Course Outline

One Semester introduction for students who havn't had high school physics 

Text

Introductory Physics, A problem Solving Approach by Jesse David Wall and Elender A. Wall, Analog Press, San
Francisco, 2nd Ed 1997 

Course outline

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Date: August 16, 1993______ 

Department: Physics Course No. Physics 40_________

Course Title: Elementary Physics______

Course Outlined Prepared by: Norm Whitlatch________

Approved by Chairperson: Norm Whitlatch________

Approved by Dean: _______________________

I. Catalog Description

A. Physics 40. ELEMENTARY PHYSICS 
B. Three lectures and one conference. 
C. Three (3) units each semester 
D. Prerequisites: Trigonometry or Industrial Technology 109B, or Mathematics 5, any of which may be taken 
concurrently. 
E. BRIEF COURSE DECRIPTION 

Elementary physics, emphasizing problem solving in kinematics, forces, energy, momentum, fluids and electricity.

F. METHOD OF GRADING 

Letter grade will be given

II. Course Objectives

A. When the student has completed the course, he/she should be able to:

1. Solve physics problems in the areas of in kinematics, forces, energy, momentum, fluids, and electricity. 
2. Solve physics problems requiring mathematical skills in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. 
3. Solve problems requiring one-step application of mathematical formulas as well as two- and three-step applications of
mathematical formulas. 
4. Solve physics problems in areas other than those listed in #2, as chosen by the instructor. These areas include: optics,
rotational kinematics and equilibrium, heat, thermodynamics, waves and modern physics. 
5. Develop sufficient problem-solving skills to be able to take more advanced college physics courses. 

III. Course Content

1. BASICS. Dimensional analysis (units); powers of ten; algebra; trigonometry. 
2. KINEMATICS. Speed; velocity; acceleration; falling bodies; vector addition of velocities. 
3. FORCES. Mass vs. weight; force and acceleration; vector addition of forces; action and reaction forces; Newton’s
Law of Gravitation; friction forces. 
4. ENERGY AND MOMENTUM. Work; potential energy; kinetic energy; power; conservation of energy; heat
energy; conservation of momentum. 
5. FLUIDS. Density; pressure; Archimedes’ principle. 
6. ELECTRICITY. Ohm’s Law; series and parallel circuits; compound circuits; electric power in compound circuits. 
7. OTHER TOPICS IN PHYSICS. Rotational kinematics and equilibrium; optics; heat; thermodynamics; waves and
modern physics. 

IV. INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

A. Assignments

1. Lectures 
2. Demonstrations 
3. Example problems 
4. Homework assignments 

B. EVALUATION

1. Methods

a. Problem assignments 
b. Periodic written tests 
c. Comprehensive final examination given to all sections at the same time. Final exam counts at least 20
percent of course grade. 

C. TEXTS AND OTHER MATERIALS

1. Textbook: Introductory Physics, by J.D. Wall 
2. Library and reference materials: selection of supplementary texts. 
3. Calculator. 
4. Physics demonstration apparatus. 
5. Audio-visual equipment on occasion including films, filmloops, overhead projector and transparencies. 

V. REQUESTED CREDIT CLASSIFICATION

x Degreee Applicable [meets all standards of Title 5, Section 55-002(a)]