Physics 1110 Syllabus
Lectures: MWF 9 A.M. or 11 A.M. in Duane G-1B30
Recitations: Thursdays in Duane G-2B41, -47, -21 or -60; see your schedule
Professors: Prof. Steve Pollock Prof. Scott Robertson
Office: Duane F-419 Duane F-819
Office hrs: After MW lecture in G2B87 W 1-3 in G2B87
Phone (303) 492-2495 (303) 492-5565
e-mail Steven.Pollock@colorado.edu robertso@stripe.colorado.edu
Web page www.colorado.edu/physics/phys1110
Introduction
Physics 1110, General Physics 1, is the first semester of a three
semester introductory sequence. Our goal is to learn to approach, solve, and
understand a wide variety of physics problems on both qualitative and
quantitative levels. We will begin with a study of linear motion and mechanics
(forces, masses and acceleration) associated with Galileo and Newton. We will
learn that conservation of energy provides a quick shortcut for understanding
and solving problems. We will continue with momentum, rotational motion,
vibrations, waves, and properties of fluids. Finally, we will take a quick look
at pressure, temperature, and the mechanics of ideal gases.
The course is taught with three weekly lectures and one weekly recitation on Thursday. You are registered either for the 9AM (Section 100) or 11 AM (Section 200) lecture time.
You should be developing a good working knowledge of algebra, trigonometry, and first-semester calculus. Co-requisites are MATH 1300 or APPM 1350. We will use sines, cosines and tangents, first and second derivatives (usually of x raised to some power or of a trig function), and will do some one dimensional integrals (areas under curves).
The
textbook
"Physics for Scientists and Engineers" 3rd Edition, by
Richard Wolfson and Jay Pasachoff. This text has lots of verbal
explanations and worked out examples. READ CHAPTERS BEFORE WE COVER THEM IN
CLASS and go to lecture knowing what you understand and don't understand so
that you can ask a question while the professor is on the topic.
CAPA
(an internet based homework system)
CAPA is Computer Assisted Physics Assignments. You will receive a printed
personalized homework assignment. Each student's assignments are slightly
different. You will log onto CAPA via an internet connection and "hand
in" the solutions to your problem set. Work
out the answers before you log on. The advantage is that you will have
instant feedback on how well you are doing and will have opportunities to
change wrong answers. New homework assignments will be available Wednesdays in
the Physics 1110 homework bins outside of G-2B90. Homework will usually be due
one week later, on Wednesday evenings at 9PM. (Late hw’s will not be accepted by CAPA.) The CAPA system is available at http://www.Colorado.EDU/physics/CAPA/Cindex.html,
or from the course home page.
Recitations
You will use the weekly recitation section to hand in an additional handwritten homework problem,
to take occasional quizzes, ask questions, and to practice problem solving
which will help with the homework and exams. The recitation homework
assignments are announced via the course web site. Problems will be posted on
Wednesdays and will be due in your recitation session on Thursday the following
week.
Grading and exams
Your course grade is determined by a combination of your performance on
exams, CAPA homework, recitation quizzes and written homework.
Course component, Percent
Exam 1, 7:30PM, Tues. Feb. 13 in
Chem 140, 142 and Math 100 , 17%
Exam 2, 7:30PM, Tues. Mar. 13 in Chem 140, 142 and Math 100, 17%
Exam 3, 7:30PM, Tues. Apr. 17 in Chem 140, 142 and Math 100, 17%
Homework (CAPA) , 17%
Recitation (quiz, homework) , 15%
Exam 4, 4:30 PM, Sat. May 5, Coors Event Center, 17%
You may bring a single sheet of 8.5 in. x 11 in. paper to exams, with your own handwritten notes. Calculators with scientific notation are allowed and usually needed.
Exam absences: You may not miss an exam except for reasons beyond your control which usually means a confirmed medical problem. Not knowing which of the rooms your exam is in is not beyond your control. There are no makeup exams. In the (unusual) case of excused absences, your final grade will be based upon the other course material.
Disabilities: Please see Profs. Pollock or Robertson soon if you have special needs.
Special office hours: Prof. Robertson will have office hours on Fridays, 1:30-2:30 in the Gamow Tower, F819, for students with questions and problems of a general nature (not this week's homework).
Drops: The first drop deadline (associated with your tuition bill) is January 31. After this date a special action form is required and you must be passing. After February 28, no drops or incompletes are allowed unless you had a documented personal emergency.
The
web page
You are strongly
encouraged to use the Physics 1110 web site and provide feedback on all aspects
of the course (www.colorado.edu/physics/phys1110).
How
to succeed in this course
Your grade is based on your homework and exam performance. Being
"good" at problem solving comes from experience. Homework problems
involve two steps: first, a decision about which concept ("law" of
physics) applies, and second, a determination of the answer which usually
involves a calculation. We encourage you to talk about physics with your
friends. The thing to talk about is not which number to put where (the
calculation is the easy part), but the reasoning that helps you decide what to
do with the numbers.
The
help room
Physics students can meet with the TA staff in Duane G2B87 (enter through
G2B90). We will try to keep it staffed 9 to 5 Monday through Friday. Keep in
mind that this help is not available at the exams. Don't let the help room
become a "crutch" that you can't do without.
Any information in
this syllabus is as accurate as is possible at the time of writing.
Announcements about changes of any kind will be made in class, and (hopefully)
posted on the web, and will take precedence over this syllabus. You are
responsible for what is said in class, whether or not you are in attendance.