Fall 2006:
|
PHY 120:
Matter in Motion |
|||
|
Instructor: Office: Office hours: e-mail: Tel: URL: |
Samuel Amanuel, Ph.D. Science & Engineering Center N330 Mondays: 8:30 AM-10:00 AM & 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM (new office hour) Wednesdays & Fridays: 8:30 AM -10:00 AM or by appointment (518) 388-8020 http://www.union.edu/PUBLIC/PHYDEPT/phy120/ |
||
|
Textbook: |
Principles of Physics, 4th Ed., by Raymond A. Serway and John W. Jewett, Thomson Book/Cole 2006 |
||
|
Calendar: Topics
covered and announcements (updated
regularly) |
|||
|
Course |
This course is designed to introduce several principles of physics at a college level. The course commences by introducing physical quantities and measurements. Then, advance into one dimensional motion involving only kinematics. This is followed by motion in higher dimensions. Dynamics with the help of laws of motion will be utilized to explain the cause of the kinematics. Most of the concepts and problems will deal only with constant acceleration motion. However, the concept of mechanical energy and its conversion from one form to another will also be introduced to help students develop problem solving techniques which are otherwise complicated to solve using laws of motion, especially in non constant acceleration motion. However, the linkage between these will be shown in several cases. Concept of Modern Physics such as atomic models will be introduced as an annex to the concepts on planetary motion, and theory of special relativity will be introduced annexed to classical velocity addition. The properties of periodic motion will be introduced with real life application such as sound waves and pendulums. The course meets fours times a week. Generally there will be three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory work every week. This does not include the time spent by the student outside classroom to complete the assigned work and reading assignments. In addition, several office hours are dedicated to help students throughout the term. Office hours are dedicated to all of students equally, students will be assisted on first come first serve basis. If you can not come during the office hours, you can set an appointment. Union college has an open door policy. If I am in my office, you are welcome to stop by and ask questions. Please, use these opportunities. I am here to help. The course requires knowledge of calculus and uses substantial vector manipulations. The student is expected to have basic understanding of calculus and trigonometry. If you lack some mathematical skills or you don’t feel comfortable, please, come to my office and I will help you. |
||
|
Lecture Notes |
I will post my lecture notes under http://www.union.edu/PUBLIC/PHYDEPT/phy120/lecture/index.htm. However, it is your responsibility to take notes in class. You have to be in the domain of |
||
|
Lab |
Laboratory exercises are integral parts of the course. As part of the laboratory exercise, there will be additional homework, quizzes, and reports to write. The laboratory for this class will be performed usually on Thursdays. Prior to each laboratory exercise, the student is expected to print and read the manual. Laboratory manual are posted under the link: http://www.union.edu/PUBLIC/PHYDEPT/phy120/labs/index.htm Laboratory attendance is mandatory. Some of the laboratory exercises may be
performed in a group, not to exceed more than three students per group. Collaboration and discussion are highly
encouraged. This is designed to foster
the students’ ability to work with others and ability to
communicate. A group may collect a
common data. However, each individual
student is expected to do his/her own analysis of the data, do his/her own
homework, and write his/her own report that reflect his/her level of
understanding. It is considered an act
of plagiarism to copy part or parts of homework or report from fellow
student/s. It is not acceptable to
make up data or copy data that you did not collect. These will be considered as an act of
academic dishonesty. In an event of
plagiarism or any act academic dishonesty, student will face the consequences
of academic dishonesty according to the regulation of YOU MUST ATTEND ALL LABS and TURN IN THE REQUIRED WORK TO PASS THE LABORATORY. FAILURE IN THE LABORATORY WILL RESULT IN FAUILURE OF THE COURSE, regardless of your grade. |
||
|
Homework: |
Homework related to the lecture will be assigned
regularly. These sets of homework will
not be graded. However, it is highly
recommended that you do them. The
quizzes are based on the homework questions and problems. Solution to homework problems and questions
are posted on the web under http://www.union.edu/PUBLIC/PHYDEPT/phy120/homework/. You have to be in the domain of |
||
|
Quizzes: |
There will be 7 quizzes throughout the term. Quizzes will be administered during lecture hours usually on Fridays. The quizzes are based on the assigned homework problems and questions. The quizzes are all closed book, however, you can bring a formula sheet. The formula sheet can not have solved problems or examples. If your formula sheet contains solved problems or examples, you will not be allowed to use it in part or as a whole. The instructor can confiscate it. It may not be returned to you. You are allowed to use scientific calculators. Please, bring your own calculator. You may not and can not borrow calculator from a fellow student during a quiz. The tentative quiz dates are: Quiz #1: Friday, September 15, 2006 Quiz #2: Friday, September 22, 2006 Quiz #3: Friday, October 6, 2006 Quiz #4: Friday, October 13, 2006 Quiz #5: Friday, October 20, 2006 Quiz #6: Friday, November 3, 2006 Quiz #7: Friday, November 10, 2006 These are also listed on http://www.union.edu/PUBLIC/PHYDEPT/phy120/calendar/ . The lowest two quizzes will not count towards your final grade. Thus, there will be no make up quizzes. |
||
|
Mid-Term Exams |
There will be two Mid Term Exams. These will be administered on Thursday, September 28, 2006
and on Thursday, October 26,
2006, from 9:00 AM – 10:45 AM. The exams will be administered in the same room, Science &
Engineering Center N300. The exams are closed book. However, you can bring a formula sheet. The formula sheet can not have solved problems or examples. If your formula sheet contains solved problems or examples, you will not be allowed to use it in part or as a whole. The instructor can confiscate it. It may not be returned to you. You are allowed to use scientific calculators. Please, bring your own calculator. You may not and can not borrow calculator from a fellow student during an exam period. |
||
|
Final exam: |
Final exam is compulsory.
It will be administered on the day and time scheduled by The Final Exam will be comprehensive and closed book. However, you can bring a formula sheet. The formula sheet can not have solved problems or examples. If your formula sheet contains solved problems or examples, you will not be allowed to use it in part or as a whole. The instructor can confiscate it. It may not be returned to you. You are allowed to use scientific calculators. Please, bring your own calculator. You may not and can not borrow calculator from a fellow student during an exam period. |
||
|
Grade: |
In order to boost your grade, two methods will be used to asses your final grade. The method that yields your higher grade will be used to determine your final grade. |
||
|
|
Method 1 |
Method 2 |
|
|
Quizzes |
15% (5 at 3% each) |
20% (5 at 4% each) |
|
|
Mid Term Exams |
40% (2 at 20% each) |
30% (2 at 15% each) |
|
|
Lab |
20% |
20% |
|
|
Final |
25% |
30% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prerequisites: |
Math 102 or 112 or 113 or concurrent enrollment. |
||
|
Academic dishonesty and student conduct
code: The regulations and conduct codes
on Academic honesty and student conduct code will strictly be followed
according to the regulation and codes of |
|||
Last updated 09-09-06 (Samuel A.)