PHY 011 - Introduction to Physics

2 equivalent hours - Four hours of lecture weekly; seven and one-half weeks; or two hours of lecture weekly; one term, 13 weeks.
Designed to present the basic concepts necessary for a student to enroll in a first-year, algebra- or calculus-based college physics course. Topics include problem-solving techniques, application of basic mathematics, dimensional analysis, graphical analysis, vectors and Newton’s laws.

Course Outcomes:

Apply basic algebra and trigonometry to solving problems.
- Evaluate word problems to identify known and unknown physical quantities.
- Manipulate multivariable equations to solve for an unknown.
- Utilize the quadratic equation to solve a second order polynomial.
- Apply trigonometric functions and the Pythagorum Theorem to solve problems.
Demonstrate ability to correctly perform unit conversions.
- Discusses important characteristics of measurement standards.
- Uses dimensional analysis to determine the units for part of an equation (answer, constant, variable).
- Perform unit conversions
Interpret graphs related to physical phenomena.
- Explain the differences between different types of graphs.
- Identify slopes and intercepts of graphs and explain their significance.
Analyze the vector nature of physical quantities.
- Identify the fundamental properties of all vectors.
- Determines the magnitude and direction of a given vector, given its components (or vice versa).
- Sketches a given vector in an appropriate coordinate system.
- Adds or subtracts two (or more) vectors.
Demonstrate special calculator functions.
- Use the calculator to program mathematical expressions.
- Demonstrate the ability to correctly calculate various mathematical expressions such as the quadratic equation and trigonometric functions numerically.
Applies kinematic equations to one- and two-dimensional motion with constant acceleration.
- Uses the kinematic equations for straight-line motion with constant acceleration to calculate time, position, velocity or acceleration.
- Applies the kinematic equations for free fall situations.
- Draws diagrams representing two-dimensional motion problems, including coordinate system and all known information.
- Uses the kinematic equations to calculate time, position, or velocity in each of the coordinate directions.
Apply Newton’s laws to various physical situations.
- Determines the net force acting on an object using the rules for vector addition.
- Draws free-body diagrams to represent forces acting on objects in various situations.
- Solves problems involving straight-line motion without friction.
- Optional: Solves problems involving straight-line motion with friction.
- Calculates the force of gravity on an object on Earth, given its mass.
- Discuss the relationship between Newton’s laws of motion and the law of gravitation.