students
will receive from SSS the Faculty Accommodation Form. On this form SSS will identify reasonable accommodations for this class. The form must be given to the course
instructor for signature and then returned to SSS. To take full advantage of disability services it is recommended that students contact SSS
immediately. The office is located on the third floor of the Connell Student Center.