PHYS 1210      UNIVERSITY of DENVER     Winter 2006

University Physics I

4 credits

 

Davor Balzar

Department of Physics and Astronomy

Physics Building #105, 303-871-2137, balzar@du.edu

http://www.du.edu/~balzar

 

Class schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10:00-10:50 AM Olin 105

 

Office hours: Monday 3:00-4:00 PM, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 11:00-12:00 AM

 

Course description: Introduction to mechanics of particles and rigid bodies; thermal physics; wave phenomena; electrostatics, simple electric circuits, introduction to magnetism and electromagnetism; light, geometrical and physical optics. Strongly recommended for physics majors, required for all students in engineering, and recommended for all science majors who are also required to take calculus. Co-requisite: PHYS 1221, MATH 1951.

 

Actual content variation: This course description is identical for University Physics I, II, and III. Actual topics taught in a particular part are listed in the schedule.

 

Required textbook:

  • David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker, Fundamentals of Physics, 7th ed., Part 1, Wiley, 2005. ISBN 0-471-42961-9

 

Supplementary reading:

  • Clifford Swartz: Prelude to Physics, Wiley, 1983.
  • Dare A. Wells and Harold S. Slusher: Physics for Engineers and Science, Schaum's Outline Series, McGraw-Hill, 1983, (or similar newer edition)
  • Jerry D. Wilson, Anthony J. Buffa, College Physics, 5th ed., Prentice Hall, 2003.
  • John D. Cutnell, Kenneth W. Johnson, Physics, 6th ed., Wiley, 2003.
  • Douglas C. Giancoli, Physics: Principles with Applications, 5th ed., Prentice Hall, 1998.
  • Larry Gonick and Art Huffman, The Cartoon Guide to Physics, HarperPerennial, 1990 (?).
  • Richard Feynman, Robert Leighton, and Matthew Sands, The Feynman Lectures on Physics, Vols. I and II, Addison-Wesley, any edition.

 

Prerequisites:

  • Basic calculus
  • Basic algebra skills
  • Basic analytical geometry

 

 

Specific mathematical capabilities developed and used:

  • Strategies for solving problems
  • Symbolic manipulation

 

Student evaluation:

Based on:

  • Homework (25 %) - problems
  • Quizzes (25 %)
  • 2 one-hour exams (25 %)
  • Final exam (25 %)

At least 80 % of the homework has to be turned in to pass the course.

 

Late-paper and attendance policy:

2 missing papers (1 homework and 1 quiz) and 3 unexcused class absences allowed (grade drops afterward). All 3 exams must be attended or absence documented by a note from a doctor.

 

Important note:

Students must comply with University Honor Code (http://www.du.edu/honorcode/). Plagiarism is a serious offense and a basis for failing the course.

 

 

Schedule

 

Week

Topic

1

Science, Technology, Society, and the role of Physics

Scientific methods, Measurement and Error

Units and dimensions, Time and space scales

2

Motion in one dimension

3

Vectors

Motion in two and three dimensions

4

Force and motion - Newton's laws

5

Force and motion - Friction

6

Kinetic energy and Work

7

Potential energy

Conservation of energy

8

Systems of particles

Linear Momentum

Conservation of linear momentum

9

Rotation

10

Rolling, torque, and angular momentum

Conservation of angular momentum