PHYS 105 - Conceptual Physics

(NSND, GEEL)

This course introduces fundamental concepts of physics with emphasis on applications to the world around us. The course is concept oriented and does not make extensive use of mathematics. Although the course does not satisfy the requirements of professional or engineering schools, it provides familiarity with basic principles prior to enrolling in other physics courses. Assessment Level(s): ENGL 101 /ENGL 101A , MATH 050 , READ 120 . Three hours each week. Formerly PH 105.

3 semester hours

May not be taken concurrently withMATH 017 or MATH 020 or MATH 045 without appropriate Math assessment score.

Course Outcomes:
Upon course completion, a student will be able to:

Distinguish among scientific facts, hypotheses, theories, and models.
Demonstrate understanding of how physics transitioned from natural philosophy to modern physics through the scientific method.
Describe the fundamental concepts of physics and to solve simple problems using both written language and some mathematical formulas.
Describe and solve simple problems involving Galileo’s experiments of free-fall and motion along a straight line.
Solve simple problems involving the fundamental concepts of motion: distance and displacement, speed and velocity, and acceleration.
Describe Newton’s Laws of Motion and understand the Newtonian concepts of inertia, force, and acceleration.
Solve simple problems involving Newton’s laws and force diagrams.
Demonstrate understanding of why vectors are useful in physics and solve simple physics problems involving vectors such as those involving motion and Newton’s laws.
Apply the concepts of physics to “real world phenomena” by solving problems involving circular motion, falling objects, effects of static and kinetic friction, rotating objects, etc.
Explain the origins of the concepts of energy and momentum and their important role in the classical physics beyond the Newtonian viewpoint.
Solve simple problems involving conservation of energy- kinetic and potential, work-energy theorem, and impulse-momentum theorem.
Describe the concepts of energy and momentum in words and mathematical formula, in the context of problems that involve their “transfer”.
Describe the basics of how wave motion can transfer energy.
Perform simple calculations: estimate by order-of-magnitude, convert units, and use of scientific notation.
Demonstrate an understanding of the basics of relative motion, inertial frames of reference, and “fictitious” forces which arise in non-inertial frames.
Distinguish the “action-at-a-distance” viewpoint of gravity (and other “fundamental forces” such as electric) versus the “field viewpoint”.
Solve simple problems involving gravity such as those involving planetary orbits, circular satellite motion, gravitational forces between planets, etc.
Describe the historical origins of the concepts of electricity and magnetism.
Solve simple problems involving electricity and magnetism.
Describe the particulate nature of the composition of matter: electrons, protons, and neutrons.
Demonstrate a broad understanding the role of the various subtopics in physics as they relate to real world phenomena: mechanics , electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, and modern physics.
Connect physics to technological development throughout history through examples such as steam engine, transistor, motor, generator, etc.
Identify the basic physical properties of solid liquids, gases, and plasmas.

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