PHYS 3031: UNIVERSITY PHYSICS I

Section 1

Fall, 2009

Meetings: M, W 1730-1850, Student Services Bldg. 2305

Instructor: George Blanford, Ph.D.

Office: 3531 Bayou Bldg.

Phone: 281 283-3770

E-mail: blanford@uhcl.edu

Web Site: http://sceweb.uhcl.edu/blanford/courses.html

Office Hours: M 1600-1730; W 1600-1730.

Prerequisites: High school science, Calculus 1 (or concurrent enrollment).

Textbooks: Young and Freedman, University Physics, 12th ed. (San Francisco: Pearson Addison-Wesley, 2008).

Objective: To give students at the first level of university study a general survey and working ability of the physics of mechanics, wave theory and thermodynamics. The basic laws of the physics of mechanics, wave theory and thermodynamics will be introduced using mathematical formulae based on calculus. The students will work problems to develop their analytical skills to see how the physical laws work in explaining the mechanisms of inanimate nature.

Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

§  Define an extensive vocabulary of terms used in mechanics, wave theory and thermodynamics, especially how some differ from ordinary usage.

§  Explain how to use basic laws of mechanics, wave theory and thermodynamics to solve practical problems.

§  Demonstrate proficiency in solving basic problems in mechanics, wave theory and thermodynamics.

§  Demonstrate the ability to integrate the basic laws of mechanics, wave theory and thermodynamics with each other.

Course format: Lecture (assisted with PowerPoint slides), problem solving, and possibly some demonstrations. Student questions are welcomed.  If students are having difficulty with problem solving, we will try to arrange extra, optional study sessions specifically for problem solving.

Methods of evaluation:

·       Homework problems will be assigned.  Homework problems are due on the date assigned in class.  No delinquencies are allowed.  One randomly chosen problem will be collected and graded so it is preferable to work each problem on a separate piece of paper. The average score on these homework problems will be worth 16% of the final grade. Homework problem solutions will be available after they have been turned in.

·       Students will take three examinations each one worth 28% of the final grade. Each examination will consist of three parts. One part, worth 10%, will consist of definitions and explanations. One part, worth 70%, will consist of problems like those given in the homework. One part, worth 20%, will be a problem of a type not previously encountered, but which can be solved by synthesizing the work that has already been mastered. They will be given on the days listed in the schedule below. None of the exams is comprehensive; the exact material covered on each exam will be given in class the week before the examination.

The grading scale is:

93 - 100 = A

77 - <80 = C+

90 - <93 = A-

73 - <77 = C

87 - <90 = B+

70 - <73 = C-

83 - <87 = B

60 - <70 = D

80 - <83 = B-

<60 = F

Attendance Policy: Students will maximize their learning experience by regularly attending class. You will be asked to sign an attendance roster at each class period. You get out of a course what you put into it. The instructor, the textbook, class discussions, etc. are there to help you learn.

Examination Policy: Students are expected to be present for each of the exams scheduled below. Unless satisfactory alternate arrangements are made with the instructor before the exam, missed exams will be scored as 0.

Academic Honesty: All students should be aware of the university’s policy on academic honesty, which can be found on the university’s web site: http://prtl.uhcl.edu/portal/page/portal/HOMEPAGE/TAB_HOME > Academics > Academic Policies > Student Life Policies > Academic Honesty Policy

Academic honesty is the cornerstone of the academic integrity of the university.  It is the foundation upon which the student builds personal integrity and establishes a standard of personal behavior.

The Honesty Code of UHCL states:

I will be honest in all my academic activities and will not tolerate dishonesty.

Because honesty and integrity are such important factors, you should be aware that failure to perform within the bounds of these ethical standards is sufficient grounds to receive a grade of "F" in this course and be recommended for suspension from UHCL.  Your continuing attendance in this class presumes that you have read this syllabus and the academic honesty policy and agree to the academic honesty policy.

Compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA): If you are certified as disabled and entitled to accommodation under the ADA, section 503, please notify the instructor as soon as possible. If you are not currently certified and believe you may qualify, please contact the Disability Services office, Student Services/Classroom Building, Room 1.301, or call (281) 283-2626.

Course schedule: This schedule is subject to change primarily from the failure to keep up with all that we would like to cover.  The Exam dates are fixed.

         Aug.    24     Units, Physical Quantities and Vectors: 1.1-1.8

                      26     Units, Physical Quantities and Vectors: 1.9-1.10; Motion Along a Straight Line: 2.1-2.3

                      31     Motion along a Straight Line: 2.4-2.6; Motion in Two or Three Dimensions: 3.1-3.2

        Sept.      2     Motion in Two or Three Dimensions: 3.3-3.5

                        7     Labor Day (no class)

                        9     Newton’s Laws of Motion: 4.1-4.4

                      14     Newton’s Laws of Motion: 4.5-4.6; Applying Newton’s Laws: 5.1

                      16     Applying Newton’s Laws: 5.2-5.5

                      21     Work and Kinetic Energy: 6.1-6.4

                      23     Potential Energy and Energy Conservation: 7.1-7.3

                      28     Exam 1

                      30     Potential Energy and Energy Conservation: 7.4-7.5; Momentum, Impulse and Collisions: 8.1

           Oct.      5     Momentum, Impulse and Collisions: 8.2-8.6

                        7     Rotation of Rigid Bodies: 9.1-9.6

                      12     Dynamics of Rotational Motion: 10.1-10.7

                      14     Equilibrium and Elasticity: 11.1-11.5; Gravitation: 12.1-12.8

                      19     Periodic Motion: 13.1-13.8

                      21     Fluid Mechanics: 14.1-14.6

                      26     Mechanical Waves: 15.1-15.8

                      28     Sound and Hearing: 16.1-16.4

         Nov.      2     Exam 2

                        4     Sound and Hearing: 16.5-16.9

                        9     Temperature and Heat: 17.1-17.3

                      11     Temperature and Heat: 17.4-17.7

                      16     Thermal Properties of Matter: 18.1-18.3

                      18     Thermal Properties of Matter: 18.4-18.6

                      23     The First Law of Thermodynamics: 19.1-19.4

                      26     Thanksgiving Break (No class)

                      30     The First Law of Thermodynamics: 19.5-19.8

          Dec.      2     The Second Law of Thermodynamics: 20.1-20.8

                        9     Final Exam: 1600-1850