Department of Physics, University of Utah

REPRESENTATIVE TEXTBOOK

Text is purchased at University of Utah Bookstore
 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This is the first semester of the 2-semester General Physics with Calculus sequence. The aspects of calculus introduced as well as any other mathematics (i.e., the vector dot and cross products, unit vectors, and others) not usually included in the traditional algebra/trig sequence will be carefully presented from scratch. This course will satisfy the physics requirements for pre-med, pre-dental, pre-veterinary, other health occupations, architecture and design, biology, and other students. It is also appropriate for Physics Majors in the Pre Applied and Pre Med tracks. The major areas concentration during the first semester course are: kinematics, the study of motion, forces and Newton's three laws, circular motion and gravitation, work and energy, momentum and collisions, rotational kinematics and dynamics, the nature of matter with emphasis on the study of gases, elasticity and oscillations, waves and sound, the thermal nature of matter, heat and kinetic theory, and thermodynamics.
 

PRE-REQUISITE

Algebra, Trigonometry, 1 Semester of Calculus
 

CO-REQUISITE

Second Semester of the University Calculus Sequence
 

OTHER COMMENTS

Physics 2110 is the first semester of an introductory one year physics sequence. Calculus is included in both semesters of this program to deepen and enhance topic presentation and enrich the experience of those with the requisite mathematical background. Techniques in differentiation and later integration will be carefully introduced and used as needed during the course. Additional mathematical techniques, i.e. the vector do product and cross, product will be developed as needed to enhance the presentation. These mathematical topics will be developed carefully.

MANDATORY TOPICS
 

Topic 1:

Introduction and Preliminaries to Studying Physics - math basics - 1 week

Topic 2:

Kinematics: Motion in One or More Dimensions - 2-3 weeks

Topic 3:

Newton's Three Laws - 1.5 weeks

Topic 4:

Circular Motion and Gravitation - 1 week

Topic 5:

Work and Energy - 1 week

Topic 6:

Momentum, Impulse, and Collisions - 1 week

Topic 7:

Rotational Kinematics and Dynamics - 1.5 weeks

Topic 8:

Matter: Solids, Liquids, and Gases - less than a week

Topic 9:

Elasticity and Oscillations - 1 week

Topic 10:

Waves and Sound - 1.5 weeks

Topic 11:

Thermal Properties of Matter - less than 1 week

Topic 12:

Heat, Kinetic Theory, and Thermodynamics - 2 weeks or as time permits

Links to exisiting web page for this course:

2110

Prepared by John DeFord (9/11/06)