PHYS 253 - Fundamentals of Physics I: Mechanics
Goals for Physics 253The student should be able to complete the following tasks for each major theme. |
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Measurement and Motion |
Define fundamental
units of length, time and mass. Use significant
figures and orders of magnitude to make estimates of physical quantities. Apply dimensional
analysis to an equation involving units of length, time and mass. Define position,
displacement, velocity and acceleration. Apply the concept of
a derivative to graphs of position or velocity vs. time. Use one-dimensional kinematic equations for constant
acceleration to solve for an unknown variable. |
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Vectors and 2-Dimentional Motion |
Define a scalar and
vector physical quantity, and the difference between the two. Use addition,
subtraction, and scalar multiplication of vectors. Convert vectors
between angle/magnitude and component form. Separate a
two-dimensional motion problem into two one-dimensional problems. Use kinematic equations in two dimensions to solve
for quantities in projectile motion. |
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Force and the Laws of Motion |
Define force and the
difference between weight and mass. Give examples of Identify normal
force, tension, static friction and kinetic friction in mechanical problems. Draw a vector force
diagram in two dimensions, and extract vector equations. Solve equilibrium and dynamic problems with inclined
planes and pulleys. |
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Circular Motion and Gravity |
Define vector
quantities of angular velocity, angular acceleration, and centripetal force. Decompose circular
motion into one-dimensional harmonic motion. Solve problems of
horizontal and vertical circular motion. State Give examples of Kepler's laws of planetary motion. |
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Conservation of Energy |
Define work, kinetic energy,
potential energy, and power and their relationships. Apply the concept of
an integral to graphs of force vs. distance. Solve equilibrium and
dynamic problems with a spring. Use the vector scalar
product to find the work done by a force. Identify conservative
forces in mechanical problems and find the potential energy. Identify non-conservative forces in mechanical
problems and the associated energy loss. |
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Conservation of Momentum |
Define momentum and
impulse. Apply the
conservation of momentum to solve problems of collisions between two objects. Apply conservation of
kinetic energy to solve elastic collision problems. Calculate the center
of mass of a system of discrete masses or a simple symmetric object. Describe the result of constant or changing mass on
a mechanical system. |
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Conservation of Angular Momentum |
Define torque, moment
of inertia, and angular momentum and the relationship between them. Use the vector cross
product to find the torque or angular momentum of an object. Describe the effect
of the axis of rotation on the moment of inertia and angular momentum. Solve problems
involving wheels rolling without slipping. Use the conservation
of angular momentum to solve problems with a single axis of rotation. Apply linear and rotational equilibrium conditions
to solve statics problems. |
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