This is the first semester of a
three-semester,
calculus-based physics sequence - Physics for Engineers.
We will cover Vectors and scalar quantities, kinematics, Newton's
Laws of Motion, work, work-energy, conservation
of energy, conservation of momentum, center of mass and its motion; rotational motion; conservation
of angular momentum.
Corequisite:
MA 241
Required Text: Principles
of Physics, 4th edition,
by Serway and Jewett.
Recommended Text: University Physics,
11th edition, by Young and Freedman.
Recommended Hypertext: Hyperphysics
See the syllabus
for more detailed information.
Recommendations
for study, test-taking strategies, and problem solving
techniques.
Problem:
The catapult of an aircraft carrier accelerates a jet fighter from rest
to takeoff speed of 173 mi/h in a distance of 307 ft. Assume
constant acceleration.
(a) Calculated the acceleration of the fighter in m/s2.
(b) Calculate the time required for the fighter to accelerate to
takeoff speed.
Solution
Note that all work is shown, a description of the work is given, and
the final answer is boxed.
Another solution that you might find
useful: Chapter 2, problem 45
The skill
to do math on a
page
Has declined to the point of outrage
Equations quadratica
Are solved on Math'matica,
And on birthdays we don't know our age
Information about tribology (friction) can be found at Robert Carpick's web site.
High-speed
photos
shock
wave
tennis ball
& racket
Listening to lectures is not enough. All processes of learning are somehow connected to active participation, and the learning of physics is no exception. Therefore, it is imperative that you work diligently at your own desk. However, this does not mean that you should only work alone. I encourage you to form study groups and collaborate with your classmates.
Available at the Jack R. Hunt Library are the following items:
Understanding
Physics, by Isaac Asimov - a great science fiction writer
explains
physics.
(On reserve - Mosca)
Cartoon Guide
to Physics, by Gonick and Huffman - physical principles in a
visual format.
(On reserve - Mosca)
3000 Physics
Problems - lots and lots of practice quantitative problems.
Problems are the cutting
edge that distinguishes between success and failure. Problems call
forth our courage and our wisdom; indeed, they create our courage and
our wisdom. It is only because of our problems that we grow mentally
and spiritually. When we desire to encourage the growth of the human
spirit, we challenge and encourage the human capacity to solve
problems, just as in school we deliberately set problems for our
children to solve. It is through the pain of confronting problems that
we learn.
- Morgan Scott Peck
