Introduction to Newtonian Mechanics

Introduction to Newtonian Mechanics
Linear, circular, and projectile motion; their prediction from forces and torques. Conservation of energy and momentum. Weekly lab.
PHSCS
121
 Hours3.0 Credit, 3.0 Lecture, 1.0 Lab
 PrerequisitesCalculus or concurrent enrollment.
 TaughtFall, Winter, Spring
 ProgramsContaining PHSCS 121
Course Outcomes

Units and Significant Figures

Convert quantities from one set of units to another and use a reasonable number of significant digits when expressing answers.

Motion of a Particle

Interpret and draw motion diagrams including "blinking light' diagrams, x(t), v(t), a(t), and y(x) plots. Understand what time derivatives mean and how to estimate time derivatives from the information in these diagrams. Compute a particle's classical translational motion in one or two dimensions, including circular motion, both in Cartesian coordinates and in polar coordinates.

Newton's Second Law

Use Newton's Second Law to calculate the motion of objects, both in translation and rotation, and also those in simple harmonic motion, as well as the forces and torques acting on systems in equilibrium. Also use Newton's inverse-square law of gravity to calculate how objects move.

Energy and Momentum

Use the ideas of energy, work, power, linear momentum, impulse, and angular momentum to arrive at conclusions about the motion of a system, including systems in which collisions occur.

Scientific Process

Demonstrate an understanding of the basic scientific principles that undergird the scientific process, including the strengths and weaknesses of this process.