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. Other topics are rotational kinematics and dynamics, Newtonian gravitation, and simple harmonic motion. A detailed list of topics can be found on the lecture schedule which accompanies this syllabus.

     The textbook is University Physics, by Young and Freedman, Eleventh Edition, (Addison Wesley, 2004.) You may use either the expanded edition or Volume 1 only. Reading assignments are keyed to this textbook. At the bookstore, the textbook should come packaged with Mastering Physics. Mastering Physics is required. If you buy a used textbook, then you must buy Mastering Physics separately at the bookstore or online at the Mastering Physics web site. Also required is a PRS (Personal Response System) transmitter, available at the bookstore.

The text of the syllabus is also available as a pdf file.


Course Updates 12/6 Error in Test 5 Key
Course Format and Policies
Homework and Reading Schedule
Lecture Schedule Final Exam Date is Here
PRS Information
Mastering Physics Information
Answers to Homework Problems
Test Rules

Derivations: Parallel Axis Theorem System Kinetic Energy
Hint for Yo-Yo Problem: Push the Trike

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My Office Hours Physics Festivals!
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ActivPhysics Y&F's Interactive Web Site
Textbook Sites - practice tests and more
Online Tutorials - interactive instruction

GRADES: PRS Grades by recitation -- Now Complete

                  Note that grades are not listed in alphabetical order

If your PRS clicker is not registered your PRS grade will be zero.

Tue 940 <> Wed 1140 <> Wed 340 <> Wed 540
Fri 240 <> Fri 340 <> Fri 440


Class Average Final Average Now Available
HOW TO FIGURE YOUR FINAL GRADE.


TA's
Raman Narayan
Daryn Benson