121 Syllabus
PHY-121 is the first part of a three-semester sequence in introductory
physics offered to engineering and other science and pre-professional
majors. The prerequisite for PHY-121 is MAT-270. A working
familiarity with basic differential and integral calculus will be assumed.
PHY-121 covers the subject of Newtonian mechanics including kinematics (the
description of motion), and dynamics (the relation of motion to force and
mass). Among the most important topics are Newton's Laws of Motion and the
conservation of momentum and energy. The basic non-nuclear forces in
nature are described, including Newtonian gravitation, and electrostatic
and magnetic forces on charged particles. There is also a section on
the essential principles of special relativity. The textbook is Principles
of Physics, by Raymond Serway (Harcourt Brace College Publishers, 1994.)
There will be no formal assignments of computer work in this course;
however, students who are so motivated are encouraged to use computers
whenever possible. Some students may want to do their own programming
in BASIC, C, PASCAL, FORTRAN, etc. The Computer Commons is available
to all students. Homework solutions involving computer work will be
welcome.
Course Format and Policies
Homework Schedule
Lecture Schedule
Course Updates Last Update: 3/17 change to HW
Answers to Even-Numbered Problems
The Demonstration Problem-- details and advice
Equation Sheet for Final
GRADES: By recitation
Note that grades are not listed in alphabetical order
JOHNSON - final update now complete
Thurs
Fri
PONDER - final update now complete
Wed
Thur
Fri 840
Fri 1240
Fri 240
Class Average - includes final grade distribution
HOW TO FIGURE YOUR FINAL GRADE.