Physics 253 Fundamentals of Physics I: Mechanics Dr. Fortner FW 204

Course Content  Physics—the science of energy and matter. Mechanics—the motion (or lack thereof) of physical objectsMechanics—the motion (or lack thereof) of physical objects Physical quantities describe behaviorPhysical quantities describe behavior Physical quantities are related to each otherPhysical quantities are related to each other Theoretical relations predict behaviorTheoretical relations predict behavior  Mathematics Tool for understanding physicsTool for understanding physics Algebra and trigonometry are essential (MATH 155)Algebra and trigonometry are essential (MATH 155) Calculus will be used sparingly (co-requisite MATH 229)Calculus will be used sparingly (co-requisite MATH 229)

Course Topics 1. Measurement and motion 2. Motion in two and three dimensions 3. Newton’s laws of force 4. Circular motion and gravity 5. Conservation of energy 6. Conservation of momentum 7. Conservation of angular momentum

Web Pages  html html html Description and goalsDescription and goals Lecture slidesLecture slides Laboratory handoutsLaboratory handouts Assignments: Grading scaleGrading scale  Text: Giancoli, Physics for Scientists & Engineers

Lectures  Powerpoint slides Corresponds to text sections in readingCorresponds to text sections in reading Different than textDifferent than text Students are responsible for bothStudents are responsible for both  Demonstrations Interactive questionsInteractive questions Physical demonstrationsPhysical demonstrations Web and electronic media demonstrationsWeb and electronic media demonstrations

Laboratories Experimental labs Experimental labs  Measurement techniques  Data analysis  Data presentation  8 Experimental Labs Problem labs  Story problem interpretation  Equation handling  Solution strategy  4 Problem Labs

Problems and Quizzes Problems Problems  Due the day of the quiz  Solutions and help available in the Help Room (FR 225)  Use TA and instructor office hours for help if needed Quizzes  Multiple choice, short answer and problems  Throw out the lowest grade of the seven quizzes  Final equal to two quizzes and covers the whole course

Suggestions  Skim the text before class to get a head start on the lecture.  Don’t just take notes in class (try to also listen). Slides are on the web page and can be printed out.  Do problems, they are great practice.  Use additional web resources from the publisher.  Ask questions: in class and in lab. next