Principles of Physics I

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Principles of Physics I: Mechanics

Physics 117, Section 2
Fall 2011

(Last update: December 18, 2011 by Matthew C. Sullivan)

Physics 117: Principles of Physics I: Mechanics
Fall 2011
MWF 10:00 - 11:50 AM
Co-requisite: MATH 111 (Calculus I)
Room: CNS 206

Professor:	Matthew C. Sullivan
	Office: CNS 262 or CNS 278 (lab)
	Phone: 274-3964
	email: mcsullivan@ithaca.edu

Office Hours:	M,W 2-3 PM, Th 11:00 AM -12:00 PM
	and by appointment

Textbooks:	Physics for scientists and engineers, 2nd edition, by Randall Knight (required). You must also purchased MasteringPhysics (included with the book).
Clicker:	You will need to purchase an Interwrite RF clicker from the bookstore.
Website:	http://www.ithaca.edu/hs/depts/physics/facstaff/mcsullivan/teaching/ph117/

Class Philosophy

Physics 117 will be your introduction (or re-introduction) to mechanics: the study of the motion of objects. We will learn about kinematics, forces, energy, and momentum. We'll be reviewing these concepts while also learning about how to write proper solutions, to solve problems, and to think analytically and critically.

I believe that in order to learn physics you must do physics. Doing physics does not entail listening to me lecture for hours on end. Doing physics is thinking about and applying concepts, problem solving skills, and mathematical tools. This course will require you to be an active participant, which will result in a more enjoyable and rewarding course for you and me. Listening to someone talk about physics might be fun, but doing physics is definitely fun. PS ( You will have to listen to me talk some of the time, but I reserve these moments to help you better understand the physics.)

The course goals are:
· To acquaint students with calculus-based Newtonian Mechanics,
· To help students understand the difference between an exercise and a problem,
· To help students become a better problem solver,
· To introduce students to estimating to obtain meaningful results,
· To introduce students to methods of effectively communicating scientific information.

In addition, this class satisfies General Education credit in the School of Humanities and Sciences, area 2a: Science. In particular, this course satisfies the following General Education goals:
· Students will develop an understanding of some basic scientific principles (Newtonian mechanics),
· Students will develop an understanding of the methods the natural sciences use to study the physical world through the experimental component of this course.

For the textbook, there are several different book options.

Click here to find the pdf version of the syllabus and schedule.

Online homework is through Mastering Physics. Enroll in the course using the Course ID "MCSULLIVANPH117F11".

Here is a quick guide to significant figures and error propogation.

Students are encouraged to attend the physics seminar series. Pizza for only $1.00 and also extra credit!

Here is the equation sheet we'll use for the final exam.

Links:

Homework Solutions

CRPs/Labs (and solutions)

Reading and Concept Questions (and solutions)

Reading and Concept Questions (without solutions)

CRP/Lab Group